Forum of Women Leaders was held in the margins of the Third UN Conference

On August 7, 2025, within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, a meeting of women leaders was held, the theme of which was “From Commitments to Change: Women as Drivers of the Avaza Agenda for Landlocked Developing Countries”, organized by the UN Secretariat jointly with the Government of Turkmenistan.

The event was attended by leaders and representatives of parliaments of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), as well as authoritative international organizations and public associations.

Speaking to the audience, UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for the high level of organization of the Forum, noting that today's meeting is a unique platform for exchanging experiences, developing solutions and strengthening cooperation.

The Avaza Action Programme includes gender equality objectives, the successful implementation of which will contribute to positive solutions to the problems faced by women in LLDCs, Rabab Fatima said.

The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan D.Gulmanova noted that today Turkmenistan, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is consistently developing trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation with the countries of the world.

Emphasis was also placed on the fact that the Women Leaders Forum, held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, gives impetus to unlocking the potential of women in efforts to strengthen peace, trust and partnership for the sake of sustainable development.

The Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva, who spoke next, noted the importance of holding this Forum in Turkmenistan, expressing sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairperson of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan for their constant attention and support in realizing the potential of not only Turkmen women, but also women of Central Asia.

Expressing confidence that women leaders will make a worthy contribution to the implementation of the new ten-year Action Programme, the Chairperson of the Parliament of Uzbekistan thanked the Government of Turkmenistan for the warm welcome.

Secretary of State for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, expressing gratitude to the Government and people of Turkmenistan for the hospitality shown, noted that holding the current Forum is evidence of the consolidation of joint efforts to address the problems faced by women in landlocked developing countries.

Next, Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Sevil Mikayilova spoke, emphasizing that empowering women in decision-making is a proven strategy for strengthening governance, improving policy effectiveness and achieving inclusive development results.

Then, Ivana Zivkovic, Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS of the United Nations Development Programme, on behalf of UNDP, expressed gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for organizing the event and noted the important role of women in the implementation of the Avaza Action Programme.

Achieving gender equality requires concrete action, and the Avaza Programme creates opportunities for this, said Ivana Zivkovic, reaffirming UNDP’s readiness to work closely with governments, civil society and the private sector to strengthen the role of women.

After that the floor was given to the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Oguljahan Atabayeva, who, warmly greeting those gathered, emphasized the importance of the goal of the current meeting, which is being held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

In continuation, Oguljahan Atabaeva, as the Vice President of the Charity Fund, spoke about the Foundation and about protecting the physical and spiritual health of young Turkmen citizens.

Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Oguljahan Atabayeva concluded her speech with a wonderful quote from Mother Teresa: “Women are the heart of the home. Let us pray that we women will realize the meaning of our existence: to love and be loved, and through this love to become instruments of peace throughout the world.”

During interactive discussions, it was noted that women’s economic empowerment is a key requirement for creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

Following the meeting, a Final Document was adopted.

The Forum participants expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for the high level of organization.

Then the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov cordially thanked everyone for their active participation in the event held in Turkmenistan and for the ideas expressed.

Taking this opportunity, Vice President of the Charity Fund Oguljahan Atabayeva said that she would like to draw attention to the situation in the world of children in need of guardianship. As noted, in this matter the world community should take a more active and proactive position and firmly adhere to the provisions of the UN Charter when making decisions.