Turkmenistan and the UN are Developing a Dialogue on Child Protection and Gender Equality
On November 13, a meeting was held at the Women's Union of Turkmenistan between Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Affairs at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, and Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan.
During the meeting, the Foundation's humanitarian work and preparations for a major international forum dedicated to the role of women in society were discussed.
UN diplomat Dmitry Shlapachenko praised the Foundation's humanitarian work aimed at protecting children's health and ensuring their well-being.
Foundation Vice President Oguljahan Atabayeva, in turn, emphasized that the Foundation places special emphasis on issues related to the health, development, education, and social security of children, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with existing specialized UN agencies.
The Foundation closely cooperates with the UNICEF office in Turkmenistan. A clear example of this cooperation was the signing of a corresponding document at an international conference marking the Foundation's 4th anniversary in March of this year.
The parties discussed in detail preparations for the International Conference "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation for Sustainable Development," scheduled for December in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.
The UN Resident Coordinator emphasized that holding this forum during the year of Turkmenistan's 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations enhances its significance. Dmitry Shlapachenko noted that the Avaza National Tourist Zone has become the venue for major international forums, confirming the international community's recognition of Turkmenistan's initiatives aimed at ensuring global peace and prosperity.
During the meeting, it was noted that women leaders occupy key positions in Turkmen society across various spheres, promoting the principles of gender equality. Turkmenistan takes a responsible approach to implementing gender policy targets.
Turkmenistan became the first in the region to initiate the creation of the Central Asian Women's Dialogue—a structure aimed at strengthening the role of women in ensuring sustainable development, peace, and security in the region. It was established on the initiative of National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council), Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, with the participation of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and the UN Development Programme.
Dmitry Shlapachenko confirmed that the UN highly values and supports Turkmenistan's efforts to ensure gender equality, including women's access to quality healthcare and education, TDH reports.
