The Eurasian Women’s Forum 2024 (EAWF) represents an opportunity to show the world Russia's welcoming nature, clearly reflected in the women of the country, President Vladimir Putin declared at the opening ceremony of the event in St. Petersburg on Wednesday.
Putin praised the forum as one of the major international events demonstrating women’s potential and capabilities, and the “colossal constructive role in all fields of our life” that women play. The EAWF promotes sustainable development and global security, he said, adding that its participants’ commitment to the principles of cooperation and peace makes it more popular with each passing year.
This year's EAWF, which is being held for the fourth time, has attracted over 2,000 participants, including 600 foreign guests from 126 countries and international organizations, according to Valentina Matvienko, the head of the Russian Federation Council and former St. Petersburg governor.
The president also praised the participants' diverse backgrounds, noting that every Russian region is represented at the event.
“Russian women reveal the soul of Russia, its beauty, attractiveness, warmth, mercy, and spiritual generosity,” Putin said, calling his nation “an open, welcoming country that… places high value on dialogue, trust, and friendship.”
“We respect the diversity and uniqueness of the world’s countries and people.”
Putin also thanked all the Russian women for their work for the benefit of the country and their “fabulous creative energy.” Progress, welfare, and harmony cannot be achieved without women, he said, adding that it is also true for genuine sustainable peace.
The forum was created in 2015 as a platform promoting the role of female leaders in the modern world and has been held every three years since. According to Putin, the event has given rise to “many concrete initiatives,” including deeper cooperation projects within BRICS and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.