Strategic priorities of cooperation between the UN and Government of Turkmenistan in 2021 discussed

The UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Turkmenistan informed the participants on the overall cooperation priorities aimed at acceleration of the SDGs achievement in the country.  She particularly highlighted such cooperation priorities as  strengthening the public health system preparedness and response to the socio-economic impacts of the global covid-19 pandemic; further integration of SDGs in the national programmes and policies, financing for SDGs, as well as monitoring and reporting on SDG implementation progress; enhancing national disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction and the cooperation in promotion of human rights.

The UN agency Co-Chairs of the five Results Groups for the outcome areas of the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2021-2025 presented the priorities in the following areas:

• Enhanced governance and rule of law;
• Sustainable economic diversification;
• Strengthened environmental management and climate resilience;
• Quality, inclusive health and social protection;
• Quality education and skilling.

“Over the past period, the cooperation of Turkmenistan and the UN system has been comprehensive covering the most important areas of development. However, the global pandemic has added further challenges for the sustained progress on SDGs. The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2021-2025, which brings together 19 UN agencies, provides excellent platform for further scaling up the UN’s engagement in support to sustainable development of Turkmenistan in 2021 and beyond”, noted Ms. Christine Weigand, the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Turkmenistan.

Closing the meeting, Mr. Rashid Meredov, DPM, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan noted the importance of the joint work in order to achieve the identified strategic priorities within the UNSDCF and on a number of cross cutting issues.