Ashgabat, 3 December 2021: UNDP and partners discussed mechanism for ensuring employment of people with disabilities in Turkmenistan at an online seminar marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the framework of the  project "Towards decent work for people with disabilities in Turkmenistan: transforming social enterprises into meaningful training and employment opportunities" implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan and the Blind and Deaf Society of Turkmenistan

The event brought together in an online format relevant national stakeholders at the national and regional level,  including representatives of Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Economy and Finance of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Adalat of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, Women's Union of Turkmenistan, Youth Union of Turkmenistan, Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan, Public association  "Yenme" and local administrations  of five velayats of the country. The seminar discussed prospects and practical aspects of ensuring employment of people with disabilities in the open labor market of Turkmenistan, building on the model of inclusive employment promoted as part of the above-mentioned project, as well as establishing a dialogue between all relevant stakeholders to promote partnerships with the public and private sector on this issue.

“As a result of today's meeting, we expect to establish a dialogue among all stakeholders to promote a model of employment of persons with disabilities in the open labor market of Turkmenistan, within which these people could receive decent education, including secondary vocational and higher education, and necessary professional skills that would be in demand and applicable in the labor market of Turkmenistan, both in the public and private sectors,” -  noted Mr. Rovshen Nurmuhamedov, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative in Turkmenistan.

***

The Project "Towards decent work for people with disabilities in Turkmenistan: transforming social enterprises into meaningful training and employment opportunities" is implemented by the UNDP in Turkmenistan jointly with the Blind and Deaf Society of Turkmenistan and is funded by the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund. The aim of this Project is to increase employment and income generation opportunities for people with visual and hearing disabilities through vocational training and creation of new employment opportunities. The project is designed for 2 years. The project is an integral part of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN for 2021-2025 and UNDP Turkmenistan Country Programme Document for 2021-2025, contributing to the achievement of specific results in improving the social protection system of Turkmenistan.