Uzbekistan actively promotes gender equality initiatives on the global stage, and the Samarkand event represents a significant step forward in this endeavor.
Samarkand, November 4, 2025 – The Silk Road Samarkand International Congress Center hosted a special event titled “Promoting Gender Equality through Multilateral Collaboration” during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference. Co-organized by UNESCO and the Committee of Family and Women of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the event addressed gender equality in education, science, culture, information and communication technologies, and other societal domains. The forum convened representatives from government and non-governmental organizations, as well as the financial sector, including those from JSC “Aloqabank”.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay opened the event. Begona Lasagabaster, Director of UNESCO’s Gender Equality Division, presented the 2024–2025 report, highlighting Uzbekistan’s progress in gender equality over the past two years, particularly in expanding educational access for girls and boosting women’s economic empowerment.
Zulaykho Makhkamova, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan and Chair of the Committee of Family and Women, outlined national programs, legislative reforms, and international partnerships aimed at advancing gender equality. The event also featured the launch of a new book celebrating prominent women of Uzbekistan and monuments named in their honor, alongside a video showcasing achievements in gender equality initiatives.
Participants emphasized the need to strengthen gender equality across all societal levels, particularly by fostering greater involvement from the private sector, educational institutions, and local communities.
In the closing session, it was reaffirmed that gender equality is not only a matter of public policy but a shared responsibility for every individual, organization, and business in their daily activities. Participants expressed their commitment to deepening multilateral cooperation, implementing practical recommendations, and initiating new projects.
The event, held for the first time in ancient Samarkand, marked a significant historical milestone and served as a key platform for discussing global achievements and challenges in gender equality in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration.
