From May 13 to 15, 2026, the II Asian Women’s Forum was held in the city of Bukhara, Republic of Uzbekistan. Among the participants was Aigul Sadvokassova, Director General of the Institute for Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies and Doctor of Sociological Sciences.

The forum brought together high-ranking representatives from more than 20 countries and international organizations, including the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, international financial institutions, women parliamentarians from Asian countries, as well as representatives of governments and the diplomatic corps.

Approximately 250 participants attended the event, including women leaders, scholars, political scientists, representatives of civil society, business communities, and various sectors of the economy. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan sent a welcoming message to the forum participants, which was read at the opening ceremony by Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration.

As part of the forum, a session of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian Countries and Azerbaijan was held on the topic “Women’s Leadership in Science: Contemporary Challenges, Innovative Solutions, and Scientific Cooperation.” During the panel session, Aigul Sadvokassova delivered a presentation titled “Science Funding and the Innovation Ecosystem: The Kazakhstani Model and Opportunities for Regional Investment Cooperation.”

The discussion addressed issues related to the development of women’s leadership in science, the expansion of international scientific cooperation, support for innovative initiatives, as well as mechanisms for science funding and the creation of a sustainable innovation ecosystem in the countries of the region.

Following the forum, the Bukhara Declaration was adopted, aimed at strengthening the role of women in the socio-political, scientific, and socio-economic life of Asian countries, as well as promoting international cooperation.