Donors to Joint SDG Fund are acquainted with UN-Turkmenistan Joint Programme on social services

The meeting brought together the Permanent Representatives to UN and Ambassadors to Turkmenistan of the states and multilateral organizations financially contributing to the Global Joint SDG Fund, the members of the UN Country Team and the high-level officials of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population of Turkmenistan, a leading national partner in the Joint Programme.

Ms. Aksoltan Atayeva, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations was invited to make a keynote statement at the event.

“As the UN in Turkmenistan, we are especially proud to have received the funding from the Joint SDG Fund within the first call for proposals launched last year and focused on integrated policy solutions for social protection and addressing the main principle of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - Leaving No One Behind.” – stressed Elena Panova, UN RC in Turkmenistan, while opening the meeting. 

In the course of the meeting, the Heads of UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA and UNODC – the four agencies participating in the programme – presented the goals, objectives and results achieved to-date in implementation of the Joint Programme.

All speakers emphasized the importance of the joint program for the country and its vulnerable population, especially in the times of great challenge the world is facing now due to the evolving pandemic. They expressed appreciation to the SDG Fund’s donor countries for helping the UN member states realize their national development priorities within the framework of 2030 Agenda.

The Joint SDG Fund, established by the UN Secretary General, supports countries in accelerating progress towards SDGs by integrating economic, social and environmental policies and applying multi-dimensional and cross-sectoral approach to complex social challenges. It serves as an effective mechanism to leverage efforts of new generation UN Country Teams in their support to help countries deliver the SDGs.

In Turkmenistan, the Joint Programme aims to develop the system, in which cash benefits and residential care services will be complemented by inclusive community-based social services to empower vulnerable people to lead independent lives within their communities. It will further expand the significance of social work within the transformed system of social service delivery in the country that reaches out to the most vulnerable and addresses their specific needs.

“By advancing human rights and tackling inequalities, exclusion and vulnerability, the results of this Joint Programme will benefit those left furthest behind. And this is the end objective of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development” – said Ms. Panova concluding her statement.