On June 1, 2024, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a conference and exhibition organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to celebrate the International Day for Protection of Children. The exhibition included representatives from the Ministry of Culture, the United Nations Organization, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Ashgabat, the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan, Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, International University for the Humanities and Development, Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after D.Azady, as well as the Institute of International Relations. Children performed songs and poems promoting peace, brotherhood, and a happy childhood. Additionally, children from diplomatic missions of foreign countries and international organizations in Turkmenistan sang songs and recited poems in different languages, adding to the festive atmosphere.
During the conference, speeches were delivered by Mahri Bashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan; Beata Peksa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan; Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator for Turkmenistan; Alexandru Nartea, Acting Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan; John McGregor, Head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Center in Turkmenistan; Yazdursun Gurbannazarova, Ombudsperson for Human Rights in Turkmenistan; and Allanur Saryyev, doctor of the Department of Surgery of the Scientific-clinical Center for Maternal and Child Healthcare.
The speakers emphasized the significant efforts being made to support children socially in accordance with national legislation. Turkmenistan is recognized globally for its commitment to children’s welfare and security. The country’s international reputation is built on its care for people and positive state policies in child protection, comprehensive assistance, and support for vulnerable children, with special attention to their interests. Foreign representatives highly praised the work of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, initiated by our Hero Arkadag, in supporting vulnerable children. The charity fund has conducted over 140 operations since its establishment in 2021 and has provided “Ambulance” cars to children’s departments of hospitals in various regions of Turkmenistan. The representatives of various agencies of the United Nations operating in Turkmenistan have widely recognized the humanitarian work carried out by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care.
At the conclusion of the conference, an address to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was adopted on behalf of the event participants.
compiled by Kerem ALLABERDIYEV,
student of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
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