Historic Women’s Forum kicks off in Azerbaijan's Lachin as part of ECO’s expanding vision

The first-ever Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Women’s Forum is underway in Lachin, forming part of a broader initiative known as ECO Week, launched by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to strengthen regional collaboration and sustainable development.

The Women's Forum is designed to foster cross-sectoral cooperation among ECO member states, aiming to expand opportunities for women in all areas of human development, Caliber.Az reports, referencing local media.

It seeks to reinforce the role of women in building inclusive, sustainable, and stable communities across the ECO region.

Participants at the forum are addressing a range of vital topics, including the role of women in promoting climate resilience, empowering girls and women through education, and advancing digital inclusion through innovation and experience-sharing. The event also serves as a valuable platform for dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge exchange between women leaders from ECO countries and international partner organisations.

The Economic Cooperation Organisation is a regional intergovernmental body focused on promoting economic, cultural, and trade cooperation among member states in Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. Both Azerbaijan and Iran are among its founding members.

The Women's Forum is part of a wider slate of events taking place during ECO Week, held from July 1–4 across several cities in Azerbaijan, culminating in the 17th ECO Summit on July 3–4 in Khankendi. The summit will bring together Heads of State and Government, ministers, observers, international partners, and special guests from non-member states, all committed to promoting development and prosperity through enhanced regional integration.

ECO Week is designed to highlight the themes of youth engagement, gender inclusion, and economic connectivity. On July 1, the ECO Youth Forum was held in Aghdam, focusing on the role of young people in regional development. ]

On July 2, alongside the Women's Forum in Lachin, the 6th ECO Business Forum is also taking place in Fuzuli, spotlighting investment and trade as essential drivers of sustainable growth across the ECO region.

By Tamilla Hasanova