Ashgabat hosts a presentation on UNICEF’s Children in a Digital World Report

The UN House in Ashgabat has hosted a presentation on the UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2017: Children in a Digital World Report.

Among those in attendance were UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Ms. Elena Panova, UNICEF Representative Shaheen Nilofer, Turkmen parliamentarians, specialists from some ministries and agencies, delegates from local public organizations, students, and media representatives.

The major aim of the event is to raise public awareness about children in the modern world in terms of their immersion in cyber environments.

Event participants noted that over the past 25 years Turkmenistan and UNICEF have been working closely together as strategic partners to tackle common key tasks. On September 23, 1994 Turkmenistan ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was the first international document to focus on a wide range of child-related matters – civil, economic, cultural, social and political issues.

One of the top priorities of Turkmenistan’s policy is the provision of every opportunity for the younger generation’s all-round physical and intellectual development. Today, every stage of the national education system, from kindergartens to higher education institutions, offers a whole spectrum of necessary computer equipment and easy Internet access. Every student is presented with a personal notebook computer.

Students of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the International University of Humanities and Development told the event attendees that the World Wide Web allows them to search important and helpful information, keep up to date with prevailing trends in the fast-changing world of science, find new friends with shared interests for joint scientific projects, and many more. The students explained that they are well aware of the positive and negative aspects of the Internet, use it responsibly, and do not forget to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

During the presentation, the audience eagerly asked questions. Lively discussions centered on the most topical issues concerning the impact of digital technology on young people, their outlook and mentality.

The participants in the UNICEF-organized event came to the conclusion that it is necessary to take a responsible attitude to the issue of children’s exposure to electronic devices, to pay special attention to Internet activities of children and teenagers, to encourage their access to educational programs and reliable websites, to remind them about the importance of real-life social interaction and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

source: TDH