July 25, 2025, a signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan to formalize the Technical Assistance Agreement between the Ministry and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

This agreement aims to support the sustainable and seamless transition of the school feeding programme to national ownership, while also enhancing the management capacity within this vital social sector.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Rahim Saidzoda, Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Mr. Adham Musallam, Representative and Country Director of the UN World Food Programme in Tajikistan.

In his opening remarks, Minister Saidzoda expressed appreciation for WFP’s continued support, noting that approximately 2,000 general education institutions currently benefit from the provision of high-quality food products, ensuring healthy nutrition for primary school students. He emphasized that school nutrition remains a priority for the Government of Tajikistan, as reflected in the ongoing implementation of the State Programme for the Development of School Nutrition in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2022–2027.

Mr. Musallam highlighted the strong and effective collaboration between WFP and the Ministry, stating that the newly signed agreement marks a significant step forward in ensuring access to nutritious meals for children across the country.

The UN World Food Programme remains a key strategic partner in the education sector and plays a vital role in the implementation of social programmes, including school feeding initiatives.