Rashid Alimov: “The SCO also has a female face. We all need a female perspective on our common future.” Beijing hosts the First SCO Women’s Forum

The First SCO Women's Forum began its work in Beijing on 16 May 2018. Over 200 delegates and dignitaries from 16 countries of the SCO Family, international organisations, and UN agencies, as well as scientists and business people came to discuss gender equality and the sustainable development of society. The central topic was "Uniting Women's Forces to Facilitate Joint Development."

At the opening ceremony, Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the PRC National People's Congress Ms Shen Yueyue commented on the SCO's high international prestige, its role in the international system of regional relations, and the challenges facing women. In this connection, Ms Shen called on Forum participants to strengthen pragmatic cooperation and build up humanitarian ties between women, based on the principles of the Shanghai Spirit, openness, inclusiveness and trust.

SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov noted in his remarks that the First SCO Women's Forum was being held at a historic moment, ahead of the SCO Summit in Qingdao, China. He also pointed out the special role of women in the context of the public and political organisational development of society, a role which was objectively increasing in importance. "Today, the level of women's participation in the economy is, on average, 49%. Female parliamentary representation stands at almost 20% and is on the increase. The proportion of women in ministerial positions is 10%. This clearly demonstrates the commitment of the leaders of our countries to international obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals, in ensuring effective gender equality and expanding women's rights and opportunities," he said, adding, "At the same time, we never forget that the dry and impersonal statistics hide our beloved mothers, wives and daughters, or relatives and friends. In many respects, it is they who fill our unpredictable world with hope, light, beauty, tenderness and love, who create harmony in the family and strengthen our confidence in the future… I am sure that the First SCO Women's Forum, which has attracted brilliant representatives of the international SCO Family, will elaborate a female perspective on our common future, and that is something all of us need so much."

The two-day forum will include three panel sessions: "Women and Innovative Development," "Women and the Wonderful World," and "Women and Mutually Beneficial Cooperation."

The First SCO Women's Forum is expected to adopt a statement.