From 13 to 16 May, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) organised a study visit to Italy for a delegation from Turkmenistan.

The visit aimed to foster institutional learning in key areas of Component 4 f the BOMCA 10 Programme, which focuses on improving cross-border cooperation through inclusive governance, digital transformation and the protection of human rights. The delegation included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President’s Administration, State Customs Service, Ministry of the Interior, Office of the Ombudsman, State Frontier Service and the Institute of State, Law and Democracy - each playing an active role in shaping gender policy, advancing e-governance, supporting rights-based approaches to domestic policy and implementing BOMCA’s cross-cutting priorities at the national level. Italy was selected as a model country for its innovative approaches to equality, digital service provision and civic protection. Over four intensive days, the delegation engaged with Italian public institutions and civil society organisations to examine how effective policy is translated into practice.

Highlights included discussions on national gender strategies and private sector engagement with the Department for Equal Opportunities, an overview of legal frameworks for rights protection with the Regional Ombudsperson, and insights into digital service access through pagoPA S.p.A. A workshop with “Women in International Security” focused on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, while the Ministry of the Interior shared inter-agency efforts to combat discrimination and enhance public safety.

This study visit enabled the Turkmen delegation to critically engage with EU experience and reflect on how similar approaches might be adapted in the local context. Equally important, the exchange deepened trust and opened new channels for cooperation between Turkmenistan and Italy. Participants returned with a broader understanding of how institutional policies can promote gender inclusion, increase access to public services and strengthen human rights protections, particularly in vulnerable or border communities.