REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR A FUTURE FREE FROM VIOLENCE

On December 11, 2025, the annual Forum of the Central Asian Alliance — one of the most authoritative regional platforms in the field of gender equality and combating violence in Central Asia — was held at the Academy of Public Policy and Administration under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Forum served as an important platform for dialogue aimed at strengthening efforts to combat violence in the region, enhancing cooperation among countries, and identifying priority areas for 2026.

The Forum brought together representatives of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, the expert community, civil society institutions, and the media from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. At the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Chairperson of the Committee on Family and Women Zulaykho Makhkamova delivered remarks outlining the priority areas of the country’s gender policy. Participants were also welcomed by Sabine Mahl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan; Belen Sanz Luque, UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia; and Alisher Umarov, Vice-Rector of the Academy of Public Policy and Administration under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who wished the Forum every success.

This was followed by a presentation on the Forum’s first topic — the activities of the Central Asian Alliance aimed at eliminating gender-based violence. Alliance Coordinator Azhar Bergeneeva provided detailed information on the work carried out and the new approaches being implemented.

Several thematic sessions were held as part of the Forum. In particular, the first session focused on regional trends and best practices in combating gender-based violence. It presented recent developments and practical measures related to protection from violence in the five Central Asian countries.

The second session focused on the threats faced by women and girls in the modern digital environment, new forms of online violence, and the development of more effective proposals and protection mechanisms.

Dildora Olimjonovna Akhmedova, Press Secretary of the Republican Center for the Study of Public Opinion “Ijtimoiy Fikr,” also took part in this important Forum. The Center’s participation is of particular significance for advancing public opinion research in Uzbekistan, providing a scientific basis for gender equality reforms, and integrating digital analytics into practical work.