More than TJS 3.5 million raised at UNICEF’s first Charity Gala Dinner in Dushanbe to support children with developmental disabilities

Dushanbe, 13 June 2026 - During UNICEF’s first Charity Gala Dinner in Tajikistan, held on 12 June 2026 at the Crowne Plaza by IHG hotel, a total of TJS 3,600,981 was mobilized to support the development of early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities or at risk of developmental delays.

The amount includes funds raised through ticket sales, sponsorship contributions, the charity auction, as well as direct commitments made by participants to finance the establishment of new Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Centres. Additional contributions continued to be received from generous guests after the initial fundraising total was announced. The funds raised are sufficient to support the opening of 26 new Early Childhood Intervention Centres across different regions of the country.

“It is important to understand that early intervention is not a miracle cure. However, it helps children become more independent, considering their individual conditions. Over the years of working with early intervention units, we have seen how specially trained staff in the centres we established together with the Ministry of Health achieve visible progress in just a few months,” said Arthur van Diesen, UNICEF Representative in Tajikistan, in his welcoming remarks.

One of the most remarkable items at the charity auction was an exclusive private tour of the Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris accompanied by world-renowned philanthropist and Goodwill Ambassador Natalia Vodianova. The lot, donated by the Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Republic of Tajikistan, was sold for TJS 115,000.

Other auction items included an antique gold bracelet crafted by Bukhara artisans and donated by the Akika Jewelry House; a Paris Saint-Germain jersey signed by the club’s players and an Arsenal Football Club pennant; a poster of The Lord of the Rings signed by Sir Ian McKellen; a painting and private time with renowned Tajik artist Farrukh Negmatzade; as well as other works of art and signed sports memorabilia.

Several organizations also made direct commitments to finance new Early Childhood Intervention Centres. In particular, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) announced its readiness to fund the establishment of five new centres in Tajikistan.

UNICEF extends its sincere gratitude to all partners and participants who contributed to the success of this initiative.

Partners of the UNICEF Charity Gala Dinner included TGEM, Dushanbe City, Paykar, International Credit Bank (ICB), and Crowne Plaza by IHG. Significant support in organizing the event was also provided by many other companies and organizations.

All auction items were generously donated by their owners to support children with disabilities in Tajikistan. Contributors included the Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Republic of Tajikistan, the Embassy of France in the Republic of Tajikistan, Akika Jewelry House, ZARDOZI Fashion House, Nafisa Imranova and the fashion brand ZHIVJ, 55 Group, the Tajikistan Football Federation, FC Istiklol, and artists Farrukh Negmatzade, Daler Mikhtodjev, and Eraj Olimov.

The evening’s special atmosphere was created by renowned artists and cultural figures who performed free of charge, donating their time and talent to support this noble cause. Among them were Shabnam Surayo, Parviz Nazarov, Margarita Pozoyan, Farrukh Khasanov, Shokhrukh Yunusov, and Safarmuhammad Rustam.

UNICEF’s first Charity Gala Dinner in Tajikistan marked an important step in strengthening the culture of philanthropy and social responsibility in the country, bringing together representatives of the business community, diplomatic corps, cultural sector, and civil society around a shared goal: ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

“There is another important aspect as well. Through your participation, you send a powerful message to society: Every child’s life matters,” added Mr. van Diesen.

For further information, please contact Rukhshona Nazhmidinova, Chief of Communications, at: [email protected]