AKIPRESS.COM - The unveiling of a new Training and Methodology Centre for Sustainable Development Goals took place at the Institute of International Relations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs September 1.

In a joint project between the UN and Government of Turkmenistan, the centre was set up with the goal of educating young people on the vital importance of SDGs. Ms. Shaheen Nilofer, Head of UNICEF in Turkmenistan, launched the centre on behalf of all UN agencies, UNDP in Turkmenistan said.

“We see the SDG Training and Methodology Centre as an essential vehicle to support national implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Turkmenistan and national commitments to sustainable development”, and that “there is a great expectation that Centre will open an international window to report and share Turkmenistan’s experiences and to receive and learn from others” said Ms. Nilofer at the launch.

It is envisioned that the centre will become a platform for learning and increasing the knowledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development throughout the country. This will be accomplished by training, development of methodology to teach SDGs, and interaction with civil servants, NGOs and the private sector. It is also anticipated that the new SDG Centre help develop curricula, guidance and reference materials for secondary, vocational and higher education institutions. A wide cross section of society attended the launch including students, parents, government representatives and UN staff.

Ms. Nilofer concluded her speech be asserting that “the UN Country Team in Turkmenistan fully supports the newly established SDG Centre and is willing to provide all possible assistance and cooperation to the national partners in the realization of above mentioned objectives.”