Policy
A meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers has begun in Turkmenistan
07.10.2026A meeting of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States has begun in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The meeting is taking place in the conference hall of the ‘Berkarar’ Hotel, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The Heads of the foreign ministries of the CIS member states will discuss pressing issues on the regional and international agenda, as well as the development of cooperation in the political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. The agenda also includes issues relating to strengthening security and stability within the Commonwealth, a joint response to contemporary challenges and threats, and the coordination of cooperation in international forums. A package of joint documents is expected to be signed following the meeting.
Turkmenistan is strengthening international dialogue on the role of women in promoting peace
07.10.2026On 7 October, a plenary session of the International Women’s Dialogue, entitled ‘The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development’, took place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event was chaired by Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, according to the press office of the Mejlis. Participants discussed the role of women in strengthening peace and trust, as well as sustainable development, and issues relating to the empowerment of women and the achievement of gender equality. In her speech, Dunyagozel Gulmanova highlighted the growing role of women in public life and social development. The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan emphasised that Turkmenistan’s legislation enshrines equal rights for men and women. The country is also implementing the ‘National Action Plan for Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030’. Furthermore, she highlighted Turkmenistan’s participation in international agreements and its cooperation with UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund. According to her, seminars and the exchange of experience with international organisations are aimed at developing gender analysis, inclusive governance and economic opportunities for women. Particular attention was paid to women’s participation in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, as well as in various sectors of the economy. Participants in the dialogue also discussed the role of women in implementing the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda and the development of the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue as a regional platform for confidence-building, peaceful development and inclusive governance. Following the plenary session, participants emphasised the need to coordinate international efforts to empower women, strengthen peace and achieve sustainable development.
The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone has become a venue for international dialogue on healthcare
07.10.2026On 7 October 2026, a plenary session of the Second International Conference on ‘Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals’ took place at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to improving healthcare systems, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing the latest advances in medical science and practice. The plenary session was opened and chaired by Myratberdi Gayipov, Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. The conference was attended by Valentina Matvienko, Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation; D. Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan; representatives of the World Health Organisation, the CIS, and the International Committee of the Red Cross; as well as heads and representatives of health authorities and parliaments from countries in the region. In her address at the conference, D. Gulmanova noted that public health is one of the priority areas of Turkmenistan’s state policy. According to her, programmes are being implemented in the country to develop the healthcare system, prevent diseases and improve medical infrastructure. During the conference, it was noted that, as part of the President of Turkmenistan’s ‘Saglyk’ State Programme, the sector’s material, technical and legislative foundations are being strengthened. Medical and healthcare facilities, sanatoriums, pharmaceutical enterprises and other facilities are being built in all regions of the country. The conference also highlighted the importance of international cooperation. Turkmenistan collaborates with leading medical centres, educational institutions and international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund. During the conference, key areas of focus included the digitalisation of healthcare, the introduction of telemedicine and artificial intelligence, and the further development of preventive and sanatorium-based medicine. Conference participants discussed improving the legal framework for modern medicine, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and developing international cooperation in the field of healthcare. At the close of the conference, participants expressed their support for the further development of regional and international cooperation and thanked the Turkmenistan authorities for creating the conditions necessary to host the event.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed prospects for transport cooperation
07.10.2026On 7 October 2026, a meeting took place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Farzaneh Sadegh, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The negotiations took place as part of the events marking Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2026. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to the transport sector. Discussions centred on expanding transit opportunities, developing transport infrastructure and strengthening regional ties. There was also an exchange of views on cooperation within the framework of regional and international transport initiatives. Farzaneh Sadegh wished Turkmenistan every success in organising the events as part of its chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and to strengthen Turkmen-Iranian cooperation.
Sergey Lebedev highlighted the importance of developing cooperation amongst CIS countries in the media sector
07.10.2026CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev emphasised the importance of cooperation between the Commonwealth’s member states in the media sector. This was stated in his address to the organisers and participants of the joint meeting of the Council of Heads of State and Public Television and Radio Organisations of the CIS member states and the Administrative Council of the Inter-State Information Pool of the CIS member states, as reported by IIC. The meeting is taking place at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone as part of the events organised by the CIS’s highest authorities from 7 to 9 October 2026. S. Lebedev emphasised the symbolic significance of holding the meeting in Turkmenistan, which holds the CIS chairmanship in this anniversary year for the Commonwealth. According to him, the development of a common information space remains one of the key areas of humanitarian cooperation among the CIS countries. This is provided for in the Concept for the Further Development of the Commonwealth. The CIS Secretary-General noted Turkmenistan’s active participation in humanitarian and information cooperation among the Commonwealth countries, as well as in the work of the Inter-State Information Pool. S. Lebedev paid particular attention to changes in the media sphere linked to digitalisation, the development of artificial intelligence and neural networks, the emergence of new platforms and shifts in media consumption. In these circumstances, he noted, the importance of the reliability of information, information security and trust between states is growing. The CIS Secretary-General expressed his confidence that the meeting’s participants would propose new initiatives to develop joint media projects, strengthen the common information space and expand cooperation in the information sphere.
Turkey highlighted the importance of expanding women’s rights in public life
07.10.2026Sevim Sayim Madak, Deputy Minister for Family and Social Services of the Republic of Turkey, addressed the International Women’s Dialogue on ‘The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development’, taking place at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. In her speech, Sevim Sayim Madak noted that relations between Turkey and Turkmenistan are based on shared historical, linguistic and cultural ties. She said that Turkey was the first country to recognise Turkmenistan’s independence. Turkey’s Deputy Minister for Family and Social Services also emphasised the need for further exchange of experience and the strengthening of solidarity between the two countries in addressing economic, social, environmental and humanitarian issues. She paid particular attention to the empowerment of women and their participation in public life. In Turkey, a Strategic Document and Action Plan for 2024–2028 is being implemented in this area, covering education, healthcare, the economy, leadership and climate change. In addition, the country is implementing its fifth National Action Plan to Combat Violence against Women for 2026–2030. According to the Deputy Minister for Family and Social Services of Turkey, in today’s world women are not only those affected by crises, but also key actors in peacemaking.
Belarus outlined its gender policy priorities at the forum in ‘Awaza’
07.10.2026Natalia Pavlyuchenko, Chair of the Standing Committee on Education, Science, Culture and Social Development of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, spoke at the International Women’s Dialogue ‘The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development’ at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Natalia Pavlyuchenko noted that gender equality and support for motherhood and childhood are priorities of Belarus’s state policy. According to the speaker, women make up 54 per cent of the country’s population, and their employment rate among those of working age exceeds 85.5 per cent. Belarus has a National Council on Gender Policy under the Government, ensures equal pay, and creates conditions that allow women to balance their professional careers with bringing up children. Natalia Pavlyuchenko also reported that women hold almost 33 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, 36 per cent of posts in senior government bodies, 48 per cent of seats in local government bodies and 67 per cent of posts in the courts. The proportion of women-led businesses has reached almost 42 per cent. She emphasised that the protection of the family is enshrined in the Constitution of Belarus. The country also promotes a pro-family agenda on the international stage. In conclusion, Natalya Pavlyuchenko invited international partners to a family forum, which will take place in Polotsk on 12–13 October in an international format.
Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development spoke at a Women’s Forum in Turkmenistan
07.10.2026Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd, spoke at the International Women’s Dialogue on ‘The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development’, which is taking place at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. In her address, she discussed the role of women in the country’s socio-economic development, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The Iranian representative highlighted the contribution of Iranian women to overcoming crises, rebuilding infrastructure, and advancing science, culture, sport and entrepreneurship. According to Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, the International Women’s Dialogue in Turkmenistan facilitates the exchange of experience and strengthens cooperation on issues relating to the empowerment of women. Speaking on government policy, the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development emphasised that development programmes in the Islamic Republic of Iran are aimed at strengthening the institution of the family, removing barriers to women’s professional advancement, protecting their rights and ensuring social justice.
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Health has set out the priorities for the protection of women and children
07.10.2026At a forum taking place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, Akmaral Alnazarova, Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, outlined the key priorities of state policy in the areas of protecting women’s rights, safeguarding motherhood and childhood, and combating climate-related threats. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. In her speech, the Minister of Health noted that Kazakhstan is continuing its state and legal reforms. One of the key milestones was the adoption of the new People’s Constitution in a nationwide referendum in March 2026. The document enshrined provisions on human rights, equality and social justice. Particular attention was paid to issues of gender equality. Kazakhstan adheres to its international obligations, including the Beijing Declaration and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. ‘Today, our key task is not simply to guarantee equal rights, but to create real conditions for women’s active participation in public administration, the economy and the country’s socio-political life,’ said Health Minister Akmaral Alnazaraova. Another theme of her speech was the link between climate change and public health. According to the Minister of Health, rising temperatures, extreme heat, dwindling water resources and the degradation of ecosystems pose risks, particularly to women and children. Akmaral Alnazaraova emphasised the need for preventive measures and for the region’s states, international experts and financial institutions to join forces to counter climate-related threats. The forum is continuing its work, focusing on the exchange of experience and the development of joint solutions in the field of sustainable development.
A representative from Uzbekistan spoke at the International Women’s Dialogue at ‘Awaza’
07.10.2026Dilnozahon Sobir kizi Kattahonova, Deputy Prime Minister and Chair of the Committee on Family and Women’s Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, addressed the International Women’s Dialogue on ‘The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development’, taking place at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. In her speech, the representative of Uzbekistan highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality in building trust and fostering a culture of dialogue in the region. The Chair of the Committee on Family and Women’s Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan emphasised that economic instability, climate change, and issues of water and food security have a particularly severe impact on the situation of women and children. In this regard, issues of gender equality and the advancement of women’s rights must be taken into account when making decisions, conducting negotiations and implementing post-conflict reconstruction programmes. Dilnozahon Sobir kizi Kattahonova also outlined the main priorities of Uzbekistan’s state policy on supporting women. These include women’s participation in decision-making, the development of education and human capital, ensuring employment and economic stability, expanding social infrastructure, and targeted support through the ‘Women’s Notebook’ scheme. In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister thanked the Turkmen side, the Heads of delegations and international organisations for their assistance in organising the event. She emphasised the importance of investment in women’s development and education for the long-term stability and development of the Central Asian region.
The UN has highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution to promoting gender equality
07.10.2026A United Nations representative at the International Women’s Dialogue meeting in Awaza highlighted the persistent barriers to achieving gender equality and called for international commitments to be translated into concrete action. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. During her speech, she thanked the Government of Turkmenistan for organising a forum to discuss this agenda. The UN representative emphasised that, despite women’s growing role in decision-making, systemic problems persist. She noted that these issues remain relevant 45 years after the adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and more than 30 years after the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action. According to her, achieving progress requires the involvement not only of women, but also of men and boys. The speaker paid particular attention to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Turkmenistan. She highlighted data, policy and services as key instruments for gender equality. The UN representative noted the multi-indicator cluster surveys carried out in the country, covering 6,600 households, the preparation of the Third Voluntary National Review on the SDGs, and the adoption of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality.
Valentina Matvienko highlighted the role of women at the forum in Turkmenistan
07.10.2026Valentina Matvienko, Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, addressed the ‘International Women’s Dialogue’ forum, which is taking place at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. In her speech, Valentina Matvienko noted the significance of holding the forum in Turkmenistan and emphasised the role of women in socio-political and international life. ‘The honouring of women and the high regard for their dignity in Turkmenistan have been elevated to the status of sanctity,’ emphasised Valentina Matvienko. The Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation expressed her gratitude to the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the Central Council of the Union of Women of Turkmenistan for organising the forum. She also noted that the event was taking place in the year marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, and conveyed congratulations on behalf of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and the Federation Council. According to Valentina Matvienko, women can make a significant contribution to the development of international dialogue and the search for solutions to global problems. ‘I am convinced that it is women who are capable of bringing to the complex global agenda a desire for dialogue and the ability to resolve pressing problems by seeking compromises. Today, in an era of tectonic shifts and the transition to a new multipolar world order, there is a growing demand for the humanisation of international politics and the economy, and we, as women, are called upon to play a key role in all these processes,’ stated the Speaker of the Federation Council. Valentina Matvienko also highlighted the role of the UN and the Sustainable Development Goals, noting the importance of women’s participation in their implementation. Valentina Matvienko spoke about historical examples of Russian women’s participation in public life, mentioning Ekaterina Dashkova, Alexandra Kollontai, Lydia Zvereva and Valentina Tereshkova. The Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation also highlighted the implementation in Russia of the National Strategy for Action in the Interests of Women up to 2030, the representation of women in government bodies and their participation in the fields of education, healthcare and science. In conclusion, the Chair of the Federation Council emphasised Russia’s readiness to exchange experience and best practice in the field of development and international cooperation.
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