From 13 to 14 May 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by the Speaker of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova, paid a working visit to Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
Scientific Leadership and the SheScience Initiative
On the first day of the visit, the Turkmen delegation took part in the women scientists’ forum titled “Women’s Leadership in Science: Modern Issues, Innovative Solutions, and Scientific Cooperation,” organized within the framework of the Dialogue of Women Leaders from the region and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Speaking at the forum, Gulmanova elaborated on the programmatic work being carried out in Turkmenistan to increase digital literacy, support the research activities of women scientists in the fields of biotechnology, ecology, and innovative technologies, and improve the relevant legislative framework.
Following the forum, a Joint Communiqué was adopted, providing for the implementation of the proposals and recommendations voiced, including the creation of a regional network of women scientists, SheScience Central Asia, which will serve as a mechanism for strengthening scientific cooperation and promoting joint research in the region.
Investing in Women’s Potential
On 14 May, the Turkmen delegation participated in the Second Asian Women’s Forum, held under the title “Investing in Women as the Foundation for Sustainable Growth: Strengthening Women’s Economic, Social, Political, and Environmental Rights and Opportunities.” The event was attended by the heads of the parliaments of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, deputy speakers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, as well as representatives of international organizations.
In her address, the Speaker of the Mejlis noted that Turkmenistan pays great attention to the policy of ensuring gender equality and strengthening the role of women in public administration and social life. It was also emphasized that the initiative put forward by Turkmenistan at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly to declare 2028 the “International Year of International Law” will contribute to strengthening international legal norms and gender equality.
Developing Dialogue with Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan
On the same day, a meeting was held between the chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova and the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva. During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of transport-transit and border cooperation, increasing the role of women in digital technologies, and exchanging experience in legislative activities.
On the sidelines of the forum, Gulmanova met with the Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova. The parties underscored the successful development of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Both parliaments have active friendship groups and cooperate within international parliamentary organizations. The meeting also included an exchange of views on strengthening cooperation on international and regional platforms, prospects for developing inter-parliamentary ties, and other issues of mutual interest.
Avaza: A Future Platform for International Dialogue
During the visit, the Chair of the Turkmen Parliament invited forum participants and the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan to take part in the International Women’s Dialogue, an international conference on demography, and a meeting of the CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly. These events will be held in the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone as part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in 2026. /// nCa, 15 May 2026