KHUJAND, Tajikistan

On 23 September 2025, the SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, Mr. Kaha Imnadze, participated in the Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) Forum on “Women in the Green and Digital Economy of Central Asia” held in Khujand, Republic of Tajikistan.

The Forum, organized within the framework of the CAWLC under Tajikistan’s chairmanship in 2025 and in partnership with UNDP, UN Women, and other international partners, brought together women leaders from the Central Asian states, representatives of government institutions, business and financial sectors, civil society, international organizations, and youth initiatives. Importantly, the Forum took place in the Fergana Valley, enabling the participation of women community leaders and grassroots activists from the cross-border regions. The Forum discussions focused on the role of women in building inclusive green and digital economies, addressing climate challenges, advancing eco-entrepreneurship, and tackling digital inequality. 

In his address, SRSG Imnadze commended the initiative and emphasized the transformative potential of women’s leadership in shaping the region’s sustainable future. “Gender equality, green economy, and digital development are not separate directions but interconnected pillars of sustainable societies. Together, they reduce risks of conflict and lay the foundation for long-term peace. Women of Central Asia are already driving this transformation—through innovation, resilience, and leadership,” he stated.

The Khujand Forum continued the Caucus’s efforts to mainstream gender perspectives into regional cooperation, in line with global commitments under the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. It further reinforced CAWLC’s role as a regional platform fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives to expand the participation of women in the political, economic, and social development of Central Asia.