An agreement on cooperation within the framework of the implementation of the program for the period 2021-2025 and the Program Document were signed today between the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCST). The new phase of the partnership aims to promote education, health, environmental protection and emergency preparedness.

As highlighted in a press release distributed by the UN agency, the partnership between UNICEF and the NCCT has reached a new milestone with the signing of a new Cooperation Agreement, which reflects many of the key priority areas of the Country Cooperation Program between UNICEF and the Government of Turkmenistan for 2021-2025.

Within the framework of this agreement, a Program document for the period 2021-2022 was also signed, which is aimed at “Strengthening the educational, medical, sanitary and hygienic environment and emergency preparedness in vulnerable areas through the implementation of activities at the level of schools and local communities in the Aral Sea region Turkmenistan”.

Thus, the partnership will combine the technical expertise, capabilities and resources of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan and UNICEF to support a safe and clean environment, proper education, health, nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene services for children in Turkmenistan. This Program will use pilot solutions to address key barriers and apply best practices and innovative approaches through the Green Schools Program in areas most affected by the Aral Sea crisis, including the themes of climate change and disaster risk reduction. The Green Schools program provides a learning environment that inspires students to be creative, innovate and promote sustainable learning.

The policy document also includes strengthening the capacity of RCST specialists, based on international best practices in the field of climate change and disaster risk reduction. It will be carried out in close collaboration with key UNICEF partners, namely the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population.

Commenting on the signing of the documents, Acting UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan Alexandru Nartea emphasized:

“The National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan is a valuable partner for UNICEF in the areas of emergency preparedness, response, recovery and risk reduction, and we are pleased to expand our cooperation with a focus on health, education and the environment.