Ashgabat, 28 April 2020: United Nations Development Programme and Government of Turkmenistan held the round table to discuss the draft UNDP Country Programme Document for the period 2021-2025.

The meeting was attented by the representativies of Government, private sector, and NGO’s.

Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative a.i., Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator and Mr.  Akmyradov Magtymguly, representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the participants and confirmed the joint commitment towards continued cooperation between the UNDP and the Government of Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, the participants were introduced to the strategic priorities of new UNDP Country Programme. It was highlighted that the UNDP Country Programme Document for the period 2021-2025 is guided by the Sustainable Development Goals and derives from the UN-Government Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, signed on 14 March, 2020. The upcoming UNDP Country Programme is focusing on improvement of  the well-being of people with a special emphasis on:

•  Strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights;

• Enhancing economic diversification and stimulation of the private sector;

•  Improving the quality of people's health and social integration of people;

• Building the country’s resilience to climate and disaster risks through promoting mitigation and adaptation, sustainable management of water, land and natural resources.

In her speech Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative a.i., mentioned that: UNDP enjoys a long-standing and effective cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan. Our joint achievements within the framework of the current cooperation shapes the next five-year partnership priorities with a special focus on supporting SDGs and UN Cooperation Framework outcomes.

The round table participants provided valuable feedback and suggestions for further development of the document. It is expected that the UNDP Country Programme Document will be soon be finalized together with the Government of Turkmenistan and shared with UNDP Executive Board for approval.