During the round table, participants could hear presentations from the IOM Sub-Regional Coordinator for Central Asia - Zeynal Hajiyev and the Head of the IOM office in Ashgabat - Azat Atajanov. This roundtable was conducted in the framework of the regional project funded by the IOM Development Fund (IDF) to assist Central Asian countries to implement national API system. “The project was launched in 2020 and implemented in all Central Asia countries. During the implementation of this project, a detailed review of the legislation of Turkmenistan was completed and a number of recommendations were developed regarding amendments in the national legislation to create a basis for the implementation of API in the country. A series of technical consultations involving airlines and other partners were also held in the country, which strengthened national capacities to plan and implement the API implementation process. Two groups of specialists from the intergovernmental agencies had study tours to a number of European countries to study the international experience of API implementation process. The most significant is the fact that during the project implementation, a group of experts was created, which formed the basis of the National Working Group on the implementation of the API”, - Z. Hajiyev stressed during his speech. This round table is a concluding event implemented in the framework of the API regional project. The deputies of the relevant ministries who took part in the round table also expressed their interests and recommendations on further cooperation in the implementation of the API system in Turkmenistan. Deputy Chairman of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, Mr. Sahy Imamberdiev, noted the importance of continuing cooperation with IOM in the implementation of API in Turkmenistan in such areas as studying the experience of developing roadmaps for the implementation of API. Azat Atajanov, Head of IOM office in Turkmenistan, noted that: “Within the framework of this project, sufficient national capacity has been created in Turkmenistan to initiate the concrete plans in the API implementation process. API project can be considered as a potential candidate for co-financing project with the Government of Turkmenistan.

The official ceremony took place on Turkmenistan Neutrality Day. The agreement was signed on behalf of FAO by Viorel Gutu, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Central Asia, and on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan by Allanur Altyev, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Protection. Targeting Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the project, which is being implemented under the umbrella of the FAO-Turkey Partnership Programme on Food and Agriculture, (FTPP II), aims to increase capacities to analyse and improve the efficiency of small ruminant production systems in each participating country and the Central Asian subregion as a whole. The project will also establish innovative approaches to knowledge transfer for livestock holders such as Farmers Field Schools and direct coaching of farmers by national and international experts. Throughout its planned 36-month duration (up to April 2024), within the scope of the project development agents will be equipped with essential knowledge and skills, with particular attention paid to the involvement of  women and youth. The project will also benefit the development of the livestock sector in Turkmenistan in particular and the subregion in general, and will contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). About the FAO-Turkey Partnership Programmes The objectives of the FAO-Turkey Partnership Programmes are to provide support to ensure food security, rural poverty reduction and sustainable forest management; combat desertification; and preserve ecosystems in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as other countries of mutual interest. Established in 2007, the first phase of the FAO Turkey Partnership Programme on Food and Agriculture (FTPP) has benefitted from trust fund contributions totalling USD 10 million, financed by the Government of Turkey and represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. During the first phase of the programme, 28 projects were implemented in 16 countries between 2009 and 2015. In 2014, Turkey and FAO commenced the second phase of the FTPP along with the first phase of the FAO-Turkey Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP) with additional funding of USD 20 million, bringing Turkey’s total contribution to USD 30 million. LINKS: Introductory flyer of the Small Ruminants Project Project to increase the efficiency and sustainability of small ruminant production kicks off

The project marks the first delivery of medical equipment, which consists of advanced mobile x-rays, gastroscopy, duodenoscopy, colonoscopy and gastroscopy systems.  During the event, H.E. Mr Yamamoto Hiroyuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan, Mr Mohammad Fayyazi, UN Resident Coordinator a.i.,  Ms Freya von Groote, UNOPS Director of Austria Multi-Country Office and Representative of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan made statements. “I am convinced that this project will not only strengthen the healthcare system of Turkmenistan as a whole, but will also become a symbol of friendship, solidarity and mutual support between the Japanese and Turkmen peoples.” stated H.E. Mr. Yamamoto Hiroyuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan. “Today I note great progress, achieved jointly with the generous support of the Government of Japan and in cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan. I believe that the delivered equipment will facilitate improving the quality of and access to essential health services by strengthening the preparedness and response capacities of Turkmenistan’s health system.”, noted Mr Mohammad Fayyazi, UN Resident Coordinator a.i.. Moreover, Ms. Freya von Groote, Director of the UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office covering Turkmenistan, reaffirmed UNOPS’s commitment to continue working to build a better future for all, in collaboration with the Government of Turkmenistan, the UN system and other development partners, adding that “UNOPS looks forward to making a sustained and meaningful contribution towards the Sustainable Development Goals through this project, but also our broader mandate in infrastructure and procurement expertise as the operational arm of the UN.” UNOPS has been delivering the project for “Enhancing the Healthcare System through the Provision of Medical Equipment”, on behalf of the Government of Japan, who provided a generous contribution of USD 2.8 million. This project has been delivered as part of the implementation of the UN-Turkmenistan Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025, national Country Preparedness and Response Plan, and Immediate Socio-Economic Response Plan to Acute Infectious Disease Pandemic, endorsed at the highest level in 2020.

Around the world, presidents, ministers, government officials, and UNICEF representatives united with children and young people to commemorate the 75th anniversary. UNICEF Turkmenistan took part in celebrations by conducting various activities and joining a series of global initiatives with the participation of the Government, general population, former and current UNICEF team members, and youth. On December 11th, right on its birthday and on the eve of International Neutrality Day, UNICEF has signed thirteen workplans and one Memorandum of Understanding with fourteen national partners for 2022. Under the signed workplans UNICEF will expand the scope of cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan to achieve better results for children and families, taking into consideration the expected results of the Country Programme for the period of 2021-2025. UNICEF signed workplans with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, Mejlis Milli Gengesh, Institute of State, Law and Democracy, Ombudsperson’s Office, State Statistics Committee, Ministry of Adalat, State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, Women’s Union, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Sport and Youth Policy, and General Prosecutor’s Office, and Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of Health and medical industry. “It is no coincidence that we signed the workplans on the 75th birthday of UNICEF and on the eve of International Neutrality Day. UNICEF was one of the first UN agencies to work in newly Independent Turkmenistan, and thirty years later we remain committed to working together to ensure that children in Turkmenistan enjoy their rights and have the best future,” says Mohammad Fayyazi, UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan. As a part of the celebration of UNICEF 75th Anniversary Turkmenistan also joined the global #GoBlue campaign by illuminating “Berkarar” shopping and entertainment center in blue, alongside many landmarks around the world such as Eiffel Tower in Paris, Victoria Falls bridge in Zimbabwe, Empire State Building in New York and many more. In addition, residents of Ashgabat and velayats were able to feel the celebratory spirit by seeing the UNICEF anniversary logo projected on big screens across the country. This initiative aimed at marking UNICEF’s 75 years of unstoppable work for every child in the world and showcasing the support of the Government of Turkmenistan to the noble mandate of UNICEF.  Another global initiative joined by Turkmenistan was the inaugural Global Forum for Children and Youth (CY21), organized by UNICEF globally and co-hosted by the governments of Botswana and Sweden. During the event, a representative from Turkmenistan, young SDG Ambassador, and climate activist Lale Bayriyeva joined more than 230 speakers from over 80 countries. Turkmenistan’s segment in the session was aimed to share the successful experience of the country on integrating the climate change adaptation curriculum into primary and secondary education and strengthening the resilience of the youth of Turkmenistan towards the climate change impacts. During the event, UNICEF partners reaffirmed more than 100 commitments to accelerate results for children and young people.  The event was attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Republic of Botswana H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi, the Minister for International Development Cooperation of Sweden Matilda Elisabeth Ernkrans, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and education advocate Muzoon Almellehan, representatives of more than 200 organizations across businesses, philanthropy, civil society, and children and young people. Being one of the first UN agencies to operate in the country, UNICEF in Turkmenistan has almost thirty years of great accomplishments and results. To look back at this exciting journey, UNICEF Country Office launched a social media campaign “UNICEF in the retrospective” and relived the history of UNICEF’s work in Turkmenistan since 1994. Until the end of this year, social media accounts of UNICEF Turkmenistan will post quotes and stories from current and former staff, country Representatives, and Deputy Representatives as well as national partners, to share the wishes and aspirations of people who work to build a better world for children. “I am grateful to UNICEF for giving me an opportunity to have an experience in working for an international organization with such a noble mission. I am happy that I am able to contribute to achieving the aim of UNICEF to build a bright future for every child,” says Jemal Tanryberdiyeva, Administrative Assistant at UNICEF Turkmenistan Office. For 75 years, UNICEF around the world has been reaching children in need, protecting children’s rights to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential. In continuation of this amazing journey, UNICEF will continue to Respond, Reshape and Reimagine a better world for every child.