In Turkmenistan, the project recently completed a series of awareness-raising workshops on gender-responsive trade facilitation. The workshops were held in Balkan and Lebap velayats over the course of the month of August for the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. As explained by the Trade Facilitation Programme Officer at ITC, Ms. Alina Fetisova, who designed the trainings: “The objective of these workshops is to allow trade policymakers, customs officers, and border officials understand why facilitating trade for women is important, while highlighting some of the constraints that women face when engaging in international trade. The trainings will also provide recommendations to enhance opportunities for women’s participation in trade and to create conducive border environments through trade facilitation reforms”. The workshop sessions were delivered by two local customs experts and attended by 46 representatives of customs services of the 2 velayats. These experts were first trained by ITC to then hold workshops for their fellow colleagues. Ms. Chemen Bayramova, trainer and representative of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan stated: “Understanding the gender dimension of cross-border trade and defining the role that civil servants can play in creating more sustainable trade environments is important. We are glad to receive this training and support from the Ready4Trade project". The series of trainings came after earlier consultations with governmental entities, business associations and private sector representatives in Central Asia. Findings showed that there was a strong demand for gender-focused activities in the area of trade, especially for cross-border trade. During the workshop, participants learned about the gender equality in cross-border trade, identified existing opportunities for change and reviewed the next steps that government agencies can take to address issues faced by women entrepreneurs. As highlighted by Mr. Rustam Alymov, ITC National Project Manager in Turkmenistan: “Addressing gender issues in cross-border trade is essential for the economic empowerment of women as workers, consumers and family members. New global evidence confirms that trade benefits women in several ways. For one, trade openness can improve women’s welfare: as firms grow and begin to engage in international trade, they can hire more employees and thus employ more women. Trade also creates better jobs for women, increasing wages and improving economic equality”. It is expected that the next training will take place in Ashgabat. The Ready4Trade Central Asia project is a joint initiative of the European Union and the International Trade Centre. Its aim is to contribute to the overall sustainable and inclusive economic development of Central Asia by boosting intra-regional and international trade in the region. Beneficiaries of the Ready4Trade Central Asia project include governments, small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular women-led enterprises, and Business Support Organizations. The project operates in 5 countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. More information: intracen.org/Ready4Trade.

Mr. Shlapachenko noted the active position of Turkmenistan in the international arena, the constructive participation of the country in resolving issues of global and regional nature through active cooperation with the United Nations and its structures. During the meeting, prospects for deepening the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the United Nations were discussed, especially in realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and implementation of the national development priorities, such as economic diversification, social protection, promotion and protecting human rights and addressing climate change impacts. Mr. Shlapachenko expressed the gratitude to H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, for the active support of the global initiatives proposed by the UN Secretary-General in the area of sustainable development and in the interests of human rights, including calls for the development of national responses to the coronavirus pandemic, taking decisive measures to prevent further climate change, Decade of Action, etc. Following the official ceremony of handing over of credentials signed by the UN Secretary-General and the meeting with H.E. the President of Turkmenistan, Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko addressed the media: “I am honoured to meet with H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and to take up my duties as the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. Let me confirm that I will make every effort to further strengthen strategic cooperation between the UN development system and Turkmenistan in all priority areas for the sustainable development of the country, for the prosperity of Turkmenistan and the well-being of the people of Turkmenistan”, noted Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko. Biographical note: Mr. Shlapachenko brings more than 25 years of experience in diplomacy, international cooperation, political and socio-economic affairs, development coordination, peacebuilding, and strategic planning to the position. At the United Nations, he was most recently Team Leader for the Horn of Africa and the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) at Headquarters in New York with the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). He also held leadership positions in Iraq, Kosovo, New York, Somalia, Tajikistan, and Vienna. He holds a bachelor and a master’s degree in international journalism as well as a doctorate in international relations from the University of Kyiv, Ukraine, a master’s degree in political science from the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, and a master’s degree in international relations from the London School of Economics in the UK. He also completed a fellowship in international journalism and public policy at Duke University in North Carolina, USA.

Svetlana, what are the goals and objectives of the new grant project "Exit of National Tuberculosis Programme of Turkmenistan from the Global Fund support by 2024" implemented jointly with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan? The Global Fund has been supporting the national efforts to control tuberculosis in Turkmenistan since 2010. Over the past 11 years, besides introducing the new methods of diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, huge efforts were made towards gradual transition to a full government financing of all grant activities. Today, the grant covers only the most complex programme activities, while the entire TB control program is funded by the Government of Turkmenistan. The project "Exit of National Tuberculosis Programme of Turkmenistan from the Global Fund support by 2024" aims at completing the transition of all grant activities to a full state funding by 2024. Until then, the grant will continue supporting the diagnosis and treatment of the most drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis (so-called XDR-TB[i]). In addition, in line with the national digitalization policy, the project will work on introducing an electronic TB register in the country. The project activities will also include support to treatment adherence for patients, which is a part of a big comprehensive program aimed at ensuring that each patient not only starts, but also completes a full course of treatment until his full recovery. Training programs for doctors and nurses will continue with the involvement of international expertise. The grant entails cooperation with a laboratory in Germany to align the work of the local laboratory network with the international standards. This is only a small part of the planned work. Svetlana, not many people know, but many are interested in learning about the history of tuberculosis: what is tuberculosis, when did it appear and who first announced the discovery of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (from Latin tuberculum - "tubercle") is an infectious disease, one of the most widespread in the world. The disease caused by various types of mycobacteria from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex group (better known as Koch's bacillus) can develop in both humans and animals, affecting the lungs and other organs. Tuberculosis accompanies people throughout the course of human history. For instance, signs of tuberculosis were found in the remains of a man who lived 5,000 BC. According to the WHO, about 10 million people in the world contract tuberculosis every year. For a very long time, tuberculosis was considered as a hereditary disease, and the recommendations for treatment were limited to spending more time outdoors and having healthy nutrition. For many years, the causative agent of the disease was not known. In 1882, after seventeen years of research Dr. Robert Koch discovered under a microscope the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. The bacteria was named in honor of its discoverer Bacillus of Koch, and since the mycobacterium in its appearance resembles a stick, it is sometimes called a tubercle bacillus. Thirteen years after the discovery of Koch, Wilhelm Roentgen discovered rays that could diagnose tuberculosis. Both scientists, Robert Koch and Wilhelm Roentgen, have received Nobel Prizes. To this day, X-ray and sputum examination remain the basis for TB diagnosis, but of course with the use of contemporary technologies. What methods of TB diagnosis exist today in the country with the help of the project? Today, it is hard to imagine that until recently the local TB laboratories used only sputum smear microscopy and manual cultures for the detection of Mtb. The TB laboratory diagnostics took up to 10-12 weeks. Currently, there are several highly sensitive, rapid and automated methods for TB diagnosis, including the methods to determine the susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to antituberculosis drugs. Like any living organism a mycobacterium tuberculosis tries to survive and adapt, thus it develops resistance to the drugs currently used for TB treatment. Therefore, once the disease is diagnosed it is important to conduct a drug-susceptibility testing to determine which treatment will be effective for each patient. Turkmenistan is carrying out the most modern laboratory diagnostic methods recommended by the World Health Organization. Moreover, these new methods are available in all velayats of the country. With the support of the grant and funding of the Government of Turkmenistan the TB laboratories in Ashgabat and in other parts of the country use such molecular genetic testing methods as GeneXpert and LPA, as well as conduct a Drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis against almost all anti-TB drugs using the BACTEC MGIT. Now, the diagnosis of TB can be done within 2 hours and the treatment can be administered immediately. Nowadays, the GeneXpert is considered as one of the most innovative methods for TB and other infectious diseases diagnosis. Could you please brief us on the key achievements of this joint UNDP project on control of tuberculosis? In addition to introducing the innovative methods for diagnosing tuberculosis, the project focused on the treatment of drug-resistant forms of disease. It is worth mentioning that up until recently the world health system was using those antibiotics for treatment of TB that had been in use since mid-1950 and 1960s. Unfortunately, these old types of drugs became ineffective against resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Only in 2012, the first new drug to treat TB in 50 years, Bedaquiline, appeared making a huge breakthrough in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis. This was followed by the release of another TB treatment medication- Delamanid. The world medicine does not stand still and every year more and more new effective drugs emerge. In Turkmenistan, the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis is carried out with the use of innovative drugs Bedaquiline, Delamanid, Linezolid and Clofazimine. All treatment regimens are in accordance with WHO recommendations. Now the project plans to introduce a new drug, Pretomanid, which also proved to be safe and effective. How to detect tuberculosis at an early stage? As a specialist what would you recommend if the first signs of disease emerge? Tuberculosis among all nations has a similar meaning in its name. For example, in Turkmen it is “inçekesel”, in Russian “chahotka”, meaning to dry out, to be exhausted. A person loses weight, weakens, becomes exhausted, though this happens at a later stage of TB disease. The early signs and symptoms of tuberculosis include coughing for two-three weeks or more, fever, weakness, and sweating. If you notice the first signs of tuberculosis, you should immediately contact your family doctor, who will direct you to a further medical examination: microscopy of sputum analysis, X-ray of the respiratory organs, etc. If the diagnosis of tuberculosis is confirmed, the patient will be referred to a tuberculosis dispensary for further examination and treatment. What are the preventive measures to reduce the risk of being infected? How to protect ourselves and our family? Tuberculosis is transmitted from an infected person to a susceptible person in airborne particles, called droplet nuclei, that is possible through coughing, sneezing, and talking. It is necessary to often ventilate the premises, means of transport, and practice a regular wet cleaning. A person who has signs of a respiratory illness should be examined and must always wear a mask. People around a sick person need to follow all precautionary measures. Tuberculosis affects all age groups including children, adults and elderly people. This disease does not recognize people’s social status. TB occurs more commonly in people with a weakened immune system. A number of factors cause a weak immune system: inadequate nutrition, the use of such toxic products as alcohol, tobacco and narcotics, concomitant diseases (HIV-infected people are especially susceptible to tuberculosis, as well as the patients with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer and diabetes mellitus). The prolonged use of hormonal drugs may also increase the risk of becoming sick. ! I want to emphasize that tuberculosis is a curable disease, so the most important is not to waste time and seek immediate medical attention. [i] More information about XDR-TB can be found at WHO website https://www.who.int/ru/news-room/q-a-detail/extensively-drug-resistant-tuberculosis-(tb)

An ordinary biology class in an ordinary Turkmen school. However, as you look closer, there’s something very unusual. All the educational visual aids of the classroom are made of plastic waste. Mahliye Kurbanova teaches biology – the study of life and living organisms. Giving children in-depth explanations on the diverse forms of life, Mahliye often focuses especially on ecology, how living organisms interact with their environment. Through the context of science, she increases children’s knowledge and interest in learning about the environment and emphasizes their role in ecosystem restoration and environmental protection. Together with her students Mahliye collects plastic waste from contaminated areas and turns them to DNA, human organs, amoebas, molecules, unicellular animals, vertebrates, and other illustrative material to supplement textbook learning and help students to grasp challenging scientific concepts. This hands-on experience not only helps students absorb the learning material, but also promotes behavioural change regarding rational consumption and waste management. Such teaching approach fosters students’ understanding of the purpose of reducing, reusing and recycling of plastic waste and helps them become responsible and caring members of their communities. “People’s habits in relation to plastic consumption and production have led to a drastic increase of plastic waste all over the world. Plastic harms our environment and poses threat to our health”- Mahliye notes. “Education plays an important role as it has the power to increase public awareness and knowledge and to promote environmentally favorable behavior to stop plastic pollution. Speaking about rational use of natural resources and engaging students in eco-friendly initiatives provides children with a chance of exploring their personal response to global environmental challenges.”  In addition, within other eco-friendly school initiatives Mahliye runs the extracurricular activity “Green Belt” aiming to develop an ecological culture and promote a healthy lifestyle among students and their parents. To emphasize the importance of repurposing waste Mahliye and her students give a second life to the collected plastic waste turning them into beautiful flowers. “We use discarded plastic bags and bottles collected from the polluted areas to create something useful and decorative”– she says. Mahliye proudly mentions that Koytendag School No 8 attaches great importance to developing environmental culture and education: “In line with the state educational policy aiming to ensure environmental well-being and educate young people in the spirit of respect for nature we often organize inspiring lessons on nature and the environment, keep our school clean by introducing cleaning days and teaching children how to handle waste to stop planet pollution.” Mahliye and other schoolteachers regularly organize lessons on environmental education, focusing on deepening student’s connection to nature, increasing their environmental awareness and understanding of such issues as climate change and plastic pollution and helping them to start being green and smart in their daily lives. Participation in the World Environment Day Public Information Campaign This year, Mahliye actively participated and won the “What will YOU do to stop plastic pollution?” video contest hosted by the UN Agencies in Turkmenistan in the framework of the public information campaign devoted to the World Environment Day, 5 June. As a result of the announced video contest, the UN Agencies received many fascinating videos demonstrating how individuals replace a plastic item with an eco-friendly alternative or suggest an idea of giving a second life to a single-use plastic product and reuse it to protect nature. “This UN video contest provided an excellent opportunity for me to demonstrate our initiatives and highlight the importance of the environmental threats facing our world. The fact that I became a winner inspired me and motivated to continue and initiate other eco-friendly ideas” -says Mahliye speaking about the impact the contest had on her. The Environmental education serves as the primary agent for social change towards sustainable development and paves the way for implementing the human development agenda. Within the same public campaign, the UNDP Country Office in Turkmenistan together with other UN colleagues held the educational session on environmental issues for children in “Altyn Damja” summer camp located in Gokdere. The event was organized by the Global Environment Fund (GEF)/UNDP Turkmenistan/Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan project "Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated Green Urban Development in Ashgabat and Awaza” in partnership with other UN Agencies, Ministry of Education, Society of Nature Protection of Turkmenistan and young Turkmen SDG Ambassadors. The activity aimed to raise ecological awareness among children and help them to start caring for nature, water resources and flora and fauna, as well as fostering a sustainability-oriented behavioral change. This informal approach of increasing children’s knowledge on waste management often applied by UNDP experts allows children to entertain and have a fun, while learning and developing a sense of wise consumption and rational use of resources. “The idea was in a game format to demonstrate children the threat plastic poses to our nature and our health, teach children environmentally friendly practices and make them understand that every little contribution counts in saving the planet” – said Jemal Durdykova, UNDP project specialist outlining the objectives of this educational activity. This Public Information Campaign was part of a range of ongoing UNDP initiatives supporting the national partners in their efforts to tackle the challenges of plastic pollution through changes in policy mechanisms, introduction of stronger monitoring systems, innovative initiatives and changes in consumer behavior. Broader picture Turkmenistan gives highest priority to the issues of climate change. Acknowledging the vital importance and urgency of addressing climate change issues in accordance with sustainable economic development, on a national and international level, Turkmenistan joined a number of UN Conventions on climate change and ratified Paris Climate Change Agreement to join the global efforts aiming to save the planet. The UNDP Country Office has been closely working with the Government of Turkmenistan to provide support in achieving its national priorities to address the climate change issues, focusing on water and land pollution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and greening populated areas to reduce the impact of air pollution, and implementing integrated low-carbon and climate resilient solutions. Within the UNDP interventions in support to the Government of Turkmenistan in the area of climate change, the Country Office leads the process of developing the effective mechanisms for improving mitigation and adaptation capacities of the country. In close cooperation with the national partners UNDP provides support in the development of the National Waste Management Strategy of Turkmenistan and revision the existing regulatory and normative documents in the field of air and water resources management and monitoring. Today, with the help of UNDP a large amount of plastic waste in the capital of the country is collected, sorted, and recycled. Last year the project organized the installation of recycling containers at educational institutions, parks and other public places, leading to the collection and further recycling of more than 50 tonnes of plastic waste. The campaign actively involved the public in plastic waste collection by offering them a tree seedling in exchange for 8 kg of plastic waste. Recognizing the critical importance of environmental education, UNDP also introduced to the Middle school education curriculum the adapted to the country context version of Climate Box – a UNDP learning toolkit providing important information on global climate change in an interesting, interactive and entertaining way. The Climate Box national version was prepared and adapted with the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan in the framework of UNDP regional project "Climate Box: Education and Awareness of Climate Change Issues", supported by the Russian Development Trust. More than 400 copies of Climate boxes have been distributed across the country. Hundreds of teachers were able to apply the acquired knowledge during the lessons of Ecology, Geography, History and Biology using interactive teaching methods and inspiring children to follow environmentally friendly lifestyle. In addition, UNDP Country office constantly initiates a series of informal conversations to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to a more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles. Such innovative initiatives help people understand the impact of human-caused pollution on people and ecosystem health and further boost discussions on how behavioral change towards sustainable lifestyle can lessen the problem. On the way to change Mahliye - our schoolteacher of biology is a young champion in promoting the ideas of rational use of natural resources, reasonable consumption and waste treatment through fund and engaging education. Mahliye inspires her students to start caring, get engaged and take an action introducing something very new for the local communities – promotion of environmental awareness and behavior change for nature. “The actions of each person contribute to the protection and preservation of our planet. The behavior of each of us matters and adds value to the national and global efforts. Now, when humanity is very close to the planetary catastrophe, behavioral change is not just a choice anymore, but an obligation of all of us to become green and sustainable” – says Mahliye.