In the lead-up to the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), special attention is being given to gender policy and the strengthening of women's roles in the development of modern society. Turkmenistan, as an active partner of the United Nations, demonstrates significant achievements in this area. These accomplishments will be highlighted at the upcoming Forum in Awaza, where an important meeting of women leaders is planned.

 

Turkmenistan reaffirms its commitment to the principle of equal rights and freedoms and to creating equal opportunities for both men and women. These principles are enshrined in the country's Constitution and are aligned with universally accepted international standards. As emphasized in official statements, expanding constructive cooperation with foreign partners in the area of gender equality is a key vector of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and fully corresponds with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

“Integrating gender policy into national strategies and foreign policy, as Turkmenistan is doing, is a critically important step. Including a meeting of women leaders in the program of such a significant international forum as the LLDC conference recognizes that global challenges, especially in vulnerable regions, cannot be effectively addressed without the active involvement of women,” noted Muhammetguly Chopanov from the Turkmen Agricultural University named after S. Niyazov.

 

In Turkmenistan, the women's movement is actively developing, represented by the Women’s Union—one of the largest public organizations in the country. Turkmen women hold responsible positions in government institutions, participate in foreign policy, develop entrepreneurship, and make substantial contributions to the implementation of national programs aimed at elevating the country to the ranks of developed states. Moreover, comprehensive work is being carried out in the country to protect the rights and interests of women and to support families, motherhood, and childhood.

 

“It is inspiring to see how women’s organizations, such as the Women’s Union of Turkmenistan, are becoming influential forces in socio-political life. Their active participation in areas ranging from public administration to entrepreneurship and cultural preservation speaks to the expanding opportunities for women,” said Chopanov.

 

The international community highly appreciates Turkmenistan’s practical efforts in promoting gender equality. A notable example is the awarding of a medal and certificate to the Central Council of the Women’s Union of Turkmenistan in November 2023 by the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program of the Asian Development Bank for promoting gender equality.

 

Turkmenistan actively cooperates with the United Nations in the field of gender equality. The UN strategy, based on decades of experience, aims at achieving “gender equality as a development goal.” An important focus is cooperation with the “UN Women” entity, which supports women's participation in peacebuilding processes and helps enhance their capacities at all levels. Turkmenistan’s election to the Commission on the Status of Women (2018–2022) and as a member of the Executive Board of “UN Women” (2022–2024) demonstrates the international recognition of its active position.

 

In December 2020, the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Dialogue Platform was established with the support of UNDP, UNRCCA, and “UN Women.” Created by representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, this platform was the first of its kind in the region and is gaining increasing significance, fostering cooperation among women in Central Asia. Turkmenistan actively participates in such regional dialogues.

 

The upcoming meeting of women leaders within the framework of the Third UN LLDC Conference in Awaza is intended to once again demonstrate recognition and support for women’s aspirations to contribute to political, socio-economic, and cultural-humanitarian processes. This event will emphasize that women’s leadership is a prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring stability at regional and global levels, and strengthening peace and trust between nations and peoples. Turkmen women are actively involved in addressing global threats such as climate change and environmental degradation, as well as in solving urgent issues in healthcare and education.

 

“The culmination of these efforts in the form of a women leaders’ meeting at such a high-level international forum is not just a symbolic gesture. It is a recognition that women are not merely beneficiaries of gender policy but active architects of change. Their contribution to addressing complex challenges such as climate change and sustainable development is becoming increasingly evident. By providing a platform for such dialogue, Turkmenistan reaffirms its commitment to the principles of inclusiveness and partnership in achieving global goals,” concluded Muhammetguly Chopanov from the Turkmen Agricultural University named after S. Niyazov.