Society
Ashgabat to build an observatory next to the children's library
07.04.2026An observatory equipped with a telescope is planned to be built in Ashgabat on the grounds of the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library. This was announced by O. Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, according to TDH. The project is being implemented as part of the library’s modernisation with the support of the foundation. It involves renovating the building and creating facilities for children’s scientific and educational activities. The initiative was presented during a working visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the city of Arkadag. The Hero Arkadag familiarised himself with the project and supported the creation of astronomical facilities for young readers.
Turkmenistan discussed the promotion of Ahal-Teke horses with its partners
07.04.2026On April 5, at the initiative of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan, a meeting was held with the participation of the General Director of the Japanese economic society ‘Akhal-teke Affinity Co. LTD’ and a member of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association, M. Aoe, as well as the founder of the New Zealand company ‘Krukziener Properties’, A. Krukziener. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting discussed opportunities for joint initiatives to promote Ahal-Teke horses during the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, as well as areas for further cooperation. Representatives of ‘Krukziener Properties’ spoke about the breeding of purebred Ahal-Teke horses and discussed possible visits by Turkmen delegations to their horse breeding complexes. The parties also exchanged views on holding specialised meetings, round tables and events to develop the horse breeding sector. Japanese and New Zealand partners were invited to take part in the National Turkmen Racehorse Festival, which will take place on the last Sunday in April.
Turkmenistan and China are launching a high-tech cotton sowing season
07.04.2026The cotton sowing season has begun in Turkmenistan with a significant innovation: high-yielding varieties from China’s Xinjiang region have appeared in the country’s fields. This was reported by the news agency Orient. In an article for the publication, Ji Shumin, China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, spoke about cooperation between the two countries in the agricultural sector — from the introduction of biotechnologies that increase cotton yields by 30% to the prospects for the digitalisation of agriculture. Varieties from Xinjiang combine early maturity, high yield and fibre quality. They are suitable for large-scale mechanised harvesting due to the compact shape of the bush, resistance to lodging and low impurity content. Chinese seeds are already being used in Central Asia and are showing real market potential. China is actively introducing scientific and technological innovations into agriculture – seed production, machinery, biosafety and environmental protection. The next five-year plan envisages the further development of smart and digital agriculture and the creation of recognisable brands. Cooperation with Turkmenistan, which possesses vast land resources, solar energy, water and a labour force, opens up opportunities for mutually beneficial exchange of technologies and resources, expansion of agricultural exports and development of the agricultural sector in both countries.
The capacity of the ‘Şehitler’ Mosque in Ashgabat has been increased as part of a modernisation project
06.04.2026The renovation of the 500-capacity “Şehitler” Mosque in Ashgabat is proceeding according to plan. As part of the modernisation, the prayer hall has been expanded, reports the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Rejep Bazarov, Vice-President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, during a working visit to the city of Arkadag by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Having listened to a report on the progress of the reconstruction, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to ensure high-quality construction work and the use of high-quality finishing materials. In addition, the National Leader of the Turkmen people was briefed on the construction and artistic design of a mosque in the city of Fizuli in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which is being carried out by Turkmen specialists. It was noted that this project is regarded as a symbol of friendship and brotherhood between the two nations.
Turkmenistan has summarised the results of the construction and industrial sectors
05.04.2026Baymyrat Annamammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, reported on the activities of the construction and industrial sectors for January–March 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The sector’s production and work completion plan for the specified period was fulfilled at 128.2%. This figure stood at 105.6% for the Ministry of Construction and Architecture, 128.5% for the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production, and 104.7% for the Ministry of Energy. The work plan was fulfilled at 111.4% by the Ministry of Roads, 152.7% by the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’, and 116.4% by the Ashgabat City Administration. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to increase production volumes in the construction and industrial sector, to strengthen and upgrade the material and technical base of the energy sector, and to modernise the country’s roads.
A mass running event to mark Europe Day will take place in Ashgabat
04.04.2026On 11 April, a mass inclusive run will take place in Ashgabat to mark Europe Day. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event is being organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan in conjunction with the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport and the Ashgabat City Administration, with the support of the ‘Run-Rush’ public movement. The races will cover distances of 2, 5 and 10 km. The routes for all distances will run around Independence Park. Children under 16 accompanied by adults are eligible to participate in the 2 km race. Participants aged 16 and over may register for the 5 km and 10 km races. Winners and active participants will receive prizes and commemorative gifts. Offline registration will take place on 7–8 April from 16:00 to 20:00 at the ‘Hiroo Ashgabat’ café (9th microdistrict) and the pet shop at 150 Magtymguly Avenue. Participants must present valid ID to take part. According to the organisers, the event aims to celebrate Europe Day together and bring participants together.
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan discussed environmental cooperation
04.04.2026Nurlan Nogayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, met with Ovezgeldi Goshjanov, Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The parties discussed cooperation within the framework of the Regional Ecological Summit – 2026 (RES–2026) and current issues on the regional environmental agenda. The meeting focused on coordinating the two countries’ approaches, exchanging experience and joint initiatives on sustainable development and strengthening regional cooperation.
Turkmenistan is hosting a ‘Gadget Break’ campaign
04.04.2026The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan (IIR MFA) is hosting the ‘Gadget Break’ campaign from 1 to 7 April. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Students and lecturers are taking part in sports competitions, creative workshops and intellectual tournaments, including chess. The programme includes football, volleyball, basketball, handball, table tennis, athletics with 100- and 400-metre races, relays and a mass cycle ride involving all departments of the institute. The event is held annually as part of the government’s policy to promote a healthy lifestyle. In Turkmenistan’s scientific institutions, the use of gadgets outside of teaching hours is restricted for a week. The campaign will conclude on 7 April — World Health Day.
A solar power station has been launched at the Rural Health Centre in Turkmenistan
03.04.2026A solar photovoltaic system has been commissioned at the Talhatanbaba Rural Health Centre in the Yoloten etrap of the Mary velayat. The project was implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The new station provides the healthcare facility with an uninterrupted power supply, which is particularly important for storing vaccines and delivering vital medical services to children and adults. According to UNICEF, this is already the second such project in Turkmenistan. The initiative is a continuation of efforts to modernise the healthcare system and enhance its resilience to climate-related challenges. Previously, UNICEF assessed the energy needs of 10 primary healthcare facilities across the country, which formed the basis for the further roll-out of solar systems.
The Chinese automotive industry has unveiled its premium models in Ashgabat
03.04.2026The premium-segment vehicles ‘TANK 300’, ‘TANK 500’ and ‘Haval’ models from the Chinese automotive group ‘Great Wall Motors’ (GWM) are on display at the ‘Cooperation and Development’ International Exhibition in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Several models are on display at the company’s stand. Key features of the vehicles include a ladder-frame chassis, double glazing, as well as a high level of comfort and off-road capability. Most models are equipped with four-wheel drive, ventilation and massage functions in the seats, heated seats and a windscreen heating system. The vehicles come with a three-year warranty. Service centres are already operational in Ashgabat and Mary, and the company plans to launch a car finance scheme in the near future. The share of Chinese cars in the Turkmen market is set to grow over the next two to three years. Since February last year, GWM has sold over 60 cars in Turkmenistan, purchased by both government agencies and private customers.
UNDP has updated its climate education project for Turkmenistan
02.04.2026The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan held a closing workshop for the regional project ‘Climate Education for Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Action (Climate Box)’, which aims to strengthen climate education in the country. This was reported by IIC. The workshop was attended by representatives from the education, environment and health sectors, the academic community, youth organisations, NGOs and international partners. The project, funded by the Russian Federation, supports knowledge exchange, international cooperation and the dissemination of best practices in climate education. The educational material is already available in 17 languages and has become a global platform for schoolchildren and teachers. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the updated version of the ‘Climate Box’, an interactive educational package adapted to the conditions of Turkmenistan, created with the participation of national experts and available in both print and electronic formats. UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan Narine Sahakyan noted that education and the development of environmental literacy among young people are key to addressing climate challenges. Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ivan Volynkin highlighted the project’s long-term impact on the development of environmental culture in Central Asia. The workshop included presentations of the adapted kit, demonstrations and talks by scientists, teachers and students. The event concluded with the handover of the ‘Climate Box’ to national partners, including the Ministry of Education, for use in schools across the country. The ‘Climate Box’ project covers countries in Eastern Europe, Central and South-East Asia, engaging children and young people in learning about climate change and inspiring them to take action. In Turkmenistan, its implementation was made possible due to the support of the country’s government and the Trust Fund of the Russian Federation.
The 25th International Urban Forum will take place in the capital of Turkmenistan
02.04.2026The 25th International Exhibition and Conference ‘White City Ashgabat – 2026’ (WCA 2026) will take place in Ashgabat on 24–25 May. This anniversary forum marks the 25th anniversary of the project and is dedicated to the development of the urban environment and infrastructure. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event will take place following the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held from 17–22 May in Baku under the auspices of UN-Habitat. A round table involving the organisation is planned in Ashgabat to discuss the application of international approaches at city level. The main focus will be on sustainable infrastructure, energy efficiency, ‘smart city’ technologies, digital management systems, as well as issues of climate resilience and the use of artificial intelligence in urban planning. The forum is seen as a platform for implementing international solutions in practical projects, including in Ashgabat and the Central Asian region. Over the years, the event has become one of the region’s key platforms. In 2025, it was attended by over 550 delegates from more than 30 countries. The number of participants is expected to grow in 2026. The forum is also used to foster investment cooperation. In 2025, contracts worth $54 million were signed with ‘Zoomlion Environmental Industry’ and $682 million with ‘Daewoo Engineering & Construction’. Over 100 meetings were held in B2B and B2G formats. Discussions will focus on development projects for Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag, including digitalisation, sustainable infrastructure and modern urban planning solutions. The forum’s programme will cover topics such as smart technologies, construction, transport and municipal infrastructure. Participants will be able to engage directly with government bodies and investors. The organisers expect the forum to strengthen Ashgabat’s position as a regional hub for investment and professional cooperation.
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