International cooperation in the field of gender equality, the protection of women's rights and their empowerment remains one of the areas of the global sustainable development agenda. As part of its cooperation with the United Nations and other international partners, Turkmenistan holds events dedicated to issues of peace, social stability and women's participation in public life.

One such platform was the National Tourist Zone «Avaza», where on 7 October 2026 the International Dialogue of Women «The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development» took place. Representatives of the parliaments and government bodies of Turkmenistan and foreign countries, public organizations, specialized UN agencies and other international institutions took part in the event. Participants discussed the protection of women's rights, their participation in decision-making, the development of international cooperation and their contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Opening the forum, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova noted that the representative composition of the delegations demonstrates the considerable interest of the international community in the role of women in modern society and the state. D. Gulmanova emphasized that one of the priorities of Turkmenistan's state policy remains comprehensive support for women's participation in state and public affairs, as well as in the development of international relations. According to the speaker, the dialogue is intended to facilitate the exchange of views and the development of concrete proposals to advance international initiatives.

Valentina Matvienko, Head of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and Head of the Federation Council of Russia in her speech noted the importance of creating conditions for women's self-realization and their participation in all spheres of life of the state and society. UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Xiaojun Grace Wang drew attention to the connection between the international legal initiatives of Turkmenistan and the UN agenda «Women, Peace and Security», emphasizing the key role of women in international law.

In her remarks, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan — Chairwoman of the Committee on Family and Women Dilnozakhon Kattakhanova emphasized that women's participation in matters of peace and security should be supported by concrete mechanisms, including access to quality education. D.Kattakhanova proposed establishing an Interstate Working Commission, holding the next Women's Dialogue in Uzbekistan, organizing a joint business forum for women entrepreneurs of the two countries in 2027, as well as developing digital and environmental projects with women's participation.

During the thematic sessions, participants discussed expanding women's economic opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, access to modern knowledge, the development of digital and innovative sectors, as well as maternal and child health protection. Representatives of international organizations highlighted the importance of women's inclusive participation in the economy and public life, as well as international legal mechanisms for protecting their rights. The Final Document was adopted at the conclusion of the forum.

Discussion of these issues showed that promoting gender equality requires a comprehensive approach. International initiatives complement national measures aimed at ensuring equal rights, expanding professional opportunities for women and their participation in public life. In Turkmenistan, this work is also carried out within the framework of state programs and regulatory documents.

One of the key documents in this area has become the National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030. It provides for measures aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in various areas of public life.

The document covers the socio-economic, socio-political, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. Its implementation envisages further work to expand opportunities for women, strengthen their participation in social processes, and develop mechanisms for ensuring gender equality.

Turkmenistan is a party to the main international agreements in this area, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Cooperation with UN structures, including «UN Women» and the United Nations Population Fund, is aimed at implementing relevant programs.

During the International Women's Dialogue, particular attention was paid to women's economic independence and support for their entrepreneurial initiatives. The Uzbek side's proposals to hold a joint business forum for women entrepreneurs and establish a support center for digital projects reflect the desire to develop practical cooperation in these areas.

Women's participation in the economy is important both for individual families and for the development of society as a whole. The opportunity to acquire professional skills, work and develop their own initiatives helps expand their economic independence.

Equally important is women's representation in public and political life. Their participation in the activities of government bodies, public organizations and professional associations makes it possible to take different social needs into account when discussing and addressing issues of public importance.

In the context of sustainable development, the participants in the dialogue also emphasized the importance of involving women in digital and innovative industries, scientific and environmental projects. Expanding access to modern knowledge and technologies opens up additional opportunities for professional development and women's participation in addressing pressing challenges.

A separate area of Turkmenistan's state policy is related to supporting women, motherhood and childhood. It includes social protection measures aimed at family well-being and creating conditions for the upbringing and development of children.

Family support is considered in connection with healthcare, education and social stability. Of particular importance are access to medical care, the protection of motherhood and childhood, as well as ensuring the necessary conditions for the development of the younger generation.

These issues were also included on the agenda of the International Women's Dialogue. Participants in the thematic sessions highlighted the importance of protecting maternal and child health, safeguarding children's rights and creating a favourable environment for raising the younger generation. The speeches emphasised the link between social support for families, the well-being of society and sustainable development.

The International Women's Dialogue in Avaza brought together issues of women's participation in peacebuilding with the broader sustainable development agenda. The participants' speeches showed that advancing gender equality requires not only legal guarantees, but also concrete measures in education, employment, entrepreneurship, healthcare and public participation.

Regional cooperation is of particular importance. Proposals to establish an Interstate Working Commission and hold follow-up meetings open up opportunities for further exchange of experience between countries. Cooperation with international organizations, in turn, contributes to discussions on common approaches to protecting women's rights and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

For Turkmenistan, further work in this area is linked to the implementation of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2026–2030, the improvement of mechanisms for supporting women, and the expansion of opportunities for their participation in economic, public and cultural life.

Thus, the International Women's Dialogue in Avaza became a platform for discussing both national priorities and the common challenges facing the international community. The initiatives put forward and the adopted Final Document are aimed at continuing cooperation, strengthening legal guarantees and expanding opportunities for women in the interests of peace and sustainable development.