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Turkmenistan strengthens rational use of natural resources
05.01.2026Environmental safety is one of the key priorities of Turkmenistan's state policy. The country's legislation is aimed at protecting nature, preserving biodiversity and ensuring the rational use of natural resources, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmenistan has developed a National Strategy to Combat Climate Change and a National Forest Programme, and has adopted laws on radiation and chemical safety, water, plant, flora and fauna protection, waste, protected areas, environmental auditing and information, as well as updated Forest and Water Codes. These measures strengthen the legal and organisational framework for nature conservation and promote the rational use of resources. The country actively cooperates with the UN and other international organisations, implementing dozens of programmes and projects in partnership with the Global Environment Facility, FAO, the UN Development Programme and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia. Public organisations, including the Nature Conservation Society of Turkmenistan, conduct educational work and support state policy in the field of ecology. The main goal of the policy is to preserve natural resources, prevent their degradation and pollution, ensure the environmental safety of people and meet the needs of future generations. Economic reforms create conditions for solving long-term environmental problems and improving the quality of life of the population.
The first child of 2026 has been registered in Turkmenistan
02.01.2026The first baby of the New Year was born in Ashgabat on 1 January 2026. The boy was born at the capital's Scientific and Clinical Centre for Maternal and Child Health, according to IIC. The joyful event took place in the family of Emir Gayipov and Sheker Begenjova. The birth of the first citizen of Turkmenistan in a year that goes by the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ is symbolic. The newborn was named Atamyrat. According to medical staff, the baby's condition is satisfactory. He weighed 3 kilograms 1 gram and was 48 centimetres tall. The mother and child are under the constant supervision of qualified specialists at the centre. In connection with this significant event, the family of the newborn was presented with valuable gifts on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Charitable Foundation for the Support of Children in Need of Care.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan summarised the results of the partnership in 2025
01.01.2026The UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko, summarised the results of cooperation between the UN and the country in 2025. He noted that the interaction remains strategic and is aimed at achieving concrete results for the population. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. 2025 was a special year: The International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN highlighted the importance of joint efforts for sustainable development. Turkmenistan successfully hosted the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, demonstrating leadership in regional cooperation. Throughout the year, the UN supported Turkmenistan in developing national plans on human rights, gender equality and early childhood development, implementing reforms in the digital economy, energy efficiency and combating human trafficking, as well as in establishing a department for women's and children's rights and organising inclusive events. The digital transformation of the economy, trade facilitation, the introduction of electronic solutions for rail transport and preparations for the regional economic forum were actively promoted, contributing to sustainable economic growth and investment. Particular attention was paid to environmental protection and climate sustainability: projects on renewable energy, emissions reduction, land restoration, water and biodiversity management were implemented, young people were actively involved, and transparency and readiness to fulfil international climate commitments were increased. In health and social protection, services for the population were expanded, medical data systems were modernised, disease prevention was strengthened, pandemic preparedness was enhanced, and vulnerable groups received specialised support. Education and skills development also remained a priority: ‘green schools’ were established, early childhood development strategies were implemented, digital and vocational skills training was provided, and young people were prepared for employment and diplomatic activities. Mr. Shlapachenko emphasised the UN's commitment to continuing cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan under the new Framework Programme for 2026-2030, implementing the Awaza Action Programme, promoting sustainable transport and climate initiatives to turn strategies into real results for the country's citizens.
‘Turkmenistan Airlines’ increases frequency of flights to Abu Dhabi
30.12.2025‘Turkmenistan Airlines’ is expanding its flight schedule on the Ashgabat–Abu Dhabi–Ashgabat route, introducing an additional flight and increasing the frequency of air traffic with the United Arab Emirates. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing the carrier's official website. The additional flight will begin operating on Sundays from 4 January 2026. According to the schedule, flight T5-827 will depart from Ashgabat at 04:25 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 05:55. The return flight T5-828 will depart from Abu Dhabi at 07:25 and land in Ashgabat at 09:55. Flights on this route will also continue to operate on Fridays. On this day, flight T5-825 departs from Ashgabat at 17:45 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 19:15, while the return flight T5-826 departs at 21:00 and arrives in Ashgabat at 00:30 the following day. The expansion of the flight programme is aimed at improving transport accessibility and developing passenger air traffic between the two countries. Earlier, in July this year, ‘Turkmenistan Airlines’ operated its first direct flight on the Ashgabat-Seoul route.
The experience and scientific achievements of Turkmen researchers in studying the Darwaza phenomenon
29.12.2025One of the priorities of the Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ is scientific support for the development of gas fields in Eastern and Central Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. For more than 40 years, the Institute has been engaged in geological exploration, reserve estimation, drilling design, gas preparation, transportation and processing, as well as environmental and technical-economic justification of projects. Particular attention is paid to the Darwaza crater (‘Shining of Karakum’), located in the Central Karakum Desert. It was formed in 1963 after an emergency collapse of an exploration well, after which the escaping gas was set on fire to prevent poisoning. It was expected that the burning would quickly stop, but it continues to this day. Studies have shown the complex geological structure of the Zeagli-Darwaza group of deposits with a large number of interconnected gas-bearing strata at depths of 200–950 metres. Nine fields are currently in commercial production, with gas being extracted from 45 wells. The prolonged burning of the crater is due to gas flows between the layers, rather than the reserves of a single deposit. To solve the problem, the Institute's specialists proposed drilling an appraisal well at the Chaljulba field. Intensive gas extraction has made it possible to change the direction of the flows and reduce the amount of gas entering the crater, creating conditions for the complete elimination of uncontrolled emissions, reducing environmental damage and making more rational use of resources.
Scientists have recorded the manul in the Kopetdag Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan
24.12.2025The manul is a rare wild cat that inhabits the Kopetdag and the Great Balkan Mountains of Turkmenistan and is rarely seen due to its secretive lifestyle. Recently, the animal was spotted in the Dogrydere area of the Kopetdag Nature Reserve, giving scientists new opportunities to study its distribution and ecology, according to the news website Asmannews. In December, experts found traces of manuls and other wild cats at various altitudes in the Ruhabat Valley, including marks at around 1,500 metres. The manul is listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan, the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, and is protected by the CITES Convention. Large groups of wild boars were also spotted in the observation area.
The global media widely covered the International Forum on Peace and Trust in Ashgabat
18.12.2025Ashgabat hosted a high-level international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The forum was widely covered by the world media, according to TDH. Foreign publications noted Turkmenistan's neutrality as a key factor in its foreign policy and a basis for dialogue on regional and global issues. It was emphasised that the initiative to declare the International Year of Peace and Trust, put forward by Turkmenistan and supported by the UN General Assembly, is seen as a call for the restoration of inter-state dialogue. The media paid particular attention to the high level of representation at the Forum. The participation of Heads of State, heads of regional organisations and UN structures was cited as evidence of international support for Turkmenistan's peacemaking role. The publications also covered the practical outcomes of the Forum. These included proposals to strengthen energy security, develop sustainable transport, regional infrastructure and cooperation in the environmental sphere. Bilateral and multilateral meetings aimed at expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation were noted. Kazakh media quoted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's statement on the importance of the Forum for international dialogue. The Chinese agency ‘Sinhua’ and other publications emphasised its high status and the symbolism of the dates on which it was held. ‘EADaily’ noted the Forum’s packed programme, including the ceremony of laying flowers at the Monument of Neutrality and the plenary session ‘Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future’. ‘Infashos’ focused on the final document, the Ashgabat Declaration, as well as on cooperation between Turkmenistan and Russia within the CIS. Media outlets in Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East linked the Forum to the strengthening of regional stability and good-neighbourly relations. The Indian newspaper ‘The Economic Times’ and the Azerbaijani publication ‘Tred.az’ noted the economic agenda, including the development of transport routes and the transit potential of the region. Russian media covered President Vladimir Putin’s participation and bilateral meetings in detail. The ‘TASS’ and ‘RIA Novosti’ agencies reported on discussions of trade and economic cooperation, infrastructure projects and international transport corridors, including the North-South route. The Iranian agency ‘IRNA’ presented the Forum as a platform for the development of economic cooperation and the implementation of infrastructure initiatives. The Turkish agency ‘Anadolu’ noted the importance of bilateral negotiations and discussions on regional projects. According to international observers, the Ashgabat Forum confirmed Turkmenistan’s role as a neutral platform for multilateral negotiations and coordination of efforts in the interests of Peace and Trust and sustainable development.
Three Turkmen start-ups have made their mark on the international stage
17.12.2025Three Turkmen start-ups — ‘Hiňlen’, ‘Zootel’ and ‘Opportunities Nearby’ — have successfully made a name for themselves on the international stage by becoming finalists in the ‘Incubation Track Digital StartUp Awards’ in Tashkent. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Out of more than 200 applications from eight countries, 30 projects, including three Turkmen ones, were accepted into the ‘IT-Park Uzbekistan’ programme. After three months of an intensive online programme, all of them reached the final, securing Turkmenistan second place in terms of representation after Kazakhstan. On Demo Day, the teams presented their projects to investors, focusing on real problems and ambitious solutions. Each start-up received an investment of $10,000, confirming their high potential and readiness to scale up at the regional level. The success of ‘Hiňlen’, ‘Zootel’ and ‘Opportunities Nearby’ demonstrates the competitiveness of Turkmen startups on the international stage.
Russian expert highly praised the development of women's potential in Turkmenistan
15.12.2025The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted an International Conference on ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development.’ Among the participants was Natalya Manturova, Chief Freelance Plastic Surgeon of the Russian Ministry of Health, President of RSPRAS, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Professor, according to the online news resource TerraNews. Following her first visit to Turkmenistan, she noted the country's special atmosphere, emphasising its beauty, sincere hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The professor praised the appearance of Turkmen women, calling it natural and self-sufficient, and also noted their active participation in public and political life as an important factor in the development of the state. The guest was also greatly impressed by the cultural programme of the conference, which demonstrated the continuity of traditions and a careful attitude towards national heritage. In conclusion, Natalya Manturova thanked the country's leadership for organising the event and congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its neutrality. The Russian expert's participation contributed to strengthening humanitarian and scientific cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan.
Russian representative arrives in Turkmenistan to attend conference
10.12.2025Zhanna Chefranova, First Deputy Chairwoman of the Committee on Social Policy of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, has arrived in Turkmenistan. She is participating in the international conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals,’ according to IIC. The conference will feature discussions on modern methods of social support, the exchange of experience and the presentation of practices used in different countries. Zhanna Chefranova's visit highlights the active cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the social sphere and creates opportunities for new joint projects.
Azerbaijani delegation arrives in Awaza to participate in international conference
10.12.2025A delegation from Azerbaijan has arrived at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The delegation includes Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Centre. This was reported by the IIC. The guests are participating in an international conference dedicated to the role of women in modern society and international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The visit of the Azerbaijani delegation underscores the importance of cultural and social interaction between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Discussions at the conference create opportunities for the implementation of joint educational, cultural and media projects, as well as for strengthening bilateral partnership.
The Belarusian delegation arrived at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Complex to participate in the conference
10.12.2025Lyudmila Kondrashova, Director of the Republican Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Disabilities and Chairwoman of the Children's Fund of Belarus, has arrived at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. She is participating in the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals,’ according to IIC. The conference will discuss approaches to social support for children, exchange of experience and implementation of rehabilitation practices. Lyudmila Kondrashova's participation opens up additional opportunities for cooperation between Belarus and Turkmenistan in the field of social protection.
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