A conference dedicated to inter-parliamentary dialogue on promoting gender equality and strengthening its legislative framework was held in the capital today. The forum was attended by leaders of the Mejlis, representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, as well as reputable international organizations and a number of countries, and mass media.

At the conference, which became one of the significant events of the year “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds”, priority areas for international work to ensure gender equality were discussed. This marked an important step toward achieving positive results in global efforts and intensifying joint action in this area.

Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan’s ongoing efforts to consistently implement its international obligations in the areas of women’s rights and gender equality, as well as the provisions of relevant international conventions.

In this regard, it was emphasized that strengthening and improving the legislative framework for all aspects of gender equality is a pressing contemporary challenge. During the conference, participants discussed issues related to expanding activities in this area, including modernizing national mechanisms for protecting women’s rights and enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the implementation of the latest cycle of the National Action Plan for Gender Equality for 2026–2030.

As noted by the speakers, Turkmenistan’s peacemaking foreign policy, initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag, and successfully implemented by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is aimed at strengthening the foundations of global stability and broad international partnership.

The conference also emphasized the importance of developing a systematic dialogue with authoritative international organizations. In the context of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men, the importance of applying best international practices to improve the national legal and institutional framework in this area was emphasized.

Noting the importance of joint efforts to successfully address challenges aimed at advancing universal gender equality, the conference participants, who were held in a productive atmosphere, expressed support for continuing the practice of regular meetings, seminars, and forums in this area. Inter-parliamentary interaction also plays a significant role in this regard.

Then, the conference continued its work in sections covering various aspects of the agenda. Issues related to the activities of parliamentarians in implementing universally recognized norms of international law in promoting gender equality and women’s rights were discussed.

A lively exchange of views also took place on the role of parliamentarians in strengthening targeted cooperation, as well as on upcoming challenges in this area, among other topics. Particular attention was paid to the results of the partnership between Turkmenistan and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).