On 10 December, in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, an International Conference titled ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development’ was held. The event was organised by the Government of Turkmenistan and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship with the support of the United Nations. This was reported by AsmanNews.

The conference aimed to develop international cooperation in the field of expanding women's rights and opportunities, protecting motherhood and childhood, ensuring the rights of women and children, and strengthening their social and economic well-being.

Before the start of the plenary session, participants viewed an exhibition reflecting Turkmenistan's achievements in foreign policy over the past three decades, as well as the rich traditions of women's decorative and applied arts.

The forum was opened under the chairmanship of Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation.

Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that modern women are a key factor in the sustainability of society — from family and education to healthcare and the humanitarian sphere. ‘Women are a source of creativity and spiritual support,’ she emphasised, adding that the practical implementation of this role requires systematic international solutions.

The Vice-President of the Foundation presented two initiatives from Turkmenistan:

1. Global Compact on Child Health. The document proposes the formation of an international mechanism for state responsibility for child health, the development of uniform standards for medical care, support for early development programmes and the creation of child-oriented infrastructure.

2. International network of support centres for women and children, ‘Humanitarian Hubs’. It is proposed to deploy a global network of assistance centres in countries facing crises. The hubs will be able to provide medical, social and legal support, as well as educational programmes and emergency humanitarian aid.

Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasised the readiness of the Turkmen side to develop initiatives jointly with international partners. ‘Children teach us courage and purity of thought. The task of adults is to protect and preserve their world,’ she said, summarising her speech.

The plenary session featured speeches by UN Deputy Secretary-General Tatyana Valovaya, Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan Saida Mirziyoyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, President of the National Assembly of São Tomé and Príncipe Celmira do Sacramento, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan Mansuri Dilrabo Saidullo, and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN Aksoltan Atayeva.

The conference continued in the format of thematic sessions, where participants focused on practical mechanisms for integrating the gender agenda into international initiatives, developing humanitarian projects and strengthening regional cooperation.

The International Conference in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone continued in the format of three thematic sessions devoted to issues of state support for women and children, expanding economic opportunities for women and increasing their social activity in the fields of education, health care and ecology.

Participants – representatives of government agencies, public and international organisations – noted the importance of the role of state institutions in strengthening family values, ensuring gender equality and developing the activities of social institutions, including charitable foundations. The need to expand multilateral cooperation to increase access to education and healthcare for women and to promote the development of women's entrepreneurship was emphasised separately.

Following the forum, an extensive package of documents was signed. These included a Memorandum of Understanding between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship and UNICEF, as well as a series of work plans for 2026–2030 with the Mejlis, the Supreme Court, relevant ministries and state committees of Turkmenistan. The documents cover areas such as the promotion of gender equality, the development of the social protection system, support for young people, the improvement of statistical and information systems, and the strengthening of mechanisms for women's participation in economic and social life.

The conference in Awaza gave additional impetus to international cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to humanistic and neutral principles.