From March to June 2024, the UNFPA Office, together with other UN agencies in Turkmenistan, organized a comprehensive analysis of the situation of adolescents and youth in Turkmenistan. This analysis aimed at evaluation of the current Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development between Turkmenistan and the UN for 2021-2025, and development of the upcoming Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030.
This analysis is designed to improve the alignment of UN programs with national youth priorities and the UN youth strategy. The results of the analysis can serve as the basis for the development of a National Action Plan for Youth Development for 2026-2030.
As part of the analysis, online meetings were held in June 2024 with key ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan dealing with youth issues, as well as face-to-face discussions with young people to take into account their opinions and needs. The analysis was conducted under the guidance of UNFPA international expert Ms. Susanna Dakash.
The final analysis report will be presented on July 11 as part of World Population Day. This report will be a valuable tool for developing effective national policies and programs aimed at supporting and developing youth in Turkmenistan.
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The Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development between Turkmenistan and the UN (UNSDCF) serves as a strategic document defining the joint activities of the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN system in the country. The UNSDCF is developed on the basis of national development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The new UNSDCF for 2026-2030, building on the experience and achievements of the current program for 2021-2025, aims to achieve the SDGs and improve the quality of life for all citizens of Turkmenistan.
Ms. Susanna Dakash is an international expert on youth empowerment and the UN Youth, Peace and Security agenda. With 7 years of experience in international development, she has worked with UNFPA, UNDP and the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs in Europe, Central Asia and Arab countries. She also has 10 years of experience in the education sector in Finland, focusing on adolescents and youth.
Ms. Dakash has advised on youth policy, conducted research and data analysis, and contributed to the development of UN and government programs to improve the well-being of youth. She holds two master's degrees: in social psychology and in linguistics and pedagogy from the University of Helsinki. She is fluent in English, French and Arabic.
For more information, please contact the Head of UNFPA Office in Turkmenistan: Kemal Goshliyev, goshliyev@unfpa.org; +99312488326