Central Asian Women Scientists Create a New Regional Platform for Scientific Cooperation
An important document, the Joint Communique of the SheScience 2025 Women Scientists Forum, was adopted in Tashkent. It lays the foundation for a new regional platform for scientific collaboration.
This document defines areas for integrating the scientific and innovation ecosystems of Central Asian countries and expanding the participation of women scientists in joint research.
On November 27, the first SheScience 2025 Women Scientists Forum of Central Asia was held in Tashkent, bringing together over 60 female researchers from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan.
As Shakhlo Turdikulova, Vice President of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, noted, the Joint Communique is not just a declaration, but a "practical roadmap for change." It identifies five key areas for building sustainable scientific ecosystems capable of addressing common regional challenges, such as environmental risks, digital transformation, and the implementation of artificial intelligence.
The event, organized by the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan with the support of international partners, brought together women scientists, policymakers, donors, and heads of research organizations from Central Asian countries to strengthen regional cooperation and integration in science, research, and innovation. International partners (the World Bank, ADB, and others) presented participants with opportunities for funding and participation in major programs, including Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and CAREC projects.
Forum participants emphasized the critical need to transition from isolated research to systemic regional cooperation. It was noted that consolidating scientific efforts and coordinating educational programs will accelerate human capital development and enhance the region's competitiveness in the global scientific arena.
Panel discussions focused on the most pressing areas requiring cross-border cooperation: the development of artificial intelligence and the creation of joint data platforms; green and climate-resilient solutions; and the commercialization of science and cross-border startups.
The communiqué also lays the foundation for holding an annual regional Forum on a rotating basis, ensuring the sustainability of the established platform.
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