UNODC established the first interactive classroom for the Turkmen border officers.

On 8 June 2023, UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia in cooperation with the State Border Service of Turkmenistan launched the first computer-based interactive classroom at the Central Apparatus of the State Border Service in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. 

The first interactive classroom aims to assist the State Border Service of Turkmenistan in further strengthening the capacities, advancing the knowledge and upgrading the skills of the officers in border operations and border management.

The official opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Bazarbay Annayev, Head of Division of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan, Mr. Hideki Hosaka, Deputy and Adviser to the Ambassador of Japan to Turkmenistan, Mr. Yusuf Kurbonov, UNODC International Programme Coordinator for Central Asia and other law enforcement agencies of Turkmenistan.

“The UNODC project has contributed significantly to strengthening border crossing capacities, regional cross-border cooperation and closer liaison between law enforcement agencies. I am pleased to note that we have made steady progress in effectively countering illicit trafficking”, - noted Mr. Hideki Hasaka, Deputy and Advisor to the Ambassador of Japan to Turkmenistan.

A high technology classroom equipped with latest computers and peripherals gives all border officers access to 63 training modules on various subjects and topics relevant to the duties of border officers, allowing for a seamless learning and training process. These courses, developed by leading international experts, enable law enforcement officers to expand their knowledge and stay up to date in the fight against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism in line with United Nations standards and norms and other relevant international instruments. The key strengths of computer-based training include a standardized training program that has been tailored for a specific need of the border officers. It is cost-effective, delivering training to a sizeable audience. Computer based training provides students with an interactive platform that is stimulating and flexible as it can be made accessible 24 hours a day. Training modules cover a wide range of subjects such as drug identification, interdiction techniques for airports, seaports and land control, search techniques, risk management, controlled deliveries, intelligence, human trafficking, anti-money laundering and precursor chemicals.

"I am confident that this project will contribute to strengthening security in the region and will give impetus to further cooperation between the State Border Service of Turkmenistan and the UNODC ROCA," said Mr. Bazarbay Annayev, Head of Division of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan.

UNODC is also planning to provide its assistance in establishing of another three interactive classrooms at “Serhetabad” and "Imamnazar" Border Check Points (on Turkmen-Afhgan border), as well as at the Training Centre of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan in Turkmenabat city.

This initiative was implemented within the framework of UNODC Project for Enhancing Regional Cross-Border Cooperation by Strengthening the Capacity of Border Liaison Offices in Central Asia of Sub-programme 1 “Preventing and Countering Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking” of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia for 2022 -2025 and funded by the Government of Japan. 

For further information please contact:              

Arifa Fatikhova    

Communications and External Relations Officer 

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 

Regional Office for Central Asia

Mobile: (+998 99) 825-05-43 | Email: arifa.fatikhova[at]un.org