Society
Turkmenistan participates in the 77th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee
13.10.2026On October 12, the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees opened in Geneva (Switzerland). The Turkmen delegation is headed by A. Sazakov, the Chairman of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, the agency's press service reported. The session is being held in the year marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, which laid the foundation for the international system of protection for forcibly displaced persons. At the plenary session, A. Sazakov emphasized that the humanitarian sphere occupies an important place in Turkmenistan's state policy. The country's Constitution enshrines the recognition of the human being as the highest value of society and the state. The Chairman of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan also highlighted the initiative of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to declare 2028 the International Year of Legal Rights. The initiative was put forward in 2025 at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly and is aimed at strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that states fulfill their international obligations. The presentation outlined the results of Turkmenistan's National Action Plan for the Elimination of Statelessness for 2019–2024. During this period, more than 32 thousand people acquired Turkmen citizenship, while over 5 thousand others received residence permits. In addition, on the eve of the country's 35th anniversary of independence, 146 foreign citizens were granted permission to reside in Turkmenistan in accordance with a decree issued by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its readiness to expand international cooperation in the field of migration, develop the legal and regulatory framework, promote digital information exchange and participate in humanitarian programmes. A. Sazakov emphasized the importance of coordinating the efforts of states and maintaining international dialogue to ensure effective migration management. The meeting will continue until October 16.
Turkmenistan has joined the agreements on the development of the CASCA+ route
12.10.2026The railway administrations of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey signed a six-party protocol in Tashkent on the development of the international multimodal CASCA+ route, connecting Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Turkey. This was reported by Orient. The parties agreed to reduce cargo delivery times, eliminate delays in transferring cargo between different modes of transport and reduce container dwell times at Caspian and Black Sea ports. Plans also include ensuring an uninterrupted supply of container flatcars and revising tariffs for transporting agricultural products and perishable goods in refrigerated containers. For Turkmenistan, the CASCA+ route is important for developing its transit potential. The Port of Turkmenbashi and the country's railway network provide transport links between Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Turkey and European markets.
Ashgabat is hosting an international exhibition on healthcare, education and sport
11.10.2026On 10 October, the international exhibition and scientific conference ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’ opened in Ashgabat. The three-day forum is timed to coincide with Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers’ Day in Turkmenistan and will run until 12 October, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the relevant ministries, the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The exhibition features domestic and foreign manufacturers, representatives of relevant government departments, scientists, experts and international organisations. The exhibits include medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, educational technologies, sports equipment and developments in the field of digitalisation and infrastructure modernisation. The business programme includes expert sessions, masterclasses and B2B and B2G negotiations. Participants are presenting new solutions, exchanging experiences and discussing prospects for cooperation. Particular attention is being paid to digital technologies in medicine and education, the development of sports medicine and preparations for major international competitions. The forum also hosts a scientific conference, at which specialists discuss current issues in cardiology and surgery, innovative teaching methods and the application of digital solutions.
Journalists from Turkmenistan have set off on a press tour of Turkey
11.10.2026From 10 to 14 October, representatives of Turkmenistan’s state and private media are taking part in an international press tour of Turkey. The trip is aimed at developing media cooperation between the two countries, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The programme includes presentations, familiarisation events and visits to cultural and infrastructure sites. Participants will also explore Turkey’s tourist attractions. As part of the press tour, journalists will learn about the traditions and contemporary trends in Turkish culture, as well as the national cuisine and regional culinary specialities. The trip is intended to strengthen professional and cultural ties between media representatives from the two countries.
Discussions on developing cooperation with the IOM took place in Ashgabat
10.10.2026On 8 October, a meeting was held at the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan with Dragan Aleksoski, Deputy Director of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed joint measures in the field of migration, the incorporation of international standards into national legislation, and the practical application of migration legislation. They also considered prospects for cooperation on programmes relating to security and sustainable development. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue working together and to organise joint events to further develop cooperation in the field of international migration.
A Turkmen delegation took part in a scientific forum in Japan
08.10.2026A delegation from the Academy of Sciences and the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to Japan. Turkmen specialists took part in the international forum ‘Science and Technology in Society’ (STS) in Kyoto and the 22nd round-table meeting of ministers of science and technology, according to the IIC. During the plenary and thematic sessions, participants discussed the development of artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy, as well as issues relating to digitalisation, environmental protection and the training of specialists. On 5 October, Allaberdi Ashirov, Head of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, addressed the meeting of the Presidents of the Academies of Sciences. In his speech, he outlined Turkmenistan’s approaches to the development of scientific research, the introduction of high technologies and support for young scientists. The importance of international academic cooperation was highlighted in particular. During the visit, the Turkmen delegation also held meetings with representatives of Japanese universities and technology companies. The visit will last until 8 October and is aimed at developing scientific and educational cooperation and exchanging expertise.
CIS countries have approved a new plan for cooperation in the field of tourism
08.10.2026At a meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers held on October 7 in Turkmenistan, an Action Plan for 2027–2028 was approved for the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of Cooperation between CIS Member States in Tourism for 2021–2030, according to Turkmenportal. The document comprises seven sections and sets out measures to improve the legal framework, statistical monitoring and quality standards for tourism services, as well as to ensure the safety of tourists and tourism businesses. Particular attention is paid to the development of accommodation facilities and tourism infrastructure, scientific support for the sector, and the training and professional development of specialists. The plan also provides for support for children’s, youth and social tourism, the expansion of inter-regional tourist routes, the promotion of tourism products and the improvement of information support for the sector. The document brings together long-term projects and programmes, as well as one-off events and organisational and practical measures.
The rational use of the waters of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya was discussed at ‘Awaza’
08.10.2026A high-level meeting of Central Asian countries on the rational use of the water resources of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers took place on 7 October in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The meeting was attended by heads of relevant ministries and experts from the water management sector. The main focus was on coordinating inter-state cooperation in the field of water use. Participants discussed compliance with agreements relating to the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, the modernisation of water management infrastructure and the introduction of water-saving technologies. Proposals included expanding the use of drip irrigation, lining canals with concrete and digitising the monitoring of cross-border river flows. The activities of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination were considered separately, as were ways of improving the effectiveness of their work. The agenda included environmental projects aimed at preventing soil salinisation and desertification, as well as finding a balance between the interests of hydropower and irrigated agriculture. The participants also supported Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia. Following the meeting, the parties agreed on approaches to further cooperation in the field of water and environmental sustainability in the region.
The development of seed production in the CIS countries was discussed at ‘Awaza’
08.10.2026On 7 October, the 27th meeting of the Inter-governmental Co-ordinating Council on Seed Production of the Commonwealth of Independent States took place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. It was attended by heads of agricultural ministries, scientists and representatives of plant breeding centres from CIS countries, according to the news agency TDH. Participants discussed the development of inter-state cooperation in the field of plant breeding and seed production, ensuring food security, and the implementation of the Agreement on the Development of the Inter-State Market for Agricultural Seeds. Particular attention was paid to removing administrative and phytosanitary barriers, improving seed certification, exchanging scientific research findings, and developing varieties resistant to drought and disease. Issues relating to the digitalisation of the sector and the efficient use of land and water resources were also addressed. On the same day, the 28th meeting of the ‘Semena’ Association took place. Experts discussed the adaptation of seed production to climate change, the standardisation of seed quality, the development of scientific and industrial cooperation, and the application of modern breeding methods, including molecular genetics and digital technologies. This was followed by the International Conference on Plant Breeding and Seed Production. Participants examined the sector’s development, modern crop cultivation technologies, high-quality seed production and the expansion of joint research programmes. The conference also addressed issues relating to seed storage and processing, phytosanitary safety, the market for cereals and oilseeds, exports, logistics and public-private partnerships. Following the events, the participants agreed to continue their cooperation in the fields of plant breeding and seed production, the exchange of expertise, and the introduction of modern technologies into the agricultural sector.
Demography and sustainable development were discussed in Turkmenistan
08.10.2026On 7 October, the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted the International Conference ‘Demographic Processes and Sustainable Development: Contemporary Challenges and International Experience’. The forum was attended by representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the parliaments of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the CIS countries, as well as specialised UN agencies, according to the news agency TDH. Participants discussed the impact of demographic processes on socio-economic development, as well as issues of public policy in the fields of population, healthcare, education, the labour market and social protection. Particular attention was paid to the use of population and housing census data, digital technologies for processing statistical information, and the integration of demographic indicators into long-term planning. The conference also addressed issues relating to urban and rural development, the implementation of ‘smart’ and ‘green’ city standards, the protection of mothers and children, support for families and young people, and adaptation to climate change. Representatives from Turkmenistan highlighted their collaboration with specialised UN agencies, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This cooperation is aimed at improving the analysis of demographic indicators, monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals and exchanging international best practice. Participants also discussed improving the legal and institutional framework in the field of demography and opportunities for further international cooperation. A Final Document was adopted at the conclusion of the conference.
Turkmenistan hosted a meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination
08.10.2026On 7 October 2026, the 95th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan took place in ‘Awaza’. The meeting was hosted by the Turkmen side. The meeting was chaired by Durdy Genjiyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Water Resources of Turkmenistan, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by members of the ICWC, representatives of the water management authorities of the Central Asian states, the Commission’s executive bodies and the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). The main focus was on the results of water use in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya basins during the 2026 growing season. The parties discussed the allocation of water resources and the operating regimes of the reservoir cascades for the 2026–2027 inter-growing season. The participants also reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken at the summits of the Heads of State of the IFAS’s founding member states. The agenda included the implementation of the 4th Aral Sea Basin Programme (ASBP-4), the introduction of water-saving and digital technologies, adaptation to climate change, and the development of water diplomacy and scientific capacity. Following the meeting, the parties adopted a protocol.
An international exhibition and scientific conference are to be held in Ashgabat
08.10.2026From 10 to 12 October, Ashgabat will host an International Exhibition and Scientific Conference entitled ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The events will take place at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. Representatives of ministries and sectoral departments, members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, Turkmen entrepreneurs, citizens of the country and representatives of foreign companies are invited to attend. Further information can be obtained by calling 39-88-81 and 39-88-84 (83, 82).
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