A high-level meeting was held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to discuss the implementation of recommendations from the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Universal Periodic Review regarding gender equality. The event brought together representatives from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Ombudsman’s Office, and various national ministries, alongside international experts from UN agencies such as UNFPA and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mähri Bäşimowa reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s dedication to its international obligations concerning women’s rights and gender equity. She highlighted that the recommendations formulated following the fruitful dialogue with the CEDAW Committee in February 2024 serve as a vital practical guide for refining the national legal and institutional frameworks. The discussions underscored the importance of empowering women and ensuring their full participation in the country's socio-economic and political life.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the newly developed Roadmap for implementing CEDAW recommendations and the National Action Plan for Gender Equality for the 2026–2030 period. Participants focused on enhancing inter-agency cooperation and establishing robust national mechanisms to protect women's rights. These strategic documents outline the nation's priorities for the coming years, aiming to foster an environment where gender equality is systematically integrated into all development policies.

International observers, including Marianna Mikko, Vice-Chair of the CEDAW Committee, praised Turkmenistan's proactive steps toward achieving global standards in human rights. The participants emphasized that the continued collaboration between the government and international organizations is essential for the effective monitoring and implementation of gender policies. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to advancing the national human rights agenda and contributing to the global achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.