On April 14, 2026, the first meeting of the Women's Council of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was held in Baku.

The event took place as part of the international conference "Amplifying Women's Voices in the CICA Space for Sustainable Development" and brought together senior representatives of member states, international organizations, and the expert community.

The CICA Women's Council was established as an advisory platform aimed at developing cooperation, sharing experience, and coordinating the efforts of participating states in advancing the gender agenda and expanding women's participation in decision-making processes.

During the first meeting, a keynote address was delivered by D. Muratova, Deputy Director of the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights, who presented national experience in promoting women's rights and opportunities. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of consistent state policy aimed at ensuring gender equality, developing women's leadership, and expanding women's participation in public, political, and economic life.

"Expanding women's participation in decision-making is not only a matter of equality, but also a strategic investment in sustainable development, stability, and the future of our societies."

Participants discussed key areas of cooperation, including increasing the role of women in ensuring sustainable economic growth, developing women's entrepreneurship and innovation, women's participation in digital transformation, and women's contribution to achieving environmental sustainability and addressing climate challenges.

As a result of the meeting, an advisory document was adopted reflecting the agreed approaches of member states to further developing cooperation within the Council.

The establishment and launch of the CICA Women's Council marks an important milestone in the institutional development of the Organization and opens new opportunities for the systematic advancement of women's rights and opportunities across the Asian region. It was noted that this mechanism will serve as an effective platform for dialogue, the development of joint solutions, and the implementation of practical initiatives.

Press Service The National Center

Republic of Uzbekistan on human rights