On 24 February 2026, Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Mubarak Kurbanova, Director of the NGO “Taze Zaman”.
The meeting took place within the framework of Mergen Kepbanov's working visit to the Lebap Velayat.
The parties discussed the prospects for further cooperation within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on January 22, 2025. Particular attention was given to the development of new joint initiatives and the expansion of partnerships within the FAO/GEF-8 projects, aimed at sustainable natural resource management and enhancing environmental resilience.
Another focus of the discussion was cooperation on projects promoting gender equality, expanding opportunities for women, and strengthening their role in sustainable development processes. The parties noted the importance of integrating the gender component into environmental and climate initiatives within the framework of the project "Catalyzing the Nature-Positive Transformation of the Agricultural Sector in Turkmenistan towards Enhanced Resilience to Climate Change", signed on January 23, 2026, which will be implemented by the CAREC Project office in Turkmenistan jointly with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Mergen Kepbanov highlighted the extensive experience of the NGO “Taze Zaman” in implementing international technical assistance projects. Currently, the organization is carrying out a project in partnership with the European Union, demonstrating its institutional capacity and high level of expertise.
In addition, mutual interest was expressed in strengthening engagement with youth on the recommendation of CAREC, including the involvement of young specialists in implementing environmental and social initiatives, as well as participation in educational programs.
The Director of “Taze Zaman”, Mubarak Kurbanova, in turn, thanked CAREC for the close cooperation, confirmed readiness to continue collaboration under the signed Memorandum, and expressed appreciation to the Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan for support, participation in high-level international forums, and involving “Taze Zaman” staff as national experts in international projects.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen the partnership and implement joint projects aimed at the sustainable development of Lebap Velayat and Turkmenistan as a whole.
Additional Information:
Mergen Kepbanov – Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org