Education
The delegation of the IIR MFA of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to MGIMO University
25.04.2026On April 21–22, a delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by Gulshat Yusupova, Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, visited Moscow. During the visit, Gulshat Yusupova met with Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO University, and Andrey Sushentsov, Dean of the School of International Relations. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation under the agreement signed by the two universities in October 2017. The agenda included student and faculty exchanges, as well as joint programs in international relations and energy diplomacy. A meeting was also held with Alexander Sternik, Director of the Third CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The interlocutors discussed the Turkmen-Russian strategic dialogue, noting the productive partnership in the fields of education and science. On April 22, MGIMO hosted a roundtable on academic cooperation between the two countries. It was attended by members of MGIMO’s leadership and faculty, experts, as well as students from Turkmenistan and MGIMO students studying the Turkmen language. The discussion focused on academic mobility, joint educational programs, research cooperation, and the publication of a Turkmen language textbook. Following the meeting, the parties outlined concrete steps to implement the agreements reached.
Magtymguly TSU celebrated Chinese Language Day
24.04.2026Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) marked International Chinese Language Day, which is held annually on 23 April at the initiative of the UN. The festival was organised by the university in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. An exhibition dedicated to Chinese culture was opened at the university, featuring national costumes, calligraphy, paintings, decorative and applied arts, and educational materials. Masterclasses on printmaking and paper cutting were also held. Welcoming speeches were delivered by TSU Rector Orazgeldi Ovezsahedov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, who emphasised the importance of language exchange for the development of cultural ties. Students from the Faculty of Oriental Languages organised a concert featuring songs in Chinese and Turkmen, as well as theatrical performances about Mulan and tea-drinking traditions. The event concluded with the ‘Kushtdepdi’ dance. The celebration was held to commemorate Cangjie, the legendary creator of Chinese writing. The Chinese language remains one of the oldest and is among the official languages of the UN.
The OSCE held a lecture on public speaking for Turkmen students
23.04.2026On 20 April, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat held a lecture entitled ‘The art of public speaking to promote the economic and environmental agenda’ for 50 students from Turkmen universities studying economics, finance, international relations and environmental studies. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The session was led by an international expert and a national trainer. It was designed to develop public speaking and presentation skills, with a focus on economic and environmental topics, as well as the use of effective communication formats. Participants were introduced to the basic principles of public speaking, practical techniques for holding the audience’s attention and adapting presentations to different groups of listeners, including the use of digital tools and the correct choice of terminology. During the session, students prepared group presentations, delivered talks and took part in discussions and a question-and-answer session. The event took place at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University and brought together students from several of the country’s leading universities.
Turkmenistan and Malaysia are strengthening their partnership in the field of education
23.04.2026On 22 April, Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to Turkmenistan, Mohd Suhaimi bin Ahmad Tajuddin, as well as representatives of ‘Petronas’ and its University of Technology. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The main topic of the negotiations was the expansion of cooperation in training specialists for the oil and gas industry. The development of links between vocational and higher education institutions in Turkmenistan and ‘Petronas’s educational and scientific bodies was discussed. The company emphasised its commitment not only to resource development but also to the development of human capital in partner countries through the exchange of expertise and educational programmes, including vocational training and professional development courses. The parties reviewed cooperation with a number of ‘Petronas’s educational and research centres. It was noted that Turkmen students are already studying at Petronas University of Technology on scholarships provided by the company, whilst lecturers and students from a relevant university in Turkmenistan are undertaking internships there. It was also emphasised that the documents signed during the visit of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Malaysia in 2024 confirm the steady development of educational cooperation between the two countries.
Lecturers from a Turkmen university are undertaking a placement at a university in Romania
23.04.2026Lecturers from the Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technology of Turkmenistan are undertaking a training placement at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca in Romania. The programme includes lectures, seminars and practical sessions on artificial intelligence, innovative educational technologies and sustainable development, reports the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants are familiarising themselves with cutting-edge teaching methods and modern approaches to curriculum development. During bilateral meetings, lecturers from both universities discussed the training of specialists in the field of ‘smart’ technologies and innovative sciences. The Turkmen lecturers also visited the university’s research laboratories, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Following the visit, meetings are planned to discuss new joint educational initiatives. These placements take place on a regular basis under the Cooperation Agreement between the two universities, signed in 2019.
Turkmen students demonstrated their knowledge in an online IT competition
22.04.2026An online competition on modern computer technologies was held at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University for students from universities across the country. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. At the end of the competition, 26 prizes were awarded: 5 first places, 9 second places and 12 third places. The winners were Dovran Akmyradov and Islam Shamadov (Magtymguly Turkmen State University), Arslan Bayramov (State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan), Emir Merdanov (Oguzhan Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan) and Begench Bayrammyradov (Y. Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas). Prizes were also awarded to students from a further 13 universities — including the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics, the M. Garryev State Medical University, the D. Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and others. All winners were awarded certificates. The aim of the competition is to identify talented students and develop their practical skills in the field of IT.
Turkmenistan and China discussed expanding cooperation in the field of education
19.04.2026A meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan between Deputy Minister of Education Azat Atayev and a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Education, comprising representatives from relevant departments and the Centre for Language Cooperation. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, noting its development on the basis of previously reached agreements, including the ‘Central Asia–China’ format. China expressed its readiness to expand cooperation: to develop language training, provide scholarships, and establish joint laboratories and educational platforms within the framework of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative. Particular attention was paid to language cooperation – Chinese is already being taught in schools and universities in Turkmenistan, and work by teachers from the PRC continues. The Turkmen side advocated for deeper cooperation, including increasing the number of teachers, introducing the ‘language + profession’ format, developing the HSK exam, and the possible opening of a specialised centre. Interest was also expressed in China’s experience of administering the Gaokao exam. New areas were also discussed – artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and vocational education. Turkmenistan proposed implementing joint projects, including scientific research and the establishment of laboratories, with a focus on priority areas – from AI to ‘green’ energy. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation and continue consultations. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere.
Magtymguly TSU discussed a partnership with Xinjiang Normal University
19.04.2026A meeting was held at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) between the university’s management and students and representatives of Xinjiang Normal University in the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the current state of cooperation between the two universities, as well as possible avenues for its development in the field of education. Particular attention was paid to the modernisation of educational processes and the adoption of international best practice. It should be noted that from 15 to 16 April, Magtymguly Turkmen State University hosted the online International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Modern scientific research in the study of historical and cultural heritage: sustainable development of peoples and cultures’.
Turkmenistan to step up IT workforce training in partnership with ‘Huawei’
18.04.2026Deputy Minister Azat Atayev and ‘Huawei’s Vice President for Central Asia, Xu Hai, held negotiations at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education. The parties discussed expanding cooperation in the field of digitalisation of education, training personnel for the digital economy, and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. The development of the ‘Huawei ICT Academy’ was discussed separately. This refers to a training programme offering international certification (HCIA, HCIP and HCIE) in the fields of cloud technologies, AI and cybersecurity. Preliminary agreements were reached on launching pilot vouchers for students for ‘Huawei’ certification, drafting a memorandum on establishing an ICT Academy in Turkmenistan, localising AI training materials, and providing universities with access to a resource centre and courses. The achievements of Turkmen students in the ‘Huawei ICT Competition’ were also highlighted. The parties plan to involve lecturers more actively in international academic programmes. They agreed to move towards the practical implementation of joint projects.
An international conference entitled ‘Youth Scientific Research’ is taking place in Turkmenistan
17.04.2026On 16 April, with the support of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages is hosting the online international scientific and practical conference ‘Youth Scientific Research’. This was reported by IIC. The event has been organised as part of the state policy in the field of science and education and the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education for 2026–2052. The conference comprises five sections covering issues of languages, linguistics, cultural interaction, teaching methods and translation. Participants are discussing the role of language in international relations, the humanities and intercultural communication. The forum is attended by students from Turkmenistan and representatives of universities from the UK, Germany, South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The best academic papers will be published in the online journal ‘Issues of Philology’. The conference aims to develop the academic potential of young people, improve educational technologies and strengthen international cooperation.
Turkmenistan presented its approaches to the development of education at a round-table discussion in Islamabad
17.04.2026Atajan Movlamov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan, took part in a round-table discussion attended by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organisations in Pakistan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event took place on 14 April in Islamabad at the premises of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). The Pakistani side presented information on the activities of the NAVTTC, ongoing reforms in the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and the development strategy up to 2025. Participants discussed prospects for cooperation in the areas of workforce training, certification and labour mobility, as well as the development of joint educational programmes, scholarships and centres of excellence. A. Movlamov spoke about national approaches to reforming the vocational education system, focusing on labour market needs and the development of international cooperation. The diplomat also emphasised the importance of training specialists for the implementation of regional energy projects, including TAPI and TAP. Following the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to continue the dialogue and expand cooperation between relevant ministries and educational institutions.
Turkmenistan and Tatarstan are strengthening their cooperation in the field of education
17.04.2026On 15 April, a meeting took place in Ashgabat between the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, and a delegation led by Vasily Shaikhraziev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. The negotiations were also attended by Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, according to the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in the field of education, emphasising its importance for strengthening long-term economic ties between the countries. It was noted that the cooperation is based on a solid legal framework and is already yielding practical results, including the active development of partnerships between universities. Particular attention was paid to staff training: Turkmen students continue to achieve high academic standards in Tatarstan, where they are among the most successful international students. The development of digital education, the introduction of innovative technologies and Turkmenistan’s participation in relevant international events, including ‘Kazan Digital Week’, were also discussed. Special mention was made of teacher training programmes and the exchange of experience, implemented with the participation of Naberezhnye Chelny State Pedagogical University. Areas of youth and humanitarian cooperation were also considered, including student participation in academic competitions and the organisation of cultural initiatives. In conclusion, the parties confirmed their intention to expand academic exchanges, joint research and digital educational projects, expressing confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership.
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