Second meeting of OTS Ministers and Heads of Institutions in Charge of Family Affairs and Social Policy concludes

The 2nd meeting of Ministers and Heads of Institutions in Charge of Family Affairs and Social Policy of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) concluded in Baku.

The event included the opening ceremony of the Young Family Forum, which brought together official representatives from the OTS member states.

Farah Aliyeva, Head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism and Religious Issues of the Presidential Administration, delivered President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the participants.

In her speech, Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, highlighted the deep-rooted family values across the Turkic world, stating, “Family is a symbol of loyalty, sacrifice, and honor in Turkish geography.” She also emphasized that “the return to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories following the Patriotic War has created a valuable opportunity for revitalizing the institution of the family.”

The session further featured a meeting of the ministers.

Distinguished speakers included Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS); Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Türkiye’s Minister of Family and Social Services; Kairat Kambarov, Chairman of the Committee on Youth and Family Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan; Kiyal Zhanuzakova, Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan; Rano Turdiboeva, Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan; and Sadık Gardiyanoğlu, Minister of Labor and Social Security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The speakers described family values as spiritual pillars uniting the Turkic states and serving as the strong foundation of their societies. They stressed that supporting women in all areas is crucial for societal progress. When women are empowered, they contribute more to the economy, improve health outcomes, and enhance social and political participation - ultimately leading to a healthier and more sustainable society. “This meeting held in Azerbaijan is a testament to our commitment to working together in collaboration and solidarity for the future of women and society as a whole,” they stated.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué.

Following the session, representatives of the member states viewed an exhibition showcasing the national attributes of the Turkic states.