37
Today, a celebration was held here to mark the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. Cultural events, held on the festive square of the town, built on the initiative and efforts of the Hero-Arkadag, continued the series of significant events of the year “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds”.
As is known, in accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan dated March 29, 2021, the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship was established. Since its establishment, guided by humanistic principles, the Foundation has rendered comprehensive assistance to children in need of care and support. This event was a clear demonstration that the charitable traditions shaped by the Turkmen people throughout history are being worthy of continuation in the present day.
The celebrations marking the fifth anniversary of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship were historically significant in the year “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds”. This once again demonstrated the state’s continued commitment to preserving humanistic values and good national traditions.
At the beginning of the celebration, a congratulatory address from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the participants was read.
As emphasized in the address of the head of state, raising physically strong and spiritually rich happy generations and protecting the health of mothers and children in our independent country are among the priority areas of state policy. The establishment of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship is proof that every child in our sovereign state is surrounded by love and care.
Currently, issues of lending social support to children in need of care are a constant focus of the state. Particular attention is paid to the organizational, legal, and economic aspects of this activity. All this serves as clear confirmation that the noble traditions and humanistic values bequeathed by our wise ancestors are not only preserved but are also being worthy of development in the modern era.
During the event, the Decree of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on granting state awards of Turkmenistan to individuals who have demonstrated active participation in the development of charitable initiatives was read.
In a ceremonial setting, O. Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Affairs at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, presented “Arkadag” medals to Narine Saakyan, Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Program in Turkmenistan, and Jalpa Ratna, Head of the UNICEF Representative Office in Turkmenistan, congratulating them on their well-deserved awards. This is a sign of recognition of their contribution to promoting the charitable traditions of the Turkmen people and popularizing the country’s humanistic principles internationally.
UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan, Jalpa Ratna, warmly congratulated everyone on the 5th anniversary of the foundation, whose activities are primarily focused on philanthropy. She was noted to be honored to receive the state award at such a large-scale celebration of this significant date, taking place in a magnificent city with striking architectural beauty. This award inspires further active work to develop effective cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNICEF, the Representative emphasized, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the President of the country and Hero-Arkadag.
The festive event continued with a speech by Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan D. Gulmanova, who congratulated Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar on the anniversary of the establishment of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, noting that this event has become an important chapter in the modern history of the Turkmen people and a symbol of the revival of noble traditions.
Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B.Seyidova, cordially congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag on the 5th anniversary of the foundation, emphasizing that its activities reflect the centuries-old humanistic values of our people. At such historically significant moments, the country’s achievements and the happy lives of its citizens are especially evident.
UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan Narine Saakyan also congratulated everyone present on this significant occasion, noting that she was extremely proud to receive the state award as a sign of high trust and recognition. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the President and Hero-Arkadag, Saakyan emphasized that such events of historical significance are clear evidence of Turkmenistan’s commitment to humanistic principles.
Speeches by participants at the celebration, symbolizing the connection between eras and generations and the continuity of national values established by wise ancestors, included sincere congratulations and good wishes for the Charitable Foundation.
It was noted that since its inception, the Foundation, established on the initiative of Hero-Arkadag, has actively facilitated strengthening the health of the younger generation and the harmonious development of youth. This clearly demonstrates the triumph of humanistic ideals in our country in the modern era.
Speakers at the celebratory event expressed confidence in the Foundation’s continued success and pledged their efforts and skills to make a worthy contribution to the continuation of its noble endeavors.
Then the floor was given to O.Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Affairs at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, who noted her pleasure in speaking at a celebration dedicated to a significant date – the 5th anniversary of the Foundation’s establishment.
As emphasized, this cultural event allows us to see the world through the eyes of children and experience the purity of their hearts, filled with hope, trust, and sincerity. These values are an important part of society’s spiritual wealth and bring smiles to children’s faces.
It was noted that, thanks to the support of Hero-Arkadag and the tireless efforts of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, child care remains a priority for Turkmenistan. The state views the protection of the health of the younger generation, their harmonious physical and spiritual development, as essential for the sustainable development of society and consistently implements comprehensive measures in this direction.
The Historical Decree of the President of Turkmenistan “On the Establishment of a Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship”, signed on March 29, 2021, marked the beginning of a new phase of work in this area. The Vice President of the Foundation emphasized that its activities are based on the high humanistic traditions inherent in the Turkmen people, and naming the Foundation after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov lent it special significance, heightening the focus on the extensive work carried out in the interests of children.
Thanks to the efforts of the National Leader of the Turkmen People and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Foundation continues to actively develop its humanitarian work. As a result of the Foundation’s charitable programs, hundreds of children have received highly qualified medical care, including complex surgeries, treatment, rehabilitation, and preventive services. All of this serves as a clear manifestation of the state’s humanistic policy, said O.Atabaeva.
As emphasized, each of the Foundation’s initiatives, based on the principles of solidarity, compassion, and goodwill, makes a significant contribution to strengthening an atmosphere of mutual assistance, kindness, and humanism in society. At the same time, the Foundation’s international humanitarian activities have currently intensified and are reaching a qualitatively new level.
In this context, it was particularly noted that 2025 – the “International Year of Peace and Trust” – was replete with significant international events organized by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. This is confirmed by numerous international events and conferences successfully held in the country and abroad.
For example, on March 29, 2025, the International Conference “Year of Peace and Trust: Developing International Activities for Children” was held in Arkadag city to mark the 4th anniversary of the Foundation’s founding, O.Atabaeva noted.
Continuing, the Vice President of the Foundation emphasized that during visits to the Principality of Monaco, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and the State of Qatar, prospects for expanding productive cooperation in the interests of children were discussed in detail, noting that on December 10, 2025, the Avaza National Tourist Zone hosted the International Conference “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, organized by the Government of Turkmenistan and the Foundation jointly with the United Nations.
Furthermore, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of China, and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was a clear confirmation of the successful development of international cooperation aimed at ensuring the harmonious development of children.
Emphasizing the Foundation’s commitment to continue to make every effort and work diligently for a happy and bright future for children, O. Atabaeva expressed confidence that these activities will further strengthen the principles of mutual support, solidarity, and unity in Turkmen society and create a solid foundation for its cohesion.
Taking this opportunity, the Vice President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all compatriots, partners, and friends who support the Foundation’s work and congratulated everyone on this significant date, wishing them good health, happiness, family well-being, and great success in the work.
O.Atabaeva also thanked everyone who participated in the celebratory events marking the 5th anniversary of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, emphasizing that the Foundation’s activities are a shining example of unity, compassion, and commitment to high humanistic ideals.
Over the years, the Foundation’s work has expanded and become an important part of Turkmenistan’s state policy aimed at protecting children’s health, ensuring their harmonious development, and a prosperous life.
Caring for the younger generation is the guarantee of a stable future. Guided by a desire for peace, mutual understanding, and good deeds, and inspired by the nation’s centuries-old traditions of helping those in needs, the Foundation will continue its noble mission under the wise leadership of its founder and President, Hero-Arkadag.
Taking this opportunity, O. Atabaeva expressed gratitude to her compatriots, friends of the country, and partners for their support of the Foundation’s work. We must never forget that we share the same land, and despite distance, all children are of the highest value to society. This is why it is so important to build bridges of trust and mutual understanding, joining forces for a bright future for children. In conclusion, the Foundation’s Vice President emphasized that a peaceful life is the main condition for the harmonious development of future generations.
Then, the celebration continued with vibrant performances by the country’s artistic masters.
The concert, organized to mark this momentous occasion, featured a touching musical and literary work prepared in collaboration with theater artists, the Shukur Bakhshi Children’s Art School of Arkadag city, and children’s dance groups.
These vibrant concert numbers, celebrating the achievements of the country, confidently following the path of progress for the sake of a happy life for its people, enriched this year’s celebration with meaning and content.
Famous international works were also performed during the festive concert. The diverse cultural program underscored the significance of this date in our society and enhanced the solemnity of this cultural event.
Participants in the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship adopted an address to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
