The 3rd International Women’s Forum was held on 30th May of 2025 at the Yekaterinburg International Exhibition Center, Russia, to strengthen the position of women in the civil and political life of the state and enhance their role in the development of society. The forum was organized by the Government of the Sverdlovsk region jointly with the Sverdlovsk regional branch of the All-Russian public state organization “Union of Women of Russia” under the auspices of the Russian Federation’s chairmanship of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai cooperation organization member states.
The event was attended by representatives of state authorities from the Russian Federation, foreign countries, international organizations, women leaders of social innovation, business and social circles, and figures from science, culture, education, and healthcare.
The forum’s business program included events in the thematic track’s “family”, “women in science and education”, “women and business”, “women, health and wellbeing”, “women and civic and patriotic education”, “women and international humanitarian cooperation”, “spiritual foundations of family and society”, “family law”, “women in agriculture”, and “international youth cooperation”. The forum featured an exhibition offering a wide range of valuable and innovative products for children and women.
Mrs. Fatemi, International Affairs Advisor to the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, attended the forum as an honorary guest and participated in the panel on "Spiritual Foundations of Family and Society." Addressing the challenges facing the family institution in the modern era, Mrs Fatemi emphasized the need to strengthen this fundamental unit. She noted that rapid advancements in technology, migration, urbanization, demographic shifts, and climate change, while creating opportunities, have also posed severe difficulties to family structures and relationships. These transformations have weakened cultural and social bonds, diminishing the sense of identity and family cohesion. She emphasised that developing effective strategies to empower families and enhance their resilience in the face of change is an undeniable necessity. Families must redefine their roles to adapt to these shifts, as the vulnerability of families means the vulnerability of the entire society.
Referring to Article 10 of Iran’s Constitution, the country’s general policies, and the directives of the Supreme Leader, Mrs Fatemi stated that in the Islamic Republic of Iran, all laws and executive programs are designed to strengthen the family institution. She added that without healthy, dynamic, and vibrant families, societal progress—especially in cultural fields—will not be achievable. Accordingly, Iran’s 20-Year Vision Document and the 7th Development Plan recognize the family as the core unit of society and the foundation of sustainable development. Policies are thus centred on consolidating family structures, increasing resilience, and preserving moral and cultural values. Additionally, the Fundamental Transformation Document of Education considers families as key partners in child-bearing, with strengthened parental involvement being a primary goal.
Mrs. Fatemi highlighted that laws alone won’t suffice and strengthening families requires cultural discourse, improved communication and social skills, and the promotion of spiritual lifestyles. These efforts must be carried out through active public participation and based on society’s real needs.
Despite the unjust and coercive measures, she noted that the Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs strives to create frameworks that enhance family capabilities, flexibility, and the internalisation of moral values for broader societal transmission.
In her concluding remarks, Mrs. Fatemi expressed deep concern over the status of Palestinian women and children, urging the international community to take immediate action for peace in Gaza. She stated that while the world makes an effort to strengthen families, Palestinians endure oppression and widespread violence, necessitating a strong international response.
It is worth mentioning that on the sideline of the forum, an exhibition of innovative and beneficial products for women and children was held, showcasing advancements in support of family welfare.