Researchers from Turkmenistan took part in the first Forum of Women Scientists of Central Asia, ‘SheScience 2025,’ which was held on 27 November in Tashkent. This was reported by the news agency Orient.

A key document was signed in Tashkent – the Joint Communiqué of the ‘SheScience 2025’ Forum of Women Scientists, which lays the foundation for a new regional platform for scientific cooperation. The document identifies priority areas for the integration of scientific and innovative ecosystems in Central Asian countries and encourages the active participation of women scientists in joint research.

The event was also attended by participants from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. According to Shahlo Turdikulova, Vice-President of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, the Joint Communiqué is a ‘practical roadmap’ and identifies five key areas for creating sustainable scientific ecosystems capable of responding to regional challenges, including environmental risks, digital transformation and the introduction of AI.

The forum, organised by the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan with the support of international partners, brought together scientists, politicians, donors and heads of scientific organisations to strengthen regional cooperation in science and innovation. International partners such as the World Bank and ADB presented opportunities for funding and participation in major programmes, including ‘Horizon Europe’, ‘Erasmus+’ and ‘CAREC’.

Participants noted the need to move from fragmented research to systematic regional cooperation, which will accelerate human capital development and enhance the region's competitiveness. Panel discussions focused on priority areas for cooperation: AI and joint data platforms, ‘green’ technologies, commercialisation of science, and cross-border start-ups.

The communiqué also lays the foundation for an annual rotating forum, ensuring the sustainability of the platform being created.