UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Afshan Khan visits Kyrgyzstan for first time

Bishkek, 12 July / Kabar/. UNICEF Regional Director for Europeand Central Asia, Ms. Afshan Khan will visit Kyrgyzstan from 13 to18 July, 2017.

Ms.Khan will discuss progressfor children in the areas of health, education and protection as well as opportunities for broadening partnerships that benefit children within UNICEF’s new Country Programme planned from 2018 to 2022 between the Government of Kyrgyzstan and UNICEF.

During her one week visit, Afshan Khan is expected to meet senior Governmental officials –Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan SooronbaiJeenbekov, Vice Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Cholpon Sultanbekova, Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Abdyldaev, ex-president RozaOtubnaeva, Governor of Batken province AbishKhalmurzaev, Governor of Osh province TaalibekSarybashev, parliamentarians and the representatives of civil society and the international community.

Ms. Khan willvisit a cross-border peace-building programme for adolescents, a hospital, a centre for children with disabilities and a child support centre for children who have experienced violence.

Ms. Khan has been an international public servant for over 28 years. Previously she was the Director of Emergency Programmes for UNICEF, and she has also held other senior positions including Director of Public-Sector Alliances and Resource Mobilization; Associate Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa; and the UNICEF Representative in Jamaica. This is Ms. Khan’sfirst visit to Kyrgyzstan.