Ashgabat, 28 November 2018

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has organized intellectual tournament “Brain Ring”, dedicated to the 70^th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) among students of national universities in Ashgabat. The event was held within the framework of the National campaign to support global campaign dedicated to 70^th anniversary of UDHR with financial support of the British Embassy in Ashgabat.

During her speech at the contest's opening ceremony, Ms. Shaheen Nilofer, UN Resident Coordinator a.i, commented: "The UDHR empowers us all: It establishes the equal dignity and worth of every person. It confirms that the State has a core duty to promote standards of life that enable us to exercise our dignity and equality, in larger freedom".

Students from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the International University of Humanitarian Sciences and Development of Turkmenistan, and the Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly took part in the competition. The winners of this game were awarded with certificates and prizes.

Early in November, as part of this initiative, Brain Ring Games were conducted among students in Mary and Turkmenabat. These activities provided an opportunity to increase awareness about and reaffirm the values  enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

***

The UDHR, which turns 70 in 2018, was a milestone in the history of human rights. It was drafted by representatives from different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948, and the date has since been celebrated as Human Rights Day. It is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages.