Strengthening Regional Cooperation through Women’s Entrepreneurship in Tourism

On June 4-5, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) provided support to the International Business Women Association (IBWA) during the Third Central Asian Forum of Women Entrepreneurs – Women in Tourism 2026, held in Nukus, Karakalpakstan.

This two-day forum aimed to empower women's roles and potential in Central Asia's tourism sector. The activities conducted during the event, included the exchange of best practices, the introduction of a new transboundary co-operation framework, a platform to design joint business projects, networking opportunities, and the introduction of innovative tools to enhance unique tourism products on a regional level.

Participants included Central Asian women entrepreneurs, representatives from government agencies, international experts in the field, businesses interested in collaboration, development partner organizations, and media.

Discussions focused on how women could strengthen their capacities, expand opportunities, and transition from local small entrepreneurs to global market players. The second day featured field visits to several notable locations in Nukus and surrounding areas.

Senior Project Officer Andrew Yurkovsky addressed the audience by reflecting on PCUz's long-standing support for women’s economic empowerment through various initiatives across the country. “In recent years, we have collaborated with national and local partners to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities, particularly in the regions. Our activities have included programs aimed at improving digital and computer literacy, enhancing access to e-commerce opportunities, and building financial literacy and business management skills,” said Andrew.

For many years PCUz has been collaborating with partners in Uzbekistan, like the IBWA, to strengthen women's economic empowerment and capacity building in various aspects of their career development and social well-being.