Lachin – July 02, 2025
The First ECO Women Forum was held in Lachin City, Azerbaijan, under the theme “Enhancing the Role of Women for Building a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future.” The event brought together women leaders from across the ECO region and international organizations to foster dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge exchange.
Welcoming the participants, Ms. Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women. ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan highlighted the critical role of women in sustainable development, climate resilience, and economic growth, while also calling for integrating women’s voices into policy-making and enhancing their leadership to address global challenges. He further noted the importance of women’s perspectives in shaping the Strategic Objectives of ECO Vision 2035, which will serve as a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable development for the ECO region.
The Forum featured three thematic panel sessions that emphasized the transformative role of women in climate resilience, urban development, and sustainable growth. Discussions highlighted the need for women’s leadership in environmental governance, gender-responsive climate policies, and access to green finance.
As the Forum concluded, participants reaffirmed the importance of translating dialogue into action through coordinated policies, regional cooperation, and accountable implementation. Key discussions included equipping women with green skills, enhancing their leadership in community planning, and improving access to education, health, and governance roles.
