The first panel of the international conference titled “Strengthening Women's Voices for Sustainable Development in the CICA Region” was dedicated to “Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Leveraging Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization.”

The panel was moderated by Ms. Nermin Ahangari, Head of Division at the Regional Security Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the importance of increasing women’s economic participation for sustainable development and invited the panelists to share their views.

The panel discussions focused on the development of women’s entrepreneurship, digital transformation of SMEs, and new opportunities created by artificial intelligence in this field.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Chairperson of the Family and Women’s Committee Ms. Zulaykho Mahkamova noted that strengthening women’s economic independence is one of the priority areas of state policy and that numerous programs and strategies are being implemented in this direction. She emphasized that digitalization increases efficiency in the business environment, particularly expanding women’s participation in IT and artificial intelligence sectors, and shared information about ongoing projects. Ms. Mahkamova highlighted that women’s education and economic independence play a key role in sustainable development and stressed the importance of continuing reforms and international cooperation. She also expressed confidence that strengthening cooperation and exchange of experience within the CICA region would further expand women’s participation in public life.

Sharing Türkiye’s experience, Minister of Family and Social Services Ms. Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş stated that women’s entrepreneurship in SMEs, artificial intelligence, and digitalization are among the key directions of global economic transformation. She highlighted that women entrepreneurs play a decisive role in increasing employment, accelerating economic growth, strengthening societies, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. She noted that while artificial intelligence creates new opportunities for SMEs, unequal access to finance, technology, and digital skills could deepen gender inequality.

The Minister further noted that Türkiye is implementing a comprehensive policy to empower women in the digital economy, including programs to enhance women’s digital skills, expand access to e-commerce, encourage participation in STEM fields, and strengthen women’s roles in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. She also stressed the importance of regional cooperation and experience sharing, describing support for women’s entrepreneurship as a strategic investment in global prosperity.