Society
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.
Ashgabat and Astana are stepping up their analytical cooperation
02.04.2026On 31 March, Batyr Rejepov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan, held a meeting with Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of the Kazakh Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS). This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, and exchanged views on issues relating to the regional and international agenda. Turkmenistan’s role in ensuring stability and sustainable development in the region was highlighted separately. The Head of KazISS expressed confidence in the significance of Ashgabat’s initiatives for the upcoming Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The Ambassador emphasised the high level of inter-state relations, based on good-neighbourliness, mutual respect and trust. The need to expand cooperation between expert and research circles in both countries was discussed. It was also noted that this year Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are marking the 35th anniversary of their independence. The parties agreed to hold joint events.
A monument to the great Turkmen poet has been restored in Afghanistan
01.04.2026On 31 March, a monument to the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy was unveiled in Mazar-i-Sharif (Balkh Province, Afghanistan) following restoration work. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, staff of the Consulate General of Turkmenistan, the city’s mayor Abdul Rahman Himat, the Head of the Afghan Foreign Affairs Ministry’s representative office in Balkh, Mawlawi Aminullah Sadiq, religious figures, teachers and cultural activists. The restoration of the monument was carried out on the initiative of the Chairman of the ‘Akyol’ socio-cultural organisation, Haji Mohammad Hashim Wali Zada, with financial support from Turkmen living in Afghanistan. The speakers noted the significance of Magtymguly Pyragy’s literary legacy for the Turkmen people and world culture, emphasising his role in nurturing the younger generation in the national spirit.
A ceremony was held in Ashgabat to mark the handover of dates from Saudi Arabia
01.04.2026On 31 March, a ceremony to hand over a humanitarian consignment took place at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. On behalf of the King of Saudi Arabia, 25 tonnes of dates from the 1447 Hijri harvest were handed over to the Government of Turkmenistan. The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s programme to support friendly nations. The event was attended by Amer bin Ali Al-Shehri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan, and Osman bin Rashid Al-Rashid, representative of the King Salman Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Relief. The participants noted the importance of such initiatives for the development of humanitarian cooperation and inter-state dialogue. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the assistance provided, emphasising its symbolic significance for strengthening friendly ties. The support provided by Saudi Arabia to Turkmen citizens undertaking the Hajj and Umrah was also noted.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Austria organised a cultural presentation
01.04.2026On 30 March, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Austria, in collaboration with ‘Diplomatic Society Magazine’, held a celebratory event to mark the spring holidays and the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by around 300 people, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, international organisations, as well as business and public circles in Austria. During the presentation, attention was drawn to the meaning of the motto of the year. It was noted that the image of the ‘winged horse’ reflects the continuity of traditions, the creative potential of the people, and Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of peace and international cooperation. Guests were treated to an exhibition dedicated to the country’s culture. The display included books on Ahal-Teke horses and Turkmen Alabay dogs, as well as carpets and national costumes. The event was accompanied by a tasting of Turkmen cuisine and a performance of folk music on the dutar.
The UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan highlighted the achievements of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Foundation
31.03.2026Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, congratulated the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship on its fifth anniversary, noting that children in the country are provided with healthcare, education and a peaceful life due to the government’s policies. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The Foundation’s anniversary was celebrated in the central square of Arkadag, where representatives of international organisations, including N. Sahakyan and the UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan, Jalpa Ratna, were awarded the ‘Arkadag’ medal. N. Sahakyan emphasised that the award was a credit to the entire UNDP team, which has been working in Turkmenistan for over 30 years, and noted the importance of working together for the benefit of children, which strengthens faith in a bright future.
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