The first stage of national certification under the Green School environmental programme, implemented by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has been completed in Turkmenistan. Following the assessment, 18 educational institutions were awarded Green School status: six received Level II certification and another twelve received Level I certification. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan.

The decision was made by the programme’s Certification Council at a meeting held at the United Nations building in Ashgabat.

Preparations for certification began in 2025. The pilot project included schools in Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary velayats, as well as in Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag.

As part of the programme, environmental clubs were established in schools, projects were carried out to adapt school infrastructure to climate change, and competitions on “Green Skills” and disaster risk reduction were organised.

Practical activities include greening school grounds, environmental campaigns and preparing students for emergencies. For example, in Lebap Velayat, each class has “green leaders” who encourage their peers to take part in environmental initiatives. In Dashoguz Velayat, students plant trees and take care of them independently.

UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan Jalpa Ratna noted that the programme helps create a safe and environmentally sustainable learning environment while engaging children in addressing environmental challenges.

UNICEF will continue to support the Ministry of Education in developing the initiative and expanding its reach.

National Programme Coordinator Sapargeldi Durdyev stressed that the first stage of certification had confirmed the integration of environmental principles into school life. According to Durdyev, the results will enable educational institutions to identify their next areas of focus.

Experts provided all 18 schools with recommendations. These include expanding waste separation and recycling, involving parents and local communities, and conducting regular evacuation drills.

The education departments of the velayats and cities will monitor the implementation of the recommendations.