Women's Rights and Demographics Focus of Regional Forum in Bukhara

Regional leaders and United Nations officials convened in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, for a forum dedicated to discussing the critical roles of women's rights, education, and demographic planning in shaping Asia's long-term development. The discussions were framed by World Bank data indicating that fewer than 5% of women globally enjoy full legal equality. Key topics included economic inclusion, labor participation, and healthcare access within societies experiencing rapid demographic changes. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted his country's progress, noting a significant rise in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law” index and increased female representation in public administration and higher education. UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita emphasized the importance of leveraging Central Asia's young population through effective human capital investment. She stressed that reliable demographic data, such as that from Uzbekistan's recent census, is essential for governments to tailor education, healthcare, and employment policies to the actual needs of women and youth. The forum underscored the direct link between gender equality, accurate demographic planning, and future economic resilience across the region.