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A UNDP project to reduce the risk of disasters has been launched in Turkmenistan
14.07.2026A UNDP project to reduce the risk of natural disasters, implemented with financial support from Japan, has been launched in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Japan has allocated approximately US$4.9 million for the project. The initiative aims to develop early warning systems, improve emergency preparedness and strengthen regional cooperation in Central Asia. The project was launched during a visit by the UNDP regional team from Istanbul. During the mission, consultations were also held with national partners on the implementation of the project and the further development of Turkmenistan’s capacity in the field of disaster risk management.
A delegation from Turkmenistan is attending the UN Forum on Sustainable Development
14.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy, is taking part in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The forum, which is taking place from 7 to 15 July, is dedicated to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions are centred on issues relating to water resources, clean energy, innovation, sustainable urban development and international partnership. At the ministerial meeting, senior UN officials emphasised the need to strengthen international cooperation, reform the global financial system and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Turkmenistan’s participation in the forum forms part of the preparations for the submission of the country’s third Voluntary National Review, scheduled for 2027.
Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in the field of the environment and climate
14.07.2026Turkmenistan continues to participate in international efforts to ensure environmental security, combat climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The environmental and climate agenda is one of the country’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, according to the news agency TDH. Climate change issues affect not only the environment, but also the economy, the social sphere and the quality of life of the population. In this regard, Turkmenistan is implementing national programmes and developing cooperation with the UN, UNDP, UNEP, FAO and other international organisations. On the international stage, Turkmenistan has put forward a number of initiatives, including the establishment of a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies, a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia, and the development of a UN environmental strategy for the region. The proposals also include a special UN programme for the Aral Sea basin. The country pays particular attention to environmental issues in the Caspian region. Turkmenistan’s Caspian Environmental Initiative is aimed at developing international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the conservation of the Caspian Sea’s biological resources. As part of this initiative, it has been proposed to hold the Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026. Environmental issues were also discussed at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone in August 2025. Issues of sustainable development were reflected in the Awaza Political Declaration and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034. Turkmenistan is a party to international climate agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. In 2023, the country joined the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) and adopted a Roadmap for 2025–2026 to reduce methane emissions. The country is improving its legislative framework in the environmental sector. The National Climate Change Strategy is being implemented, and the National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Energy up to 2030 and the Law ‘On Renewable Energy Sources’ have been adopted. The National Forest Programme of Turkmenistan for 2026–2030 and the Action Plan for its implementation have also been approved. As part of the UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge, Turkmenistan is carrying out large-scale greening projects. As a result of annual tree-planting campaigns, new green spaces, parks and woodlands are being created across the country. Environmental principles are also taken into account in the development of urban infrastructure. One example is the city of Arkadag, where digital and ‘green’ technologies are being applied. The project has received a number of international certificates in the field of sustainable construction and environmental safety. Turkmenistan also participates in international climate events. At the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB64) in Bonn, the country’s position on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, introducing environmentally friendly technologies and developing renewable energy was reaffirmed. One of the key areas of sustainable development is the transition to a circular economy. Turkmenistan advocates the introduction of ‘green’ technologies, resource recycling, waste reduction and the development of innovative production models. At the World Governments Summit in Dubai in 2024, the country presented an initiative to establish a Global Framework Programme for the Transition to a Circular Economy. Considerable attention is paid to water resources. Turkmenistan promotes water diplomacy and advocates the rational use of transboundary waters in accordance with international law. One of the country’s initiatives was a proposal to establish a Regional Council on Water Use in Central Asian Countries under the auspices of the UN. Environmental and climatic factors are also taken into account in the development of agriculture. Resource-saving technologies are being introduced across the country, land-use methods are being improved, and plant breeding and the digitalisation of the agro-industrial complex are being developed. Cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and other international partners in the field of adapting agriculture to climate change remains a key priority. Turkmenistan also advocates the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies for Central Asia, which is planned to be based in Ashgabat.
A meeting with a representative from Libya took place at the IIR MFA
14.07.2026Gulshat Yusupova, Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Mahmud A.M.Hasan, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Libya in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting on 13 July, the parties discussed the development of academic and humanitarian cooperation, including the organisation of specialised courses, the expansion of inter-university exchanges of experience, and promising areas for collaboration. A tour of the Institute of International Relations was also organised for the diplomat. He visited the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy and the UNESCO ‘Culture of Peace’ Club, where he viewed historical exhibits, archival materials and student projects.
A student from Turkmenistan took part in the OSCE Summer School of Journalism
14.07.2026Yusup Orazov, a first-year student at the Faculty of International Journalism of the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, took part in the OSCE Summer School of Journalism 2026, which took place from 28 June to 12 July in the Republic of Tajikistan, according to the press office of the Turkmen university. The educational project was organised by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan, for young media professionals and aspiring journalists from Central Asian countries. During the programme, participants studied modern approaches to media work, standards of professional ethics, issues of media literacy and methods of countering disinformation. The practical component included a visit to the state television channel ‘Safina’, where students learnt about the processes involved in producing television programmes, studio operations and the creation of news bulletins. Twenty students and young professionals from leading universities in Central Asia took part in the media intensive, including representatives from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the University of Central Asia (UCA), New York University Shanghai (NYU Shanghai), Ala-Too International University and the Uzbekistan State World Languages University (UzSWLU). Upon completion of the course, Yusup Orazov was awarded an international certificate. The organisers highlighted the importance of the project for the professional development of young professionals and expressed their intention to continue running the programme in the future.
Turkmenistan is stepping up measures to protect ecosystems and restore land
14.07.2026Turkmenistan is stepping up measures to combat desertification as part of the UN Decade of Action (2025–2034). The country is implementing its third National Forest Programme (2026–2030), under which afforestation efforts are continuing. This has been reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Since 1993, more than 160 million trees have been planted, including saxaul, which helps to stabilise the sand. Particular attention is being paid to the restoration of the Aral Sea region’s ecosystem. Protective forest belts are being created on the dried-up bed of the Aral Sea and the Botendag hills, whilst engineering methods are also being used to stabilise the sand. One of the key international initiatives will be the establishment in Ashgabat of a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification, which will coordinate cooperation among the countries of Central Asia in the areas of pasture restoration, the rational use of water resources and the exchange of environmental expertise.
The fleet of the ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ State Corporation has been replenished with modern ‘Sitrak’ tractors
14.07.2026The ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ State Corporation has taken delivery of four new ‘Sitrak ZZ4406 V395 ME’ heavy-duty tractor units, designed to transport heavy drilling equipment and materials to remote geological exploration sites. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The new vehicles have a high load capacity, a powerful engine, a reinforced chassis and are adapted for operation in the challenging road and climatic conditions of Turkmenistan. Modern control systems and a comfortable cab also enhance safety and driver comfort. The expansion of the vehicle fleet will help speed up the implementation of geological exploration projects, improve the efficiency of transporting machinery and equipment, and strengthen the material and technical base of the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’.
Turkmenistan and UNICEF discussed human capital development and support for young people
12.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held a meeting with Octavian Bivol, UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for joint work in the areas of human capital development, the protection of children’s rights, support for young people and the improvement of social policy. During the meeting, it was emphasised that Turkmenistan regards cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies as an important component of its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The participants paid particular attention to investment in education, healthcare and social protection for children and young people as key factors for long-term socio-economic development. Octavian Bivol noted that more than half of Turkmenistan’s population is under 30, describing this as a significant advantage for the country’s future development. The parties agreed that supporting the younger generation would enable this demographic potential to be utilised as effectively as possible. A UNICEF initiative to hold a presentation in Brussels of the regional report ‘Generation 2050 in Central Asia’ was also discussed. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan supported this idea, proposing that the event be used as a platform for dialogue between the countries of Central Asia, European Union institutions, international financial organisations and development partners on issues relating to investment in human capital and the strengthening of regional cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to further develop their partnership and implement joint regional initiatives.
309,000 square metres of housing were built in Turkmenistan in six months
12.07.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, stated that the results for the first half of the year demonstrate the successful implementation of socio-economic development programmes and the utilisation of investments. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the Head of State, GDP growth of 6.3 per cent was driven by high levels of construction and investment activity. Between January and June, 309,000 square metres of housing were completed in the velayats, cities and etraps. During the reporting period, 18.6 billion manats of capital investment was channelled into the country’s economy and infrastructure, which is 4.3 per cent more than in the previous year. Construction is continuing on industrial facilities, modern housing estates, schools, nurseries and other social institutions.
Research findings in the field of demography were presented in Ashgabat
12.07.2026A conference marking World Population Day was held in Ashgabat. The event, organised in collaboration with UNFPA and the Government of Turkmenistan, focused on demographic trends, sustainable development and gender equality, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed global changes in fertility rates, the findings of the MICS7 programme, a study on the population’s reproductive intentions, and the implementation of national initiatives in the field of human rights. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties outlined further areas for cooperation in the field of demographic policy.
A new commemorative medal has been established in Turkmenistan to mark the anniversary of independence
12.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Law establishing the commemorative medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The new award is intended for military personnel and members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies who have distinguished themselves in defending the country’s independence, sovereignty and constitutional order, as well as those who have contributed to the preparation and conduct of the celebratory military parade. The law came into force on the day of its signing. The medal is designed as a gold-plated octagon featuring elements of state symbolism, images of a map of Turkmenistan, the Independence Monument and the ‘Arkadag’ monument, as well as the commemorative inscription ‘XXXV’.
Turkmenistan and Belgium discussed cooperation on migration
11.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, held a meeting with Freddy Rosemont, Director-General of the Belgian Immigration Service. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between the immigration authorities of the two countries, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Particular attention was paid to the protection of citizens’ rights abroad, the exchange of expertise in the field of migration policy, and the strengthening of working relations between the relevant agencies. The possibility of drafting a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the field of migration was also considered. The Ambassador noted the increase in the international mobility of citizens and emphasised the importance of cooperation on issues relating to identity verification, the replacement of documents and consular assistance. The Belgian side expressed its readiness to develop cooperation, proposing to organise reciprocal visits by representatives of the two countries’ migration services to exchange experience. In addition, the participants discussed the possible simplification of visa procedures for holders of diplomatic and service passports in the context of developing Turkmenistan’s relations with the Benelux countries. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their intention to maintain contact and identify further areas of cooperation in the field of migration.
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