Joint Action to Strengthen Social Services and Climate Action in Turkmenistan

In Turkmenistan, the Resident Coordinator has played an important role in pulling together all the agencies, funds and programmes of the UN country team to provide support and solutions to the needs of the Government and its people, ranging from social services to climate action. 
 
Working together with the Government, under the coordination of the Resident Coordinator and with funding provided by the Joint SDG Fund, a joint pilot programme of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) led to the passing of a new Law on Social Services that established the figure of the “social worker”, defining legal, organizational and financial terms. Funding for a cohort of 45 social workers from the 2022 state budget was approved. And a dedicated curriculum for university studies to provide necessary training is now in the works. In addition, coordinated efforts of the UN Country Team with public organizations, supported by different Government’s Ministries, engaged and empowered over 150 people with disabilities and members of vulnerable families through an Inclusive Sport Festival.

The Resident Coordinator has also led the UN Country Team to work in partnership with the national authorities and regional organizations, to help advance climate action across Turkmenistan. As a result, a new climate focused forum has been established for the UN and partners to come together and advance discussions and initiatives for the country. For example, Turkmenistan is now finalizing plans for the creation of a regional center for climate change mitigation technologies. 
 

 Watch the video below from the Resident Coordinator to learn more about results in Turkmenistan.