From the 5^th to 15^th of June, 2024, local experts of municipalities responsible for emergency preparedness and response, fire safety and construction, preschool and secondary school education, administrators, teachers and technical staff of comprehensive schools took part in activities to strengthen capacity for emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction.

Events across the country were organized by UNICEF Turkmenistan with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Education and local hakimliks and brought together more than 67 participants from Ashgabat city, as well as from Ahal, Mary, Lebap, Balkan and Dashoguz velayats.

The events were conducted by the UNICEF National Consultant with the support of the UNICEF Emergency and Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist. They were supported by the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan to enhance the preparedness and resilience of communities and institutions in the face of potential natural disasters, ensuring the protection and well-being of children and other vulnerable groups.

The training used an interactive approach to facilitate dialogue between different partners to ensure that children’s needs and rights are at the centre of emergency preparedness and response. The training also aimed to develop a child-sensitive, multi-sectoral approach to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, which is reflected in emergency preparedness activities at the local and regional levels. The sessions also addressed mitigation measures to reduce the risks of gender inequality in emergency situations.