Asian Women’s Forum 2024: “Regional approach in issues of women's economic, social and political empowerment”

Samarkand, Uzbekistan – May 13, 2024 – The Asian Women's Forum 2024 "Regional Approach in Issues of Women's Economic, Social, and Political Empowerment," is a landmark event aimed at advancing women's economic, social, and political empowerment across the Asian continent, will be held on May 13-14, 2024, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan in collaboration with key stakeholders and with support of UN Women, the Forum promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey towards gender equality.

Women's empowerment is an integral part of human rights becoming relevant in the context of the ongoing intensive and complex processes of globalization. Today, the Asian continent is home to 4,82 billion people, which is 60,6 per cent of the world's population. Also, 2,3 billion or 48,8 per cent of the total population of the region are women.

The initiative to convene The Asian Women's Forum was put forward by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, with the aim of harnessing the constructive potential of women leaders in the region, exchanging experiences on further expanding their participation in governance and society, and advancing their roles in the economy. The Asian Women’s Forum serves as a solid bridge between 68th session of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) to upcoming Beijing Platform for Action +30 and shows how strong Uzbekistan is committed for transformative change for women and girls not only in the country but beyond.

The event brought together delegates from across Asia, including senior government officials, women parliamentarians, representatives from civil society organizations, academia, business, social activists, international and local experts, representatives from more than 40 foreign embassies and organizations, approximately 400 civil society representatives and mass media. During eight parallel sessions participants will be engaged in critical discussions, exchange best practices, and explore innovative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges facing women in the region.

The main goal of the Forum is to create a unique dialogue space in the region to discuss issues of realizing the opportunities and potential of women, exchange experience in further expanding their participation in the economy and strengthening the role of women in modern government and society. Aligned with the review process of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Forum serves as a critical juncture to assess progress and strategize further advancements in gender equality. This initiative aligns with the Beijing review process and multi-stakeholder consultations, which were co-hosted by Uzbekistan and UN Women during CSW68, enhancing collaboration for gender equality across Central Asia and Azerbaijan.

“Today’s Forum is attended by the heads of international organizations and parliaments of Asian countries, senators and deputies, members of governments and civil society institutions, many women entrepreneurs and scientists. I believe that thanks to your efforts, the first international conference held in our country will make a significant contribution to increasing the activity of women in the socio-political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, in exchanging experiences and strengthening friendly cooperative relations,” - was noted on the opening speech of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

“Globally, equality has advanced in many areas, including the economic sphere. Yet, still barely half of the world’s women participate in the global workforce. This is not just unfair. It is wasteful. The Asian Women’s Forum offers a great momentum to spark the change we need to advance the rights of women and girls in this region and beyond. I urge us all to seize this opportunity”, - stressed UN Women’s Executive Director, Sima Bahous, opening Asian Women’s Forum.

The Forum is organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Republican Commission on Enhancing the Role of Women in Society, Gender Equality, and the Family, the Committee on Family and Women's Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of UN Women.

Media representatives interested in covering the forum are encouraged to register through the official forum website. Accreditation details and logistical information will be provided upon registration.

For more information please contact Gulnaz Anisio De Oliveira, Communications Specialist, UN Women Europe and Central Asia: gulnaz.imamniyazova@unwomen.org.