CAREC Gender Events 2025 - Women's Empowerment Online Platform

CAREC Women’s Business Forum 2025

The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program will hold the CAREC Women’s Business Forum 2025 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic on 21 October 2025 to discuss pivotal topics on gender-responsive green innovation in the region.

With the theme Together for Green Innovation and Gender Equality, the forum will bring together key experts on gender equality and green innovation, awardees of the CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awards 2025, members of the Regional Gender Expert Group, and development partners. The event was co-organized with the European Bank, Eldik Bank, OSCE Academy, UNDP, and Unison Group.

The forum is structured into four panel sessions, each co-hosted with partner organizations and featuring distinguished speakers and awardees from across the region:

Session 1: From Evidence to Action: Advancing Gender and Green Innovation in CAREC Climate Pathways, co-hosted with the OSCE Academy
Session 2: Financing Women-Led Green Innovation: Gender-Responsive Solutions for Climate Resilience, co-hosted with EBRD
Session 3: Driving Climate Resilience through Gender-Responsive Policies and Green Innovation, co-hosted with the UNDP office in Kyrgyz Republic
Session 4: Driving Climate Solutions Through Women-Led Green Innovation, co-hosted with Eldik Bank

The sessions will be uploaded on the Women’s Empowerment Online Platform after the event.

CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awards Ceremony 2025

The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Gender and Green Innovation Awards 2025 will celebrate 17 outstanding individuals and organizations in a prestigious ceremony in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic on 21 October.

The CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awards recognize individuals and organizations advancing gender equality through green innovation and technology, showcasing how green solutions can tackle climate challenges while fostering inclusive development. This year’s winners include seven individuals and 10 organizations that show how bold ideas can tackle climate change while also empowering women and communities.

Full details about the awardees can be found here.

The awards ceremony will have a live Zoom broadcast. You may join through the link below.

CAREC Gender Capacity Building Session

The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) will hold a Gender Capacity Building Session on 22 October 2025 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The session will be attended by CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awardees, members of the Regional Gender Expert Group, trainers, partner organization, and invited guests. The session will provide training to enhance the RGEG members’ knowledge and practical skills in designing, assessing, and implementing gender-responsive and socially inclusive climate policies. The session will also review and refine the proposed actions under the CAREC Regional Climate Change Gender Action Plan to ensure alignment with regional priorities, strengthen accountability through clear ownership, and establish realistic timelines for effective and coordinated implementation.

CAREC Regional Gender Expert Group Annual Meeting

Members of the CAREC Regional Gender Expert Group (RGEG) will convene for their 4th Annual Meeting on 22 October 2025 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The RGEG members will present progress in advancing gender equality and tackling climate-related challenges in their respective countries.

The RGEG is an advisory and consultative body for the gender cross-cutting theme in the CAREC Program, providing strategic guidance and expert input in implementing the CAREC Gender Strategy 2030 and the development of regional projects on women’s empowerment.

CAREC Women’s Business Forum: Together for Green Innovation and Gender Equality

Date: 21 October 2025
Venue: Grand Ballroom, L Floor (5th floor) Sheraton Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

Time	Item
08:30–14:00	CAREC EXPO: Green Innovation & Women’s Leadership co-hosted with UNISON Group Location: Hall next to the main conference room Showcasing innovative green solutions led by women entrepreneurs and women’s communities across the CAREC region The Green Commitment Wall invites participants to write and share their personal or organizational pledges to promote sustainable practices. Throughout the day: regional networking and informal collaboration spaces.
08:30–09:00	Registration and Welcome Coffee
09:00–09:15	Opening Remarks Master of Ceremonies: Ms. Nuraiym Ryskulova Speakers: Mr. Sultan Akhmatov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Zheng Wu, Country Director, ADB Resident Mission in Kyrgyz Republic, KGZ
09:15–09:30	CAREC Women's Business Forum: Objectives and Expectations Ms. Zulfia Karimova, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional Cooperation and Integration, CWRD, ADB.
9:30–10:30	Panel 1: From Evidence to Action: Advancing Gender and Green Innovation in CAREC Climate Pathways, co-hosted with the OSCE Academy This panel will draw on cutting-edge research and analysis to translate evidence into actionable insights at the intersection of gender equality, climate action, and green innovation in CAREC countries. It will highlight regional trends, gaps, and opportunities, providing a knowledge base for policymakers, businesses, and civil society while showcasing how women leaders and entrepreneurs are advancing sustainable practices and green technologies. Setting the Scene-Introductory speech on the theme: Dr. Sebastian Mayer, OSCE Academy Moderator: Dr. Roman Vakulchuk, a visiting lecturer at OSCE Academy, a visiting researcher at CAREC Institute in 2024. Head of Climate and Energy Group at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), Norway-Kazakhstan Panelists: Dr. Burulcha Sulaimanova, Head of Research and Training Department, OSCE Academy in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Sadiq Syed, Country Representative, UN Women Kyrgyz Republic Ms. Tara Uzra Dawood, Founder and Chairperson, LADIESFUND, CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awardee 2025 (Individual), Pakistan Ms. Khayala Miriyeva, CEO, CLIMASEL, CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awardee 2025 (Organization), Azerbaijan
10:30 – 10:45	Coffee-Break
10:45–11:45	Panel 2: Financing Women-Led Green Innovation: Gender-Responsive Solutions for Climate Resilience, co-hosted with EBRD This panel will examine how climate finance can accelerate women-led green innovation across the CAREC region. It will highlight gender-responsive financing mechanisms, present successful women-led enterprises driving sustainable development, and showcase best practices from international and local financial institutions. Setting the Scene – Introductory speech on the theme: Ms. Ayten Rustamova, Regional Head, Director for Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) *Moderator:* Ms. Altynai Abdyldaeva, Gender Officer (KGZ RM), CCGE, CCSD, ADB *Panelists:* Ms. Bermet Karabekova, Associate in the Advice for Small Businesses, EBRD, Kyrgyz Republic Ms. Muyassar Pulotova, Chief Executive Officer / Chairperson of the Management Board, IMON Microcredit Fund, CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awardee 2025 (Organization), Tajikistan Ms. Nazakat Aslanova, Deputy CEO & Chief Commercial Officer, FINCA Bank, Kyrgyz Republic Ms. Maya Kobalia, Head of Environmental and Social, JSC Micro Bank Crystal, CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awardee 2025 (Organization), Georgia
11:45–13:00	Group Photo and Lunch. Exhibition to showcase innovative green solutions led by women-led businesses and women’s communities.
13:00–14:00	Panel 3: Driving Climate Resilience through Gender-Responsive Policies and Green Innovation, co-hosted with UNDP office in Kyrgyz Republic This panel will explore how gender-responsive climate policies can drive sustainable development and foster green innovation across the CAREC region. It will examine policy frameworks, strategies, and best practices that integrate gender considerations into climate action, highlighting women leaders and entrepreneurs as central actors in advancing climate resilience and innovation. Setting the Scene–Introductory speech on the theme: Mr. Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Kyrgyz Republic *Moderator:* Ms. Samantha Hung, Director, Gender Equality Division, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD), ADB *Panelists:* Mr. Corneliu Eftodi, Regional Advisor, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, UNDP Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. "Advancing Gender Equality in STEM for Green Jobs: Eastern Europe and Central Asia’s Journey Toward a Just Transition" (online) Ms. Lira Zholdubaeva, UNDP Team Leader Environment, Climate Change, Energy “Empowering Communities: Gender-Responsive Climate and Energy Policies-Kyrgyzstan", Kyrgyz Republic Ms. Katja Schaefer, Inter-Regional Advisor, United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Global Solutions Division I Programme Development Branch I Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia (online) Mr. Jun Zhang, Shanxi Gender Development Solution (GDS), CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awardee 2025 (Organization), People's Republic of China
14:00-15:00	Panel 4: Driving Climate Solutions Through Women-Led Green Innovation, co-hosted with Eldik Bank Setting the Scene – Introductory speech on the theme: Ms. Aichurek Zhakypova, Deputy Chairperson of the Management Board of OJSC Eldik Bank *Moderator:* Ms. Nurzat Abdyrasulova, President, Unison Group, CAREC Gender and Climate Awardee 2024 *Panelists:* Ms. Enerelbuyan Naran, Project Coordinator, URECA LLC, CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awardee 2025 (Organization), Mongolia Ms. Dilorom Faizieva, Director, Indigo Yoshlar JF, CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awardee 2025 (Organization), Uzbekistan Ms. Dina Ogay, Founder and CEO, Helloeco LLP, CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awardee 2025 (Individual), Kazakhstan Mr. Rookh Niaz Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Brainbox Syndicate (Pvt.) Limited, CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awardee 2025 (Organization), Regional
15:00–15:15	Closing. Presentation of the most inspiring commitments from the wall and feedback collection. Ms. Zulfia Karimova, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, CWRD, ADB
15:15–15:30	Coffee Break and Networking

CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awards Ceremony & Dinner Reception

Date: 21 October 2025 | Venue: Grand Ballroom, L Floor (5th Floor) Sheraton Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Joined by awardees, jury, guest speakers, development partners, invited guests, ADB

Time	Item
18:30–19:00	Registration: Guests arrive and check-in for the event. Welcome etno bar and networking accompanied by local Folklore group
19:00-19:10	Opening Master of Ceremony: Welcome Remarks By: Mr. Bakyt Sydykov, Minister of Economy and Commerce, KGZ Ms. Samantha Hung, Director, CCGE, CCSD, ADB
19:10–19:20	*Key-Note Speaker* Ms. Dinara Kemelova, Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Mountain Agenda
19:20–19:30	Message from 2024 Award Winners Ms. Ayesha Amin, Founder and CEO, Baithak-Challenging Taboos, Pakistan Ms. Nurzat Abdyrasulova, President, Unison Group, CAREC Gender and Climate Awardee 2024 Previous award winners share their experiences and insights on how their projects have advanced gender equality in their respective countries and/or regionally.
19:30–19:35	Presenting the Award Introductory Video and Inviting the Jury on stage The video introduces the core ideas and objectives of the Award, followed by inspiring stories of the awardees. Mr. Bakyt Sydykov, Minister of Economy and Commerce, KGZ
19:35–19:55	Announcing Awardees: Individual Category and Presenting Medals The MC will introduce the awardees and invite them on stage; Mr. Bakyt Sydykov, Minister of Economy and Commerce, KGZ Ms. Samantha Hung, Director, CCGE, CCSD, ADB will present the award medals to them. After receiving the medals, each awardee will have one minute to share their acceptance speech.
19:55–20:10	Lightning Talks: Representatives of Individual Awardees Lightning Talks are designed to quickly share ideas, innovations, or insights with an audience. They provide a dynamic platform for showcasing the best practices and innovative contributions of the CAREC Award winners towards advancing gender equality and climate resilience. Lightning Talk 1: Ms. Gulshat Petrosova, Founder, Women in Business, Turkmenistan Lightning Talk 2: Ms. Aijan Chynybaeva, Founder, Bizdin Aymdar and Women In Tech, Kyrgyz Republic
20:10–20:30	Announcing Awardees: Organization Category and Presenting Medals Mr. Bakyt Sydykov, Minister of Economy and Commerce, KGZ Ms. Samantha Hung, Director, CCGE, CCSD, ADB will award medals to them. After receiving the medals, each awardee will have one minute to share their acceptance speech.
20:30–20:45	Lightning Talks: Representatives of Organization Awardees Lightning Talk 3: Ms. Shasenem Garlyyeva, Founder, Mirasly Senet (Craft Generation), Turkmenistan Lightning Talk 4: Ms. Mamlakat Sodikova, Head, Social Protection and Ecology Center “Shizhoatli Ayol”, Uzbekistan
20:45–20:50	*Closing, Group Photo & Evaluation*
20:50 – 22:00	*Dinner Reception*

Day 2: CAREC Gender Capacity Building Session

Date: 22 October | Venue: Supara Chunkurchak Ethnoresort , Kyrgyz Republic
Joined by awardees, trainers, co-host (UNDP), invited guests, ADB

Time	Item
8:00–9:00	Transportation from Sheraton Bishkek to Mountain Lodge Meet at the main lobby (estimated 1 hour travel time)
09:00–09:10	Registration: Guests arrive and register for the event
09:10–09:20	Welcome Remarks Ms. Zulfia Karimova, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional Cooperation and Integration, CWRD, ADB Ms. Lira Zholdubaeva, Environment, Climate Change, Energy Team Leader, UNDP
09:20–11:20	Capacity Building Session This session aims to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of CAREC Regional Gender Expert Group members in designing, assessing, and implementing gender-responsive and socially inclusive climate policies/p> Focus Areas: Just Transition in Climate Policy Concepts and principles of Just Transition. Gender equity and social inclusion as essential components. Readiness assessment frameworks applied to CAREC countries. Case study: Kyrgyz Republic NDC 3.0 and international experiences. GEDSI Mainstreaming Integrating gender, disability, and social inclusion into climate strategies. Practical application of GEDSI frameworks in policy design and monitoring. Case study: Kyrgyz Republic – GEDSI in NDC 3.0. *Facilitators:* Tiffany Sprague, Just Transition and Gender Equality Policy Expert and UNDP-UNICEF STEM4ALL platform coordinator, UNDP in Europe and Central Asia (online) Dr. Anna Arkhangelskaya, UNDP Energy Economist & Just Transition Consultant Ms. Baktygul Ysabekova, UNDP Climate Promise Project Coordinator Ms. Lira Zholdubaeva, Environment, Climate Change, Energy Team Leader, UNDP
11:20–11:30	*Coffee Break*
11:30 – 13:00	From Vision to Action: Co-Developing CAREC Regional Climate Change Gender Action Plan (RCC-GAP) This session aims to review and refine the proposed actions within the CAREC Regional Climate Change Gender Action Plan (RCC-GAP), ensuring alignment with regional priorities, fostering accountability through clear ownership, and establishing realistic timelines to drive effective and coordinated implementation. Framing the Discussion: Background on the alignment of the RCC-GAP, CAREC Gender Strategy 2030 and CAREC Climate Change Action Plan 2025 - 2027 Introduction of the methods and proposed actions of RCC-GAP Framework Group discussion to provide input to the proposed framework *Facilitator:* Dr. Binbin Wang, Associate Dean& Research Professor at Institute of Carbon Neutrality, and Founder of Climate Future Global Innovation Lab (C Force), Peking University, Yale World Fellow Holly Huo, Chief Operation Officer of Climate Future Global Innovation Lab (C Force), Peking University Xianshuang Zhang, CAREC Gender Specialist
13:00–14:00	*Lunch Break*

Day 2: CAREC Regional Gender Expert Group (RGEG) Annual Meeting

Date: 22 October | Venue: Supara Chunkurchak Ethnoresort, Kyrgyz Republic
Joined by CAREC RGEG members, invited guests, ADB

Time	Item
14:00–14:10	Welcome Remarks  Ms. Zulfia Karimova, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional Cooperation and Integration, CWRD, ADB Ms. Zhaynagul Azamatova, CAREC RGEG Member, Head of the Business Environment Policy Department, Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic
14:10 - 15:10	Challenges and Opportunities in Advancing Gender Equality: Country Presentations focusing on Gender and Climate Nexus Each RGEG member will provide a 5-min presentation on the progress made in advancing gender equality and addressing challenges in the respective CAREC country. Ms. Ulker Omarova, Chief Adviser of International Relations and Protocol Service Department, State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs AZE Mr. Tamaz Tsiklauri, Senior Specialist, Administration of the Government of Georgia – GEO Ms. Bibigul Maserbayeva, Director General of the International Economic Cooperation Department, National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken" – KAZ Ms. Zhaynagul Azamatova, Head of the Business Environment Policy Department, Ministry of Economy and Commerce – KGZ Ms. Battsetseg Sukhbaatar, Head of the Sustainable Development Policy Department of the National Gender Commission, National Gender Committee, Government of Mongolia – MNG Mr. Muhammad Yousaf Shah, Director SW, Ministry of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan Ms. Nazarova Shakhlo, Deputy Head of the International Relations Department, Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government – TJK Ms. Shemshat Atajanova, Head of Division for Democracy and International Relations, Institute for State, Law and Democracy – TKM Ms. Saidova Lola Abduvahidovna, Chief Researcher, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President – UZB Moderated by Ms. Zulfia Karimova, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, CWRC, CWRD, ADB
15:10–15:20	*Coffee Break*
15:20–16:55	RGEG Consultation: Sustaining Momentum and Exploring New Avenues for the CAREC Gender Strategy 2030 As the current technical assistance (TA)1 phase concludes in 2025, this session convenes the RGEG to reflect on progress and chart a path forward for the CAREC Gender Strategy 2030. The discussion will focus on sustaining existing gender initiatives and identifying opportunities to mobilize resources for new ones. Three regional initiatives will be presented for feedback and suggestions, with the aim of strengthening regional collaboration, enhancing visibility, and deepening integration into CAREC’s operational clusters. ADB Gender Policy Consultation - Samantha Hung/Altynai Abdyldaeva, CCGE, CCSD, ADB (45 minutes) CAREC Regional Climate Change Gender Action Plan Consultation - presented by Xianshuang Zhang, CAREC Gender Specialist (20 minutes) CAREC Women Empowerment Online Platform - presented by Gulshat Raissova, CAREC Gender Specialist (15 minutes) CAREC Accelerating Gender Responsive Green Financing in the CAREC Region - presented by Asel Kubanychbekova, CAREC Gender Specialist (15 minutes) *Moderated by Ms. Zulfia Karimova, ADB*
16:55 – 17:00	*Closing Remarks and Group Photo* Ms. Zulfia Karimova, ADB
17:00–18:00	*Travel Back to Sheraton, Bishkek*