A joint meeting between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and its national partners in Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat. The event was attended by representatives of the Mejlis, the Ministry of Health and the Medical Industry, the State Committee on Statistics, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, and other agencies.
Participants summarized the work accomplished in 2025, focusing on progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Central to the discussions were issues of reproductive health, gender equality, the rights of women and youth, as well as the country’s demographic development.
In an interview with a “GA” correspondent, Kemal Goshliyev, Head of the UNFPA Country Office in Turkmenistan, shared his assessment of the outgoing year’s results and his vision for 2026.
“We consider 2025 to have been very successful. We focused on areas requiring special attention—namely gender equality, advancing women’s rights, ensuring their safety both within the family and outside the home, as well as improving the legislative framework in this sphere in accordance with modern requirements,” said K. Goshliyev.
In the next program cycle, UNFPA plans to expand cooperation with government institutions such as the Mejlis, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan to complement and strengthen current work plans. Particular attention will be given to a new strategic aspect—the use of demographic ‘dividends’.
“Youth make up half of Turkmenistan’s population, with an average age of 28. UNFPA is ready to apply its expertise so that the potential of these young people can be fully realized and directed toward the prosperity of the state and the well-being of civil society as a whole,” emphasized K. Goshliyev.
In conclusion, the Head of the UNFPA Country Office noted that cooperation with the UN is a cornerstone of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, creating favorable conditions for the socially oriented activities of the United Nations Population Fund.
“This extensive cooperation positively influences the overall climate of our partnership with government institutions on key issues of socio-economic development and the achievement of the SDGs. In this regard, I would like to express my gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, for their timely humanitarian initiatives, the deepening of international cooperation with the UN, and their enormous contribution to strengthening regional and global peace.”
