Oriented on making people closer

On October 25, Narine Saakyan, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan, and Tomica Paovic, Deputy Resident Representative, traveled to the Lebap province to participate in a marathon dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN.

The marathons were organized in all five provinces of Turkmenistan to demonstrate community engagement, solidarity, and the UN's commitment to peace, healthy lifestyles, and sustainable development.

During the visit, UNDP leadership met with Shokhrat Khodjanazarov, Deputy Governor of the Lebap Velayat, to discuss ongoing cooperation on the joint project "Conservation and Sustainable Management of High-Value Land Resources and Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits," funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP jointly with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.

Commenting on the meeting's outcomes, Ms. Saakyan noted: "The Aral Sea crisis is not only a problem for Turkmenistan, but also a regional and global environmental issue with transboundary implications for water security, ecosystems, and rural livelihoods. Our discussions with regional leaders confirmed the importance of strategic partnerships at the local level to ensure that sustainable land management and ecosystem conservation deliver tangible results for local communities, particularly women and youth, while simultaneously strengthening regional resilience."

Narine Saakyan also met with women beneficiaries of the UNDP Aral Sea project, including members of a beekeepers' initiative group who demonstrate how local communities are developing alternative, climate-resilient livelihoods.

"Meetings with rural women are always inspiring. Through technical training, mentoring, and support for innovative, climate-resilient activities, UNDP helps women develop skills, strengthen their businesses, and build resilient communities." “This work not only promotes women’s economic empowerment but also helps rural communities better adapt to the ongoing impacts of the Aral Sea crisis,” Ms. Saakyan emphasized.

Later, Narine Saakyan participated in the awards ceremony for the winners of the "Green Ideas: Women and Climate" competition, organized as part of the aforementioned joint project. The competition encouraged residents of the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats to develop innovative, climate-resilient business ideas aimed at strengthening the local economy and promoting women's participation in decision-making processes.

Concurrently, Tomica Paovic participated in the official launch of the second phase of the "Future Skills Academy" initiative in Turkmenabat. The event was organized as part of the national country component of the regional project "Promoting Resilient Communities to Prevent Violent Extremism in Central Asia," funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan.

During the event, young people learned about the goals of the Academy, the courses offered, the application process, and opportunities for mentoring and practical training.

The session also included an interactive employment program aimed at improving youth labor market readiness and interview success. In conjunction with the Academy's launch, a "Connect and Impress" job fair was held, where employers, youth, and local partners exchanged contacts, received consultations, and discussed employment prospects in the region.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Paovic noted: "The Future Skills Academy helps young people across the country acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for successful employment. Through high-quality online courses, mentoring, practical opportunities, and interactive interview training, we support young people in building sustainable careers and developing their communities."

ORIENT

Photo: ПРООН