On June 7, 2024, the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) hosted a roundtable on "The Participation of Azerbaijani Women in International Platforms on Foreign Policy Issues: Challenges and Perspectives." The roundtable brought together representatives from the country's legislative and central executive authorities, civil society organizations, and universities specializing in this field.

Addressing the meeting, Farid Shafiyev, the Chairman of the Board of the AIR Center, emphasized the important role of gender equality in the system of international relations and highlighted the Azerbaijani government's special emphasis on the participation of women in the country's political, economic, and social life. He also noted the active involvement of female experts in shaping the country's political, economic, and social agenda, as well as their participation on international platforms.

Gulshan Pashayeva, the Board Member of the AIR Center, highlighted the importance of promoting the broader role of women in society and on the international stage for ensuring gender equality and protecting women's rights in the Republic of Azerbaijan. She emphasized the need for consistent efforts to encourage the effective participation of women in international platforms related to foreign policy issues.

Chair of the Committee on Family, Women, and Children's Affairs of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Professor Hijran Huseynova, noted that Azerbaijani women have played a significant role in the development of our nation throughout history. H. Huseynova said that the measures taken under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev were of a revolutionary nature. She emphasized that women had been actively representing Azerbaijan on international platforms, successfully conveying the realities of Azerbaijan to the global community, and advancing our national interests. She also highlighted President Ilham Aliyev's special attention to this field.

Aynur Sofiyeva, the Deputy Chair of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children's Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, noted that increasing the participation of women in the country's public and political life is one of the strategic issues standing high on the agenda of the Azerbaijani government.

"The representation of Azerbaijani women in the state governance and decision-making bodies is increasing. Azerbaijani women are representing our country with dignity on international platforms."

Shafa Gasimova, the Deputy Head of the Humanitarian and Social Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, pointed out that historically, diplomacy had been dominated by men. According to her, women's contributions to this field historically were often neglected.

She highlighted the crucial role of gender equality and women's empowerment in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in today's world. Gasimova stressed the need for systematically integrating gender perspectives into the 2030 Agenda and ensuring women's equal participation in decision-making processes, as emphasized by the 5th SDG. Board Member of the Social Research Center Tahira Allahyarova shared her views on the participation and representation of women in research, investigative, and intellectual centers, as well as in civil society organizations, on international platforms. She also spoke about the accomplishments and ongoing obstacles related to women's representation.

Aygun Hajiyeva, Advisor to the Vice-Rector for Government, External and Student Affairs at ADA University and Deputy Director of the Institute for Development and Diplomacy, stressed the increased activities of women on international platforms on foreign policy issues. She also shared statistical insights into the predominance of female students in the "International Relations" field at ADA University.

The roundtable then continued with a question and answer session.