Ambassador Palvanov Discusses Cooperation and Regional Initiatives with UNICEF Deputy Regional Director

The Embassy of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting between H.E. Mr. Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan, and Mr. Octavian Bivol, Deputy Regional Director of the UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

The parties reviewed the current state and future prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNICEF, with particular attention given to initiatives aimed at strengthening human capital, protecting children's rights, supporting young people, and advancing social policy.

The Ambassador underlined that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to cooperation with the United Nations and its specialized agencies, considering such engagement an integral part of the country's responsible contribution to the international community and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Special attention was devoted to investments in human capital and the well-being of children and young people. Ambassador Palvanov emphasized that the development of younger generations, social stability and economic prosperity are closely interconnected. He noted that investing in children's health, education, social protection and opportunities creates a healthy, skilled and resilient generation that serves as the foundation for long-term social stability, sustainable economic growth and national development.

Mr. Bivol positively highlighted Turkmenistan’s young demographic profile, noting that more than half of the country’s population is under the age of 30. He described this as a valuable national asset and a major source of future development potential. In this context, the sides agreed that sustained investment in the younger generation is essential to transforming this demographic advantage into greater social resilience, productivity and economic progress.

The discussion also focused on the initiative of the UNICEF Regional Office to organize in Brussels a presentation of the regional report "Generation 2050 in Central Asia." The Ambassador welcomed the initiative, describing it as both timely and highly relevant.

At the same time, he stressed that the proposed event should go beyond a traditional presentation of an analytical report. In his view, it should serve as a meaningful platform for high-level policy dialogue bringing together the countries of Central Asia, the institutions of the European Union, international financial institutions and development partners to discuss practical approaches to investing in human capital and strengthening regional cooperation.

For his part, Mr. Octavian Bivol highly appreciated the constructive partnership between UNICEF and Turkmenistan and expressed his gratitude for the country's continued support of UNICEF's national and regional programmes.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their mutual commitment to further strengthening cooperation in the areas of human capital development, child and youth well-being, and the implementation of joint regional initiatives.