The event
is attended by high-ranking representatives of more than 20 foreign countries
and international organizations, including the UN Deputy Secretary-General, the
Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, representatives of
the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, international financial institutions,
women parliamentarians from Asian countries, government representatives, as well
as representatives of diplomatic missions of foreign states in Uzbekistan.
The Forum
is also attended by almost 250 participants, including representatives of local
authorities and civil society institutions, women leaders, representatives of
the business community, political scientists, social activists, scientists, as
well as representatives of various sectors of the economy.
The
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan sent a message to the Forum
participants. At the opening ceremony of the Forum, it was read out by the Head
of the Presidential Administration, Saida Mirziyoyeva.
The
Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Tanzila Narbayeva, noted in her
speech that ensuring gender equality has become one of the priorities of
Uzbekistan's state policy.
The Forum
is a practical result of the initiative of the President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan, put forward in his speech at the 80th session of the United Nations
General Assembly. As you know, the first forum held in Samarkand demonstrated
the great need for such a dialogue platform, which was widely supported by the
international community. Now an important step has been taken towards turning
this site into a permanent platform.
The
speakers noted that today no State is capable of achieving sustainable
development without empowering women. Therefore, this platform should become
not only a platform for dialogue, but also the formation of common approaches,
practical interaction and joint initiatives.
This
platform is a vivid expression of women's solidarity in the fight against
global challenges. Effective solutions to combat climate change, poverty,
inequality, and discrimination can only be achieved through the active
participation of women.
Therefore,
the support of active women in various fields, the expansion of international
cooperation and the exchange of experience between them are among the urgent
tasks of today.
Thus, the
participation of women in political processes and the decision-making system in
the country is growing. Currently, Uzbekistan ranks 35th in the world in terms
of the proportion of women in parliament.
The
empowerment of women in education, science, innovation and entrepreneurship is
one of the important areas of reform in the New Uzbekistan. Today, the share of
girls in higher education has reached 53%, and in graduate studies - 65%. The
proportion of women among scientists is 60%.
Thanks to
the work aimed at increasing the economic activity of women, expanding their
opportunities in the fields of entrepreneurship and employment, over the past
ten years the number of women entrepreneurs has increased 3.7 times and
exceeded 274 thousand.
It was
noted that the Forum serves as an important platform for the exchange of best
practices between Asian countries, improving legislative and practical
mechanisms to support women, and creating joint programs in the fields of
education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and artificial intelligence.
The Forum
continued its work in parallel sessions.