SRSG NATALIA GHERMAN ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN CENTRAL ASIA AND AFGHANISTAN

International Forum “Economic Empowerment of Women for Sustainable Development in Central Asia and Afghanistan” June 2021

15 Jun 2021

SRSG NATALIA GHERMAN ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN CENTRAL ASIA AND AFGHANISTAN

Ashgabat, TURKMENISTAN

On 15 June 2021, SRSG Natalia Gherman addressed the International Forum: “Economic Empowerment of Women for Sustainable Development in Central Asia and Afghanistan”.

The Forum was organized by the Women Leaders’ Caucus, launched in 2020 with the support of UNRCCA and UNDP, to boost political, economic and social participation of women in Central Asia.

SRSG Natalia Gherman emphasized an intrinsic link between economic empowerment of women and implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. She underscored importance of economic co-operation between women of Central Asia and Afghanistan for addressing regional challenges, including climate change and environmental degradation. Noting challenges posed by the COVID-19, the SRSG highlighted that policies addressing consequences of the pandemic should be gender-sensitive, inclusive and pursue partnerships.   

Pledging continuous support to the Women Leaders’ Caucus of Central Asia, the SRSG noted that: “…this unique platform serves as an example of cooperation and solidarity between women leaders of the region who have undertaken to spearhead the promotion of peace and inclusive development, thereby harnessing the colossal potential of women of the region.”

The Forum brought together prominent female political leaders, women entrepreneurs from all Central Asian states and Afghanistan, as well as partner organizations and IFIs.

The conference addressed challenges to women’s economic opportunities, measures to be taken by governments to remove structural and legal barriers to women entrepreneurship, as well as necessary institutional and societal changes.

A Road Map for Co-operation between women-entrepreneurs of Central Asia and Afghanistan has been developed and presented at the conference.