The Turkmen delegation, headed by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, took part in the Doha Forum held in Qatar on 6–7 December during its visit to the country.
The Doha Forum is a global platform for dialogue that brings together leaders in policy to discuss the most pressing challenges facing the world and to build innovative and effective networks. Under the motto “Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity,” the Doha Forum promotes the exchange of ideas and discussions on policy development and practical recommendations.
Oguljahan Atabayeva participated in the forum’s thematic session titled “Protecting Children in New Era: Advancing Inclusive Humanitarian Response”.
In her speech, Oguljahan Atabayeva stated: “We live for our children; we create and build for a better life for future generations. Our people and our state show special care for children. As a Turkmen proverb says: ‘Honey is sweet, but a child is sweeter than honey.’ When we say ‘Children are our future,’ we also mean another proverb: ‘A child is precious, but raising him is even more precious.’ These wonderful examples of folk wisdom testify to the close link between caring for children and a responsible approach to raising the younger generation. Thus, child care and the traditions of their upbringing are an integral part of the ancient and rich heritage of our ancestors and the cultural identity of our people.”
She emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to preserving and improving national family values and to the patriotic and moral education of youth based on history, traditions, the experience of ancestors, and centuries-old ethical principles.
Turkmenistan’s state policy in this area is aimed at ensuring accessibility and adaptation of services. The government is working to create equal opportunities through access to state and public resources, including education, economic support, and legal protection.
“Our state pays special attention to the harmonious development of the younger generation and to modernizing legislation on children’s rights in line with contemporary requirements,” Atabayeva noted.
As was highlighted, the Foundation actively cooperates with similar organizations and authoritative international bodies, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This helps promote the humanistic principles of the Turkmen people worldwide.
In the four years since the Foundation was established, assistance and support have been provided to children affected by natural disasters in various countries. In Turkmenistan, many children in need have received treatment funded by the Foundation. This demonstrates that the noble traditions the Turkmen people have developed throughout their history — traditions that serve as an example for all — are worthily continued in the modern era. Concluding her speech, the Vice-President of the Foundation noted that Turkmenistan, as a neutral state, implements its national programs in accordance with its international obligations.
“All the areas I highlighted in my speech are of strategic significance for our country. At the same time, I would like to stress that the protection of motherhood and childhood, as well as care for the younger generation, stand out as key priorities. This programmatic vision fully reflects Turkmenistan’s national priorities. These priorities are not only central to state policy but also essential for shaping our national identity,” Atabayeva said.
The second question concerned the activities of the Charitable Foundation and the main purpose of its creation.
“Our Foundation was established on 29 March 2021 on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag. The Foundation’s goal is closely linked to the national spiritual and moral values, the philosophy of humanism, and the rich spiritual heritage of the Turkmen people,” Atabayeva explained.
“The Foundation’s activities are aimed at implementing specific programs and projects to support children and create the necessary conditions to protect their rights and interests. This includes medical care, access to quality education, healthy nutrition, environmental well-being, and many other areas. It is a comprehensive task. The Charitable Foundation is actively working to fulfill this task and participates in the implementation of state policy in this sphere,” the Vice-President noted.