UN, Government sign a joint program on improving community-based social service delivery

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan signed the document, which will be the first ever joint programme to be implemented in Turkmenistan. 

Both officials noted the importance of implementing the joint programme aimed at improving the current system of social service delivery in Turkmenistan. The programme will reach out to the most vulnerable population, address their specific needs and support people to live independent lives in their communities.

“I am very pleased that we start a new joint programme, which is a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between UN and the Government of Turkmenistan. The programme results will contribute to realizing the core principle of the Agenda 2030 – to leave no one behind”, noted Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan.

The programme will pilot a number of specialized community-based social service models provided by trained social workers who will be engaged in identification, assessment and case management. 

The Joint Programme with a total budget of US$ 2.45 million was approved for funding by the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund – Joint SDG Fund – which will provide $1.92 million for the program activities.

The activities under the Programme will start in January 2020. UNICEF and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of Turkmenistan will be the lead agencies in the programme. Other implementing partners are UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC and the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Institute of State, Law and Democracy and NGOs