On 16 December, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, concluded an official visit to Turkmenistan.
During the visit, De Dominicis met with government officials, including the Deputy Chairpersons of the Cabinet of Ministers H.E. Bayramgul Orazdurdyyeva; and H.E. Hojamyrat Geldimyradov; the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan, Ms. Yazdursun Gurbannazarova and the Hyakim of Mary Velayat, Mr. Dowranberdi Annaberdiyev.
De Dominicis commended the Government and partners on their commitment to advancing children’s rights and well-being, and renewed commitment and collaboration on the shared priorities under the forthcoming UNICEF Country Programme 2026–2030, including early childhood development, disability inclusion and care, climate-resilient “Green Schools,” youth engagement and strengthening public finance for children.
De Dominicis travelled to Mary Velayat where she visited the Velayat Children’s Hospital and House of Health No. 3. She met with frontline service providers, children and parents, and witnessed the impact of investing in maternal, child health, and early childhood development services.
In Ashgabat, De Dominicis visited Pilot Inclusive School No. 74, where she met with children who shared their experiences of learning in an inclusive environment and saw the positive impact of individualized support from teachers, parents and specialists.
De Dominicis participated in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, highlighting the importance of placing children at the center of sustainable development and peacebuilding.
The mission concluded with a meeting with Ms. Yazdursun Gurbannazarova, Ombudsman of Turkmenistan, where UNICEF reaffirmed its support to monitoring children’s rights and advancing the implementation of the 2024 CRC Concluding Observations.
“My visit to Turkmenistan has been deeply enriching. I am grateful for the warm hospitality of the Turkmen people and encouraged by the Government’s continued commitment and investment in children’s rights and well-being. Efforts such as early developmental screening, facilitating inclusive learning environments and building a cadre of social workers are making a very real difference to children and families who are most in need of support,” said Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. “I look forward to strengthening our collaboration to expand these initiatives so that every child in Turkmenistan can grow, learn and thrive.”
UNICEF remains committed to working closely with the Government of Turkmenistan and partners to advance lasting results for every child.
