The delegation of Turkmenistan, headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahri Bashimova, took part in a high-level meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, held in the city of Astana on February 6.

The event, titled "Five Years to Implement the 2030 Agenda: Prospects for Central Asia" brought together leaders and representatives from ministries and agencies of Central Asian countries, including those specializing in gender equality issues.

The purpose of the meeting was to create a platform for high-level representatives of Central Asian countries and other key participants to accelerate progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In her speech, Mahri Bashimova emphasized that since the early years of independence, Turkmenistan has pursued an active gender policy aimed at strengthening the principles of equal participation of women in all spheres of public and political life. Gender development issues are reflected in all national socio-economic development programs in Turkmenistan, with important directions being the further integration of women into the socio-economic and cultural development of the country.

It was noted that Turkmenistan adopted the "Law on State Guarantees for Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men" which implements the provisions of relevant international conventions ratified by Turkmenistan.

The high-level meeting provided an opportunity for participants to discuss key issues such as the Regional Review of Beijing +30, progress on SDG 5 in Central Asia, and financing gender equality.

On the sidelines of the high-level meeting, Mahri Bashimova held a meeting with Belén Sanz Luque, the regional director of the "UN Women" structure for Europe and Central Asia. During the conversation, it was noted that Turkmenistan plans to hold a series of major regional and international events, including the Forum of Women from Central Asian and European Union countries, as well as the Dialogue of Women from Central Asia and Russia.

Mahri Bashimova invited Belén Sanz Luque to participate in events organized as part of the International Year of Peace and Trust.

ORIENT