The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care strengthened its international humanitarian engagement on 25 June by holding separate meetings with senior representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), China and the State of Palestine, underscoring its growing role in advancing children’s healthcare, social welfare and international cooperation. The information was provided by TDH.
Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Affairs of the Foundation, met with UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan Narine Saakyan, Chinese Ambassador Ji Shumin, and Palestinian Ambassador Rana Abu Hijleh to discuss expanding collaboration in humanitarian and healthcare initiatives.
During the meeting with the UNDP Resident Representative, both sides reviewed the long-standing partnership between Turkmenistan and UNDP, highlighting joint projects that contribute to the country’s socio-economic development and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Foundation emphasized that improving public well-being, healthcare and social protection remains central to its cooperation with international organizations. UNDP reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting Turkmenistan’s initiatives, while also commending the Foundation’s work in providing medical and social assistance to children. The discussions also noted the Foundation’s ongoing cooperation with UNICEF under a memorandum signed last year.
Talks with the Chinese ambassador focused on the expanding humanitarian dimension of Turkmen-Chinese relations. The sides recalled the Foundation delegation’s visit to Beijing in August last year, during which a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, and highlighted continued exchanges in children’s healthcare and medical education, including the recent visit of a delegation from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine to Turkmenistan. Both sides expressed interest in developing new joint initiatives to promote children’s health.
Meeting with the Palestinian ambassador, Atabayeva reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to humanitarian principles, noting that the Foundation’s mission of supporting children reflects the country’s broader emphasis on peace, sustainable development and social welfare. Ambassador Rana Abu Hijleh thanked the leadership of Turkmenistan for humanitarian assistance delivered to the Palestinian people through the Foundation and praised its growing international humanitarian role. The two sides also discussed further cooperation in humanitarian activities.
Following the meetings, the Foundation signed a contract with the Turkish company Gap Inşaat Yatirim ve Diş Ticaret A.Ş. for the modernization and reconstruction of a school in the city of Arkadag, as well as the construction of a new sports complex and a 320-child kindergarten on the school grounds. According to TDH, the project reflects the Foundation’s continuing investment in modern educational and social infrastructure to support the development and well-being of children in Turkmenistan. /// nCa, 26 June 2026