November 15, 2024, Bishkek – On November 15 in Bishkek the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Economy, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, and other key partners held the “Women Entrepreneurship 2024” EXPO and the Central Asian Caucus and the EXPO “Women Entrepreneurship-2024”. The event convened women leaders in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, and inventions from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to accelerate the socio-economic development of the Central Asian countries.

The primary objective of the meeting is to contribute to creating a dynamic ecosystem to support women entrepreneurs, innovators, and scientists. This includes empowering women entrepreneurs in Central Asia and Afghanistan by participating in Expo "Women Entrepreneurship-2024" and developing recommendations for creating the "Central Asian Fund for Innovation and Women’s Entrepreneurship" platform while establishing business connections with potential investors.

The EXPO "Women's Entrepreneurship 2024" showcased the achievements of women’s business initiatives from Central Asian countries.

“Establishing the necessary conditions for women’s development and professional growth is a key priority for Kyrgyzstan. 'Women’s participation in decision-making and leadership are essential components for driving equitable and inclusive societal development”, said Jamila Isaeva, Deputy Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament.

“UNDP in Kyrgyzstan highly values the country’s initiative to create a ground for the sustainable institutional development of the Caucus. This will ensure continuity and stable support for the Caucus, aimed at strengthening peace and security in the region and realising women’s rights. The Dialogue has brought together women entrepreneurs, scientists, and innovators, promoting the socio-economic and regional development”, said Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.

“We have to join to expand the horizons of opportunity, support and nurture talent, inspire, and educate. Only in this way can we create a future where every woman has the chance to contribute to the innovation and prosperity of her country”, said Firuza Nurullozoda, First Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The final Central Asian Caucus aimed to review the outcomes of meetings held during the Kyrgyz Republic’s presidency. During this concluding meeting of women leaders, a resolution based on recommendations from the events held on May 23, October 4-5, and November 15 in Bishkek is planned for adoption. The meeting also featured a handover ceremony, marking the transfer of the Dialogue’s 2025 presidency from the Kyrgyz Republic to the Republic of Tajikistan.

About the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue: Established in December 2020, the Dialogue has been instrumental in enhancing the political, economic, and social roles of women in Central Asia. Each year’s presidency has driven progress in areas including digital transformation, regional cooperation, environmental sustainability, and women’s leadership.

Contact:
Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, Head of Communications, UNDP Kyrgyzstan
Email: Ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org