The launch of a tool for assessing the national social protection system took place in Ashgabat. The initiative is being implemented by the Government of Turkmenistan, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the World Bank. It is aimed at improving the effectiveness of the social protection system in the country.

Participants were introduced to the implementation plan of the initiative, discussed the objectives and structure of the working group that will coordinate the process. Examples were also presented demonstrating how the tool helped reform social policy in Armenia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Alexandru Nartea, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Turkmenistan, emphasized that social protection is the foundation for inclusive growth and the national resilience.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, as well as staff from UNICEF Turkmenistan, the International Labour Organization, and the World Bank.