Sustainable urban development will be one of the key topics at the TIF-2025 International Investment Forum in Ashgabat, which will take place on 18-19 September. The city of Arkadag will be presented as an example of an environmentally-friendly ‘smart’ city in Central Asia, according to the news agency Orient. The city of Arkadag was built from scratch according to the principles of sustainable development: energy-efficient solutions, digital urban infrastructure management systems and minimal impact on nature are used. The city has automated lighting, transport, utilities and security systems, actively uses renewable energy sources, including solar panels, and has created infrastructure for low-carbon transport. The city demonstrates the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and shows how investments in ‘green’ infrastructure and innovation contribute to social, economic and environmental sustainability. The forum will feature a panel discussion with international experts, developers and financial institutions, where Arkadag's experience will be discussed as a possible model for the entire region. TIF-2025 will serve as a platform for studying successful examples of sustainable urban development and discussing prospects for international cooperation.
A meeting between Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov and Ilham Rzayev, Marketing Manager of the English-language publication ‘The Brussels Times’, took place in Brussels. The negotiations focused on prospects for developing media cooperation and implementing joint information projects. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The Ambassador spoke in detail about the work of the diplomatic mission, paying particular attention to the role of public diplomacy in promoting Turkmenistan's foreign policy priorities. It was noted that the embassy regularly organises briefings and meetings with media representatives, ensuring open access to information on the country's domestic and foreign policy. The rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan, its peacekeeping initiatives and modern achievements became key topics for future publications. The parties paid special attention to the coverage of the principles of permanent neutrality, good-neighbourliness and sustainable development, as well as Turkmenistan's activity at the UN. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed mutual interest in strengthening cooperation. Ambassador S. Palvanov emphasised his readiness for productive interaction with international media interested in objective coverage of various aspects of life in Turkmenistan.
At the end of July 2025, the latest issue of the electronic magazine ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’, published by the Magtymguly Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan, was released. The issue opens with materials dedicated to the upcoming Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Avaza. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The issue pays special attention to educational topics – the publications telling about the admission campaign to universities and the atmosphere at the beginning of the academic year. Readers are offered informative materials on the development of the construction industry in Turkmenistan, the cultural heritage of the dutar and Ahal-Teke horses, as well as scientific articles by young researchers. The literary section of the issue includes poetry and the continuation of excerpts from the book ‘The Richest Man in Babylon’. Travellers will enjoy an article about the most beautiful airports in the world, while cooking enthusiasts will appreciate a recipe for homemade fruit ice cream. As is tradition, the magazine presents the new winner of the ‘Ýaş waspçy’ competition and reminds readers that applications are still being accepted for the Turkmenistan Youth Prize.
More than 300 students from Turkmenistan's universities are participating in preparations for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Volunteers selected from universities across the country are undergoing training to perform various tasks, including interpreting, accompanying delegations, protocol support and working with the media. Among them are student journalists, for whom the forum is an opportunity to put their knowledge into practice. The volunteers were prepared to speak in different languages. The training lasted the entire academic year and included studying geography, international protocol, public speaking skills and the specifics of receiving foreign guests, taking into account national traditions. The Ministry of Textile Industry has produced uniforms in the national style for the volunteers, as well as separate sets for cameramen, medics and other specialists. Last week, special classes for participants were held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Some of the volunteers are already working at ‘Avaza’, actively participating in the organisation of the forum, which is being prepared within the framework of LLDC 3. Turkmenistan aims to hold the event at a high level with the participation of the country's best students.
A cub of the caracal, a rare cat species native to southern and Central Asia, has been spotted in Turkmenistan for the first time. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. This may indicate the successful reproduction of the species at the northern border of its range and the stability of the local population. The exact number of caracals in the region remains unknown. Scientific programmes are being implemented to study their ecology and distribution in Turkmenistan, with support from, among others, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The organisation assists with monitoring the species, which contributes to a better understanding of the population status in the region. The caracal, also known as the steppe lynx, is distinguished by tufts on its ears and its secretive behaviour. It plays an important role in regulating the population of small animals and serves as an ecological indicator.
An event was held in Astana to highlight the strong inter-state ties with Turkmenistan. For two days, the logo ‘2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust’ was displayed on a large screen installed on the city's central embankment. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was initiated by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kazakhstan. The event was timed to coincide with two significant occasions: the UN decision to declare 2025 the Year of Peace and Trust, and the upcoming 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. The display of symbols in one of the central spaces of Astana demonstrates Kazakhstan's support for Turkmenistan's peaceful foreign policy initiatives and testifies to the friendly relations between the two countries. This event reflects the high level of cooperation based on strategic partnership and mutual trust.
In Turkmenistan, as part of the state digitalisation programme, an interdepartmental electronic data exchange system based on the Estonian X-Road platform has been launched. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. 10 ministries and departments, as well as 12 state electronic services, are connected to the system. The project is being implemented under an agreement between the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and UNDP. The contractor is the Estonian company ‘Nortal AS’. The X-Road platform, installed on the basis of the telecommunications company ‘Turkmentelecom’, complies with cybersecurity standards. Security servers have been deployed for its operation. As part of the project, 75 specialists have been trained in the platform, network technologies and programming languages, and all have received certificates. The system simplifies data exchange between agencies, expands access to public services and contributes to the development of the ‘e-government system’.
The OSCE Center in Ashgabat presented a new Standard on Oil and Gas Methane to the State Concern “Türkmengaz” and other partners in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The document was developed by an international expert and is intended to assist national authorities in establishing uniform approaches to accounting for and reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas industry, in accordance with international standards. As noted by the Head of the OSCE Center, John MacGregor, the initiative aims to support Turkmenistan in fulfilling its commitments under the Global Methane Pledge. The standard is planned to be applied in the work of the State Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’, as well as other relevant organizations. Two consultations with the participation of state structures were held during the development process.
From 22 to 23 July, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat hosted a specialised training course for journalists on media literacy, digital technologies and the legal framework for modern journalism. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The training was attended by young employees of central and departmental media outlets in Turkmenistan, including representatives of online journalism. The training was conducted by Irina Imamkuliyeva, a journalist of the ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’ newspaper, Svetlana Chirtsova, a correspondent for the State News Agency, and Abdulkerim Muhammedov, a lawyer from Ashgabat. The course covered key aspects of media security, prospects for the development of journalism in the age of artificial intelligence, and legal standards for working with information. Particular attention was paid to issues of professional ethics within the framework of national legislation and international norms. At the opening of the event, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, Ambassador John MacGregor, noted Turkmenistan's commitment to media freedom and human rights.
In anticipation of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will take place from 4 to 8 August 2025 in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a special mobile application has been developed. This digital tool is designed to make participation in the event as convenient as possible, providing users with instant access to up-to-date information. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The LLDC 3 app includes the full conference programme with the option to view the schedule of sessions and events. Participants can view speaker profiles to learn about their professional experience and achievements. An interactive map helps users navigate the conference venue by showing the location of all important facilities. An important feature is the notification system, which promptly informs users of any changes to the programme. For convenient networking, the app provides information about other participants, which facilitates effective business communication. The app can be downloaded from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android by scanning the QR code from the official conference website. After downloading, you will need to enter the email address used during registration and confirm activation via a link in the email or by entering the code manually. For users who have already installed the app, access to LLDC 3 materials is available via the ‘More’ section and ‘My other events’. The LLDC 3 mobile app is a modern and convenient way to make your conference experience as productive and comfortable as possible.
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat hosted a training course for media representatives on the specifics of covering gender issues. Over several days, journalists, editors and representatives of relevant agencies studied international standards for working with such material. This was reported by the IIC. The training programme included theoretical and practical sessions, during which participants analysed examples from local and foreign media, learned correct terminology and how to avoid gender stereotypes in their work. Special attention was paid to the principles of neutral and objective reporting. OSCE representatives noted that the course did not aim to change media editorial policies, but was aimed at expanding the professional competencies of journalists. Upon completion of the training, all participants received certificates. The event was part of systematic efforts to improve media literacy on gender equality issues in Central Asia.
The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) will be held on the Caspian coast in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone from 4 to 8 August. Preparations for the forum are in full swing, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Over the course of five days, participants will enjoy a packed programme covering political, economic and cultural issues. Plenary sessions, high-level forums, round tables and national days for Central Asian countries are planned. Special attention will be paid to the role of parliaments, civil society and young people in promoting sustainable development. The Youth Forum will be a platform for presenting initiatives and ideas aimed at overcoming the challenges faced by landlocked countries. Delegations from 32 countries, representatives of the UN, international organisations, parliaments, financial institutions and the private sector are expected to attend. The conference coincides with the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. The forum in Avaza will be an important platform for discussing ways to integrate and promote sustainable development in these countries.