An International Conference titled “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Advancing International Cooperation toward the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals” was held in the National Tourist Zone “Avaza.”

On 11 December 2025, the National Tourist Zone “Avaza” hosted the International Conference “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Advancing International Cooperation toward the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals”, organized by the Government of Turkmenistan and the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in cooperation with the United Nations.

Following the official joint photo ceremony, participants of the International Conference visited an exhibition showcasing Turkmenistan’s achievements and successes in foreign policy over the past 30 years.

Opening the Forum, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation, expressed her gratitude to all participants for attending the International Conference “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Advancing International Cooperation toward the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Expressing confidence that the Forum would foster active and constructive dialogue, Oguljahan Atabayeva wished all participants fruitful and productive work.

She then continued her address in Russian—one of the official languages of the United Nations—emphasizing that it was a great honor for her to speak at this unique conference and expressing hope that it would become a regular event.

“We also believe that the conference will serve as an effective platform for exchanging practical experience and expertise, and will help more clearly define prospects for joint international activities in this area,” Oguljahan Atabayeva noted.

Continuing her remarks, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation emphasized that the meeting was taking place at a particularly important time, when the international agenda requires not only declarations of commitment to humanism, but also the identification of practical solutions that unite nations.

Oguljahan Atabayeva highlighted that it is women who shape a child’s first life values, create an atmosphere of trust within the family, and pass on a culture of peace, respect, and mutual trust.

“As is well known, Turkmen society has traditionally been built on respect and reverence for women,” Oguljahan Atabayeva continued. “In his remarkable work ‘Reverence for Mother Is Reverence for the Sacred’, Hero-Arkadag writes: ‘All that is most beautiful in our lives is in one way or another connected with the mother.’”

The Charitable Foundation named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov implements a wide range of large-scale programs in this field. These include initiatives aimed at protecting the health of mothers and children, creating child-friendly schools and hospitals in cooperation with UNICEF, rehabilitating children in specialized centers, and providing international humanitarian assistance—from Türkiye to Palestine, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and other regions.

In this context, Oguljahan Atabayeva also underscored the importance of the Central Asia Women’s Dialogue. The meeting of Dialogue participants held on 25 November 2025 in Dushanbe demonstrated that women’s leadership is gaining momentum, becoming an increasingly tangible factor in building regional trust and strengthening interstate cooperation.

“In the International Year of Peace and Trust, we strive to put forward concrete proposals that can contribute to international cooperation mechanisms and the development of new, effective formats and platforms for multilateral interaction, including within the framework of the United Nations,” the Vice President stated.

The first initiative is the Global Child Health Pact. This initiative proposes the establishment of an international pact on child health that would serve as a platform for consolidating joint efforts at the global level. Its objective is to create a unified space of responsibility for states and international organizations to ensure children’s health, regardless of their place of residence, social status, or living conditions.

In essence, the Global Child Health Pact could become a renewed global agreement—a tool that brings together the efforts of the UN, UNICEF, WHO, governments, and humanitarian foundations, and forms an international humanitarian consensus on the inadmissibility of inequality in access to health care for children.

The second initiative is the International Network of Support Centers for Women and Children, “Humanitarian Hubs.” This initiative envisions the creation of a flexible global humanitarian support infrastructure—a network of Humanitarian Hubs located in countries facing conflict, natural disasters, migration flows, or social crises.

A key component of this initiative is the establishment of a unified international coordination platform that would bring together the efforts of such major actors as UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women, leading charitable foundations, and civil society organizations.

“I hope that the initiatives outlined will receive the support and understanding of the international community,” Oguljahan Atabayeva noted, reaffirming the readiness of the Turkmen side for constructive dialogue on their implementation.

Concluding her remarks, Oguljahan Atabayeva called on all participants to follow the example of children and to build for them a peaceful and predictable future.

The floor was then opened to participants of the plenary session.

Oguljahan Atabayeva first invited Tatiana Valovaya, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, to speak.

Noting that ensuring gender equality and achieving the SDGs are among today’s most pressing challenges, Ms. Valovaya emphasized the important role of international organizations—particularly the United Nations—in advancing women’s rights and increasing their participation in public life. She also highly praised Turkmenistan’s efforts in this area.

High appreciation was expressed for Turkmenistan’s contribution to strengthening the work of UN specialized agencies and regional centers, aimed at promoting a comprehensive approach to fulfilling international commitments and fostering an inclusive global society.

The floor was then given to Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Expressing gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people for the warm hospitality and the high level of organization of the Forum, she emphasized the importance of the conference agenda, particularly issues related to strengthening the family institution and enhancing the role of women in society.

In this context, confidence was expressed that the Forum would develop new approaches to expanding women’s rights and opportunities.

Thanking Saida Mirziyoyeva for her substantive address, Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that it highlighted the importance of social protection, support for children and families, and the creation of equal opportunities for all citizens.

The moderator then gave the floor to Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Thanking the organizers for the invitation to such an important International Conference, Ms. Aliyeva emphasized the significance of strengthening the role of women in society and preserving family values in the modern world. She expressed confidence that the outcomes of the Forum, held on the picturesque Caspian coast, would lay a solid foundation for long-term cooperation in this field.

Expressing sincere appreciation for the comprehensive remarks, Oguljahan Atabayeva underscored the importance of humanitarian and cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and supporting socially significant projects globally, highlighting in this regard the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

The floor was then given to Selmira do Sacramento, Chairwoman of the National Assembly of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Welcoming the opportunity to participate in the Conference as an effective platform for coordinated action and exchange of best practices toward achieving the SDGs—particularly gender equality—Ms. do Sacramento wished the Forum success. She also highly praised Turkmenistan’s achievements in ensuring gender equality.

Oguljahan Atabayeva thanked Ms. do Sacramento for her address, noting its emphasis on São Tomé and Príncipe’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and expanding women’s participation in political and social processes.

Next, the floor was given to Dilrabo Mansuri, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Thanking the organizers for the invitation and the hospitality extended on Turkmen soil, Ms. Mansuri noted that Turkmenistan’s state policy places special emphasis on strengthening the role of women in society, expressing confidence that the Forum’s outcomes would give strong impetus to ongoing efforts in this direction.

Thanking the Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized that the positions expressed reflect a systematic approach to social support for women and strengthening the family institution.

She expressed confidence that partnership on multilateral platforms would further advance joint initiatives.

The floor was then given to Aksoltan Ataeva, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations.

Noting that the protection of women’s rights is one of today’s pressing global challenges, Ms. Ataeva emphasized the constructive nature of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN in this area. She also highlighted the country’s strong focus on health protection and safeguarding the rights of women and children, noting the important role of the Charitable Foundation.

Thanking Ms. Ataeva, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized the key directions of Turkmenistan’s state policy in human capital development, innovation, and cultural potential, reaffirming the importance of international support in creating conditions for the comprehensive development of women and youth.

The moderator then gave the floor to Lindiwe Dlamini, Minister of Home Affairs of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Expressing sincere gratitude for the invitation, Ms. Dlamini stressed the importance of consolidating efforts to consistently strengthen the role of women in society.

Thanking her for the constructive address, Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that the priorities outlined reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing social and economic challenges, expanding opportunities for youth, and strengthening women’s participation in public life.

The floor was then given to Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia.

She emphasized that it was a great honor to participate in the International Conference hosted by Turkmenistan, noting that such a large-scale forum demonstrates the growing activity and influence of women. Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, she expressed confidence that this format would yield positive results.

Thanking her for the substantive remarks, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized the crucial role of women’s participation in national development processes in building a healthy society.

Next to speak was Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.

Expressing gratitude for the invitation to a forum bringing together women leaders from around the world, she highlighted the growing role of women across various sectors and underscored the global importance of such conferences.

Thanking her for the detailed remarks, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized the importance of women’s leadership and participation in decision-making, particularly in light of the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha a month earlier.

The moderator then gave the floor to Fatemeh Mohajerani, Government Spokesperson of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thanking the organizers, Ms. Mohajerani noted that empowering women and creating conditions for realizing their creative potential is one of the key factors in achieving the SDGs.

Expressing appreciation for the informative address, Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that the Forum provides a valuable opportunity to exchange views and lay the foundation for a regional and international women’s cooperation platform.

The plenary session continued with remarks by Zhanna Chefranova, First Deputy Chair of the Committee on Social Policy of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation.

She emphasized the importance of expanding multilateral dialogue and praised Turkmenistan’s efforts in strengthening women’s roles, noting that hosting the Conference reflects the country’s consistent commitment to humanitarian principles.

Thanking her for the substantive address, Oguljahan Atabayeva highlighted the importance of parliamentary dialogue in shaping effective social policy and legislative mechanisms.

The floor was then given to Huang Xiaowei, Vice President and First Secretary of the Secretariat of the All-China Women’s Federation.

She noted that the Forum serves as an effective platform for experience-sharing toward achieving the UN SDGs, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality. Emphasis was placed on expanding women’s opportunities, strengthening family support, increasing women’s participation in decision-making, and developing social policy, reflecting China’s consistent approach to social development and gender equality.

Next, Akmаral Alnazarova, Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, thanked the Turkmen side for the high level of organization and emphasized the Forum’s importance in coordinating international efforts on gender equality and women’s access to health care.

Thanking her, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized that a comprehensive approach to healthcare development directly impacts societal well-being.

The floor was then given to Dogdurkul Kendirbayeva, Minister of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic.

She emphasized the importance of continued international dialogue to improve women’s access to education and healthcare, noting that multilateral cooperation enables integration of international gender equality standards into national strategies.

Thanking her for the substantive remarks, Oguljahan Atabayeva underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared social and humanitarian challenges.

Delivering her closing remarks, Oguljahan Atabayeva once again thanked all participants for their insightful and inspiring contributions.

It was expressed that the Final Document of the Conference would make a meaningful contribution to international humanitarian efforts and be reflected in future joint practical actions.

On behalf of the Charitable Foundation named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Oguljahan Atabayeva congratulated participants on the upcoming International Day of Neutrality, observed on 12 December.

The Conference then continued in thematic sessions titled “Public Administration and Civil Society Institutions for the Benefit of Women and Children,” “Economic Opportunities for Women,” and “Women’s Social Engagement in Education, Child-Rearing, Healthcare, and Environmental Protection.”

As a result of the Forum, a number of bilateral documents were signed.