On IDDRR Day Young people across Turkmenistan put disaster preparedness into practice
UNICEF and the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan mark the Day with a School Safety Day and nationwide competitions in Green School Programme schools
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ASHGABAT, 13 October 2026 – Today, on the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, around 130 young people across all five velayats and Ashgabat are competing in the finale of “Youth for a Safe Future”. The finale concludes a series of events held by UNICEF and the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCST), in partnership with the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, at secondary schools participating in the Green School Programme, in which disaster risk reduction is an essential component.
The events reflect this year’s global theme, “Resilience Starts at Home: preparedness begins where children live and learn”.
School Safety Day in Dashoguz
On 9 October, School No. 28 in Dashoguz held a School Safety Day. After safety lessons, 1,081 students from 43 classes and 68 teachers and staff evacuated the building in a fire drill. The whole school was out in 9 minutes, and 98% of students and staff were accounted for at the assembly point. Firefighters then gave a demonstration and NRCST volunteers ran a first-aid post.
Three school teams competed in four rounds on first aid, fire safety and civil defence. Team “Nowruz” of School No. 28 took first place, followed by “Kuwwatly bilim” of School No. 29 and “Gaýrat” of School No. 36. Teachers noted that the hands-on format helps students put safety rules into practice and confirmed the need for regular drills.
The day was organized with the Ministry of Education; the Main Directorate of Civil Defence and Rescue Operations of the Ministry of Defence; and the Main Directorate of Fire Safety, the Health Department and the Hyakimlik of Dashoguz Velayat.
Youth for a Safe Future
The competition was open to young people aged 16–20 from the 120 Green School Programme schools, as well as NRCST volunteers and participants in the Tennis Federation of Turkmenistan’s “Wheelchair Tennis” programme. In the first round, young people wrote essays on how they can help reduce disaster risk in their schools and communities (over 115 entries received).
Today, the finalists are working in teams of five during a three-hour simulated emergency that combines decision-making with practical and physical tasks. One team will win at each venue.
The wheelchair tennis players compete alongside students and volunteers in mixed teams formed by random draw, with tasks adapted where needed so that everyone contributes on equal terms. Their participation is a reminder that disaster preparedness must take into account the needs and abilities of every member of society.
Safe School: Reducing Risks Together
Students from Green School Programme schools also designed information stands on disaster preparedness and response, with about 60 entries submitted from all five velayats, Ashgabat and Arkadag. The jury is now reviewing the entries, and the winners will be announced soon.
“When disaster strikes, everyone needs help, and everyone can help,” said Zhanar Sagimbayeva, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Turkmenistan. “Seeing wheelchair tennis players compete alongside students and volunteers today at School No. 4 in Ashgabat reminds us that reducing disaster risk means planning for the needs and abilities of every member of society, without exception.”
LIST OF PRIZE WINNERS
Ashgabat city
№ | Name | Prize | School |
1 | Medine Atayeva | 1st Place | School No. 147, Ashgabat |
2 | Abdyresul Abdyrahmanov | 2nd Place | School No. 82, Ashgabat |
3 | Oguljahan Ovvadova | 3rd Place | School No. 76, Ashgabat |
Ahal region
№ | Name | Prize | School |
1 | Hatyja Myradova | 1st Place | School No. 1, Ak Bugday |
2 | Chynar Mommayeva | 2nd Place | School No. 1, Ak Bugday |
3 | Medine Orazova | 3rd Place | School No. 1, Ak Bugday |
Balkan region
№ | Name | Prize | School |
1 | Mir-Agil Guseynov | 1st Place | School No. 12, Turkmenbashy |
2 | Emine Hydyrova | 2nd Place | School No. 23, Gyzylarbat |
3 | Angelina Geldyyeva | 3rd Place | School No. 12, Turkmenbashy |
Daşoguz region
№ | Name | Prize | School |
1 | Sulgun Yagshygeldiyeva | 1st Place | School No. 24, Gorogly |
2 | Selbi Abdyveliyeva | 2nd Place | School No. 28, Dashoguz |
3 | Yayrahan Allayarova | 3rd Place | School No. 20, Shabat |
Lebap region
№ | Name | Prize | School |
| Sofiya Kalinina | Grand Prix | School No. 36, Turkmenabat |
1 | Gunesh Hatamowa | 1st Place | School No. 29, Turkmenabat |
2 | Aysel Tagiyewa | 2nd Place | School No. 24, Turkmenabat |
3 | Shirin Khudayberdiyeva | 3rd Place | School No. 28, Turkmenabat |
Mary region
№ | Name | Prize | School |
1 | Merjen Merdanova | 1st Place | School No. 35, Sakarchage |
2 | Enesh Kakamyradova | 2nd Place | School No. 35, Sakarchage |
3 | Hurma Orazgeldiyeva | 3rd Place | School No. 37, Wekilbazar |
Notes
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed every year on 13 October. The 2026 theme is “Resilience Starts at Home” (UNDRR).
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