Women leaders from Central Asia and Azerbaijan gather in Uzbekistan: Five key takeaways on science, leadership, and regional cooperation

On 13 May 2026, women leaders, scientists, parliamentarians, and representatives of international organizations from across Central Asia and Azerbaijan gathered in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, for the fifth meeting of the Central Asian Women Leader Caucus. Held under the theme “Women’s Leadership in Science: Contemporary Challenges, Innovative Solutions and Scientific Collaboration,” the dialogue concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement and marked Azerbaijan’s first participation as a partner country. The meeting took place on the eve of the Second Asian Women’s Forum, which opened  in Bukhara on 14 May under the theme “Investing in Women – the Foundation of Sustainable Growth.”

Here are five key takeaways from the discussions in Bukhara.

1. Five years on, the Caucus has become a lasting platform for regional cooperation

Founded in 2020 at Uzbekistan’s initiative, the Central Asian Women Leader Caucus has grown into one of the most consistent regional platforms for cooperation on gender equality. Over five years, the platform has produced nearly 20 joint documents and convened meetings across all member countries, with UN Women serving as a founding partner since the beginning. Uzbekistan holds the presidency for the second time this year. 

Azerbaijan’s accession this year reflects a shared understanding that many of the challenges facing women - from digital transformation and climate change to barriers in science and public administration — do not stop at national borders and require regional solutions.

2. Women in science are advancing, but barriers to leadership remain

Across Central Asia and Azerbaijan, women are contributing to research, innovation, and strengthening academic institutions. They are increasingly visible as leaders tackling regional challenges related to water scarcity, climate change, public health, and digital transformation. Yet despite the progress, women remain underrepresented in scientific leadership and decision-making.

As Ceren Guven Gures, Head of UN Women Central Asia Liaison Office, noted: “Many continue to face persistent barriers, including unequal access to leadership positions, research financing, professional networks, and decision-making spaces within STEM fields. Addressing these challenges is essential not only from the perspective of equality, but also for strengthening scientific excellence and ensuring more inclusive development outcomes.” 

Investing in women’s participation in science is therefore not only a matter of fairness but also essential for improving the quality, relevance, and impact of scientific outcomes across the region.

3. Shared challenges need shared scientific regional infrastructure

Discussions during the Forum of Women Scientists focused on how countries can work together to strengthen scientific potential across the region. Participants explored ways to expand innovation ecosystems, deepen technological partnerships, improve access to research funding, and increase academic exchange for women researchers.

A second panel focused on sustainable development and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, green innovation, cultural heritage preservation, and public health. Participants also emphasized the importance of mentorship programmes and stronger support systems for young women entering the scientific fields. 

One message stood out throughout the discussions: the region faces shared scientific challenges, and addressing them requires not only national strategies but also coordinated regional infrastructure, such as shared data systems, joint research projects, and permanent mechanisms for knowledge exchange among women scientists.

4. A new regional network for women scientists has been launched

The Joint Statement adopted at the Bukhara Dialogue established the “SheScience Central Asia,” a new regional network connecting women scientists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. 

The initiative will support joint research, facilitate knowledge exchange, and provide women scientists with a cross-border professional community. Participants described the network as a response to the most critical structural gaps: the absence of a formal, sustained regional platform through which women scientists could connect, exchange expertise, and build partnerships. 

5. Regional cooperation remains one of the strongest tools for progress

The Bukhara Dialogue took place at a moment of growing global uncertainty, yet countries with diverse national contexts came together around shared priorities and agreed on a common regional initiative. Participants emphasized that regional cooperation is no longer optional. It is essential for addressing today’s challenges in the world of science, equality, and sustainable development across Central Asia and beyond. 

During the meeting, UN Women also presented the Central Asia Alliance Programme, which builds on the legacy of the Spotlight Initiative implemented across Central Asia and Afghanistan from 2020 to 2023, as a vehicle for connecting high-level regional commitments with concrete support for women scientists, researchers, and young women pursuing careers in STEM.