On October 21, 2025, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the National Institute of Education, with the support of UNICEF, began implementing the joint “Green School” program. After completing the first phase of dedicated seminars, an official launch ceremony was held in Ashgabat. In the initial phase, 20 pilot schools from across the country will participate in the program. The main goal of the project is to integrate ecological education and sustainable development principles into everyday school life, as well as to cultivate a culture of responsible and caring attitudes towards nature among students and teachers.
Within the program, school administrations and teachers will participate in practical training to develop ecological action plans and create environmental groups at schools. Participants will also receive guidance on environmental assessments, organizing informational and educational events, and drafting ecological codes that promote sustainable approaches in schools and local communities.
Maayke Biker, Acting Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Turkmenistan, noted: “The ‘Green School’ program helps children understand that their actions can improve the world. By encouraging schools to take practical steps like waste reduction, energy saving, and environmental awareness, we support nurturing a generation that values sustainable development and cares about its future.”
The “Green School” program is part of Turkmenistan’s efforts to integrate air and environmental protection issues into the national education system. This initiative supports fulfilling the country’s National Climate Change Strategy, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while inspiring children to take collective action for a clean and sustainable future.