A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the World Summit “Investing in Children’s Well-Being: A Path to Sustainable and Equitable Development for Future Generations,” which was held on October 21–22 in Samarkand. The forum was organized at the initiative of Uzbekistan with the participation of UN agencies, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the World Bank, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Representatives from more than 100 countries participated in the summit. The main topics included the protection of children’s rights, health care, access to education, and the development of social support systems. The program included plenary sessions, thematic sessions, the Second International Congress on Childhood Cancer, and specialized events. At the opening ceremony, a greeting from Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and a message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres were read aloud. Speakers included Khalilur Rahman, President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly; Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, First Lady of Uzbekistan; and Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children. In a video message, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized the importance of increasing investment in early childhood development, as well as ensuring equal access to quality health care and education. As part of the summit, an interactive exhibition titled “The World Through a Child’s Eyes” was held. Its 13 thematic sections were dedicated to the protection of mothers and children, as well as the education and socialization of the younger generation. At the conclusion of the forum, the participants unanimously adopted the Samarkand Declaration. The document established common commitments and practical guidelines for international cooperation in the field of children’s rights.
Oleg Kononenko, head of the Cosmonaut Training Center, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin are training as part of the backup crew for ISS-76. Kononenko has been appointed crew commander, according to Turkmenportal. One of the training stages took place in the Cosmonaut Training Center’s hydro-laboratory. The cosmonauts practiced spacewalk operations: working with the airlock hatch, moving along handrails on the station’s surface, transporting equipment, laying cables, and connecting electrical connectors. Special attention was paid to working with the ERA remote manipulator, designed to move equipment outside the Russian segment of the ISS. The trainees practiced moving along a mock-up of the manipulator, using a portable operator workstation, and responding to potential emergency situations. Oleg Kononenko was born on June 21, 1964, in the city of Chardzhou, now known as Turkmenabat. The future cosmonaut graduated with honors from Secondary School No. 15 in his hometown. In 2009, Kononenko’s achievements were recognized with a state award from Turkmenistan—the “Prezidentiň Ýyldyzy” (“Star of the President”) Order. During his flights to the ISS, the cosmonaut repeatedly addressed the people of Turkmenistan and photographed Ashgabat at night from orbit.
Turkmenistan participated in the Second Regional Dialogue on Urban Sustainability, which took place in Tashkent with the participation of representatives from governments, municipalities, and experts from Central Asian countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the forum, the Coalition for Urban Sustainability expanded from five to ten members. Bishkek, Manas, Isfara, Fergana, and Kokand joined the founding cities, including Ashgabat. Participants discussed sharing experiences in urban planning and protecting the population from climate threats and natural disasters. Another outcome of the meeting was the signing of a memorandum between the national seismological institutes of Central Asian countries. The document provides for the exchange of scientific data, coordination of efforts, and joint assessment of seismic activity. The dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Center for Emergency Situations and Natural Disaster Risk Reduction, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial and technical support from the Government of Japan. These initiatives are aimed at implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
Employees of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Turkmenistan are taking online courses on contemporary issues in public administration organized by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA). This was reported by Turkmenportal. The training is being conducted under a cooperation agreement signed by the two institutions in 2024. The programme covers modern approaches to public administration, financial planning, budget and resource management. A separate module focuses on financial statement analysis. RANEPA instructors are conducting online seminars on public financial management, strategic planning, sustainable socio-economic development and the digitalization of public services. Participants are also studying the application of artificial intelligence in public administration, labour law, and methods for preventing and resolving workplace conflicts. Other topics include strategic human resource management, emotional intelligence and the development of mentoring programmes. In addition to theoretical sessions, participants complete practical assignments and analyse case studies related to the course topics. This helps them consolidate their knowledge and develop skills in analysing management situations. Upon completion of the programme, participants will receive certificates of advanced professional training. The course aims to strengthen the professional competencies of specialists in public administration.
DevFest Ashgabat 2026, the annual technology festival, will take place on November 22 at Bilelik Hub, a creative space located in Ashgabat Mall. According to the Orient news agency, the event is organized by the volunteer community GDG Ashgabat, which expects more than 150 participants. DevFest is a free conference for developers, students, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in emerging technologies. This year’s theme is “Build, Secure, Scale: Developers and Builders in the Agentic Era.” The program will feature expert talks on artificial intelligence, software development, startups, and cybersecurity. Participants will also be able to attend hands-on workshops on building software with AI agents and protecting code against security threats, take part in team competitions with prizes, and network with representatives of technology companies in the partner zone. Google Developer Groups (GDG) has been active in Ashgabat since 2020 and brings together more than 1,400 members. Admission to the festival is free, but advance registration is required. Applications can be submitted via the official registration link.
On October 18, an international training seminar for specialists from the migration and border services of Central Asian countries began in the city of Changji, People's Republic of China. Representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan and international experts are participating in the event, the agency's press service reports. The program is aimed at improving specialists' qualifications and studying international standards for integrated border management. Participants are learning about strategic planning and risk assessment methods, as well as discussing interagency cooperation, improvements to control procedures, and the application of international experience in migration and border security. The seminar will run until November 1.
At the Research Institute of Natural Gas of the state concern «Turkmengaz», equipment was handed over and training began on the implementation of LDAR systems for detecting and eliminating methane leaks. The project is being implemented as part of the program of the European Union and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) «Green Development of Turkmenistan», reports the IIC of Turkmenistan. German Ambassador Petra Dachtler, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation Maciej Madalinski and Institute Director Bayrammyrat Pirniyazov signed a protocol on the transfer of technologies. During the event, the Spanish company SENSIA Solutions demonstrated an optical gas imaging (OGI) camera that enables methane leaks to be detected in real time using an infrared sensor. As part of the practical training, Turkmen engineers and environmental specialists are learning how to operate leak detection equipment. The implementation of this technology will help reduce raw material losses and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Mukam Ekaev, head of the Department of Nanotechnology and Materials Science at the Oguz Khan Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan, has become a full member of the Scientific Council on New Materials of the International Association of Academies of Sciences (IAAS). The decision was made on October 16 at a council meeting held at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus as part of the Belarusian Industrial and Innovation Forum in Minsk, according to the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. Meeting participants discussed the development of digital materials science, the activities of scientific councils, and the prospects for creating new materials. The council brings together specialists in the fields of polymer and composite materials, metallurgy, additive manufacturing, protective coatings, and surface engineering. During his visit, Mukam Ekaev met with Petr Vityaz, an academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, and Sergey Aldoshin, vice president of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of materials science and nanotechnology, as well as collaboration between scientific organizations in Turkmenistan, Belarus, and Russia. The Turkmen scientist also visited the “TechInnoProm” international exhibition, where he familiarized himself with industrial developments and modern technologies. During meetings with representatives of the scientific community and manufacturing companies from China and Belarus, they discussed opportunities for implementing joint projects and conducting scientific and technical research. In addition, Mukam Ekaev took part in the international symposium “Prospects for the Development of Additive Technologies in the Republic of Belarus.” Participants discussed research on metal powders, polymers, composite materials, nanostructured systems, and functional coatings. The Turkmen scientist’s participation in the forum is aimed at expanding international scientific ties and preparing joint projects in the field of new materials and high technologies.
The 4th Liangzhu Forum was held in Hangzhou (People’s Republic of China) on October 18, with a journalist from Turkmenistan in attendance. The forum brought together politicians, diplomats, representatives of the cultural sector, the media, and the scientific community from various countries to discuss issues related to the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of international cooperation, according to the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age.” At the opening ceremony, chaired by Liu Jie, Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government and Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, issues of cultural diplomacy and international cooperation were discussed. Representatives from the PRC spoke about the significance of Liangzhu culture in the history of Chinese civilization and emphasized the importance of preserving the world’s cultural heritage. As part of the forum, documents on international cultural cooperation were signed. Experts also explored opportunities to promote historical heritage through sustainable tourism, mutual investment, the integration of archaeological sites into the modern urban environment, and the development of interregional cultural exchanges. The participation of a representative from Turkmenistan in the forum was part of an international dialogue on preserving cultural heritage and strengthening cultural ties between countries.
Journalists from Turkmenistan’s state and private media outlets visited the Turkish provinces of Balıkesir and Canakkale, where they explored the local historical heritage, cultural traditions, and natural attractions. The trip lasted five days and was organized by Turkish Airlines, the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age.” The tour of the region began with a visit to the Adatepe Olive Oil Museum in the village of Kuchukkuyu. The museum houses a collection of historical documents, antique equipment, and reenactments illustrating the development of olive oil production and traditional methods of its manufacture. The journalists then attended the 3rd Olive Oil Tasting Festival, held on the coast of Gyure. Participants in the event presented themed exhibits and modern methods of olive processing. The nature-focused program included a jeep tour through Kazdaglari National Park. During the tour, media representatives saw mountain landscapes, forests, and natural springs, and learned about the conditions for developing ecotourism. Historical and archaeological sites featured prominently in the program. In the ancient city of Assos, the delegation toured the ruins of ancient structures, archaeological excavations, and the Temple of Athena, located atop a hill. Afterward, the journalists visited the Troy National Park and its museum, whose collection features archaeological artifacts and historical reconstructions. In the archaeological village of Tevfikiye, the tour participants learned about the traditional way of life of the local residents and their folk crafts. The final stop on the itinerary was a memorial dedicated to those who died in the battles of Canakkale. In addition, representatives of the Turkmen media toured the historical site at Alcitepe, where elements of military fortifications, trenches, and a 1915-model Red Crescent field hospital have been reconstructed. The press tour gave journalists the opportunity to experience firsthand Turkey’s historical monuments, cultural traditions, and natural riches, as well as to assess the tourism potential of the provinces of Balıkesir and Canakkale.
Representatives of Turkmenistan’s Hydrometeorological Service and the Ministry of Environmental Protection visited Darmstadt, Germany, on October 14–15 for a study visit. The trip was organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat to facilitate knowledge exchange and enhance meteorologists’ professional skills. Thıs was reported by Turkmenportal. During the visit, the delegation toured the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and the German Meteorological Service (DWD). At EUMETSAT headquarters, participants learned about the network of Satellite Application Facilities (SAFs) and the organization’s products for atmospheric monitoring. At DWD, Turkmen specialists explored practical methods for using Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellite imagery for operational weather forecasting, as well as techniques for configuring imagery and related products. Discussions also covered data delivery, user engagement and technical support. Olivera Zurovac-Kuzman, Head of the Economic and Environmental Department at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said the visit aimed to strengthen Turkmen meteorologists’ expertise in data processing and the use of modern technologies for early warning systems. The programme also sought to promote the exchange of international experience. The visit was part of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat’s efforts to address environmental and climate challenges, improve early warning systems and promote sustainable environmental management.
Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Turkmenistan Alym Annamuradov met with Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ravshanbek Alimov. This was reported by Turkmenportal. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for training qualified personnel, cooperation between specialized educational and research institutions of the two countries, as well as the exchange of experience in public administration and governance. Particular attention was paid to developing international ties in education, introducing best practices and implementing joint educational initiatives. The meeting was aimed at strengthening professional and educational ties between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.