The ‘Awaza AI’ virtual assistant was presented for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This innovative tool was developed with the support of the country's government and will help participants quickly obtain information about the forum. ‘Awaza AI’ provides data on the programme, speakers, logistics and other organisational details, supporting participants in real time. The programme includes plenary sessions, round tables and events with the participation of UN member states, NGOs and businesses. There will also be exhibitions on sustainable development, trade, transport, technology and climate. Separate sessions will be dedicated to youth, women leaders and civil society. Advance accreditation is required to participate.
On 10-11 July 2025, Ashgabat hosted a seminar of the regional project ‘Enhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risks and Climate Change in Central Asia’, organised by the United Nations Development Programme in cooperation with the Turkmen authorities and with financial support from Japan. This was reported by IIC. The event brought together more than 100 participants, including representatives of government agencies, diplomatic missions, the scientific community and international organisations. The discussions focused on the development of comprehensive approaches to urban planning that take into account the climate risks and natural hazards characteristic of the region. As noted by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Tomica Paovic, Turkmenistan, like other countries in Central Asia, is facing an increase in extreme weather events. The project will help Ashgabat become a model of sustainable development for the entire region. During the workshop, experts presented methodologies for integrating climate adaptation into urban planning, including risk assessment tools and a roadmap for sustainable development of the capital of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to seismic safety, combating desertification and water resource management. The project provides for the creation of an interdepartmental working group and the development of specific measures to improve the sustainability of urban infrastructure. The solutions obtained can subsequently be scaled up to other cities in Turkmenistan and Central Asia.
From 14 July 2025, Turkmenistan's national carrier will expand its route network by adding a new regular flight between Incheon (South Korea) – Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) – Istanbul (Turkey). Flights will be operated once a week, on Mondays, on Boeing 777 aircraft. This was reported by the IIC. This route connects three key transport hubs: Incheon, the largest air hub in East Asia; Ashgabat, the strategic centre of Central Asia; and Istanbul, one of the most important transfer points between Europe and Asia. The launch of the route was made possible by the deepening of the partnership between Turkmenistan and South Korea, which was officially taken to a new level last year. Experts expect that the new flight will not only increase passenger traffic but also open up additional opportunities for business, tourism and cargo transportation. Turkmen Airlines continues to expand its international presence, strengthening Ashgabat's position as a transit hub on the global air transport map.
11 July 2025 marks World Horse Day, proclaimed by the United Nations in recognition of the role of these animals in human history. In Turkmenistan, the holiday has special significance — the country is rightly proud of the Ahal-Teke breed, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. This was reported by the IIC. Ahal-Tekes, known for their graceful build, endurance and noble temperament, have been loyal companions of the Turkmen people for centuries. Their golden coat and graceful movements have delighted travellers, rulers and artists, and today these horses continue to conquer international exhibitions and sports arenas. In Turkmenistan, the holiday is marked by horse shows, races and traditional ceremonies that emphasise the connection between generations. The authorities and public organisations also use this day to remind people of the importance of preserving the unique gene pool of the Ahal-Teke breed. World Horse Day is another opportunity to show the world the cultural heritage of Turkmenistan and the country's contribution to the development of global horse breeding.
Representatives of Turkmenistan are participating in the 10th International Cultural and Educational Forum ‘Children of the Commonwealth,’ which began on 7 July in Belarus. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event is dedicated to the theme ‘80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War: Memory and Unity of Generations.’ Schoolchildren from nine CIS countries are participating in the event. The programme opened at the National Children's Technopark and includes master classes, excursions and introductions to the culture of the Commonwealth countries. The forum has been held since 2013 on the initiative of the Supreme Council of the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly. The event has already been held in Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan. The current forum will last until 16 July.
Representatives of Turkmenistan have been invited to participate in the International Festival ‘Samarqand oshi’ (‘Samarkand dish’), which will be held from 1 to 3 August in Samarkand. This was reported by the news website TerraNews. This large-scale event is dedicated to the art of cooking palav (pilaf), one of the main symbols of the cultural heritage of Central Asia. The festival organisers invite not only professional chefs and restaurateurs, but also all lovers of Eastern cuisine to exchange experiences and learn about the traditions of the region. The main event will be the preparation of 7.5 tonnes of ‘Samarkand palav’ under the guidance of leading chefs. For Turkmen culinary masters, this is a unique opportunity to showcase their national cuisine on the international stage and strengthen cultural ties with neighbouring countries.
An interactive online session organised by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) took place in Ashgabat. The event, held as part of the 2025 Academy of Preventive Diplomacy, brought together young leaders from Central Asia and Afghanistan to discuss the role of youth and women in peacebuilding processes. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The session took place in a landmark year – the 25th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. Participants examined practical aspects of implementing the global agendas ‘Women, Peace and Security’ and ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ in a regional context. Particular attention was paid to the activities of the Central Asian Women Leaders' Dialogue under the UNRCCA, an important platform for strengthening the role of women in decision-making and promoting inclusive approaches to ensuring stability.
HEI and high school students from Turkmenistan took part in the XXIII All-Russian ‘Chekhov Cup’ Forum in Taganrog. The event, which brought together 124 participants from different countries, provided an opportunity to improve debating and argumentation skills, according to IIC Turkmenistan. In addition to representatives from Turkmenistan, students from China, the Central African Republic, Russia, Colombia and Nigeria attended the forum. The event was organised by the Institute of Management of the Southern Federal University, ‘Global-NPD’ and the IT company ‘Logovo’, with the support of the Territorial Electoral Commission of the city of Taganrog. The debates were held in the Karl Popper, World Schools Debate and British Parliamentary formats in Russian, English and Chinese. An oratory competition was also held as part of the forum. Representatives from Turkmenistan actively participated in master classes and debates in three languages, and also visited the Sambek Heights memorial. The forum concluded with an award ceremony for the winners.
Representatives of the ‘Türkmen logistika’ association took part in a regional training course on the digitisation of trade procedures held in Tashkent. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The event brought together experts from five Central Asian countries: Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Participants studied the basics of digital trade facilitation and UN/CEFACT standards as part of a project supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The implementation of UN/CEFACT standards aimed at standardising data and processes should contribute to the development of paperless trade and improve the efficiency of cross-border operations in the region. During the training, pilot projects were developed, which are planned to be presented in December 2025. By 2027, the countries intend to implement digital tools — eTIR and eCMR.
The editorial team of the electronic publication ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’, published under the auspices of the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan, has presented the June issue of the magazine to readers. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The issue opens with a feature article entitled ‘Çagalaryň sesi – dünýäniň şatlygy’ (The Voice of Children is the Joy of the World), dedicated to International Children's Day, which is celebrated in early June. Of particular interest is the article ‘Juwan köňülleriň ylham joşguny’ (The Inspiration of Young Hearts), which recounts the highlights of the ‘Talyp joşguny – 2025’ creative festival held last month. A significant part of the issue is devoted to the publication ‘Arkadag şäheri – geljegiň şäheri’ (Arkadag City – City of the Future), dedicated to the country's first ‘smart’ city. The article features an in-depth interview with a doctor from the Maternal and Child Health Care Centre in Arkadag City, who provides detailed information about the local healthcare system. An article entitled ‘Döwrüň belent ösüşleriniň binýady’ (The Foundation of the Great Developments of the Era) is dedicated to Science Day, celebrated in Turkmenistan on 12 June. The historical theme continues in the publication ‘Geçmiş – geljegiň berk binýady’ (The Past is a Solid Foundation for the Future). The issue concludes with an informative article on the history of the bicycle, as well as articles entitled ‘Tomus – çagalaryň söýgüli pasly’ (Summer is Children's Favorite Season) and ‘Pyrtykally şerbet’ (Orange juice). Special attention should be paid to the information about the new winner of the popular competition ‘Ýaş waspçy’.
As part of the State Programme for the Development of Biotechnology for 2024-2028, specialists from the International Scientific-Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have made an important breakthrough. They have created and patented a unique technology for processing Jerusalem artichoke (sunroot) to obtain valuable products, including pharmaceutical inulin, resveratrol and glucose-fructose syrup. This was reported by IIC. This development has already been officially registered by the State Intellectual Property Service of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan. The research is aimed at maximising the beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke, especially in the production of functional foods. The key component of the technology is inulin, known as an effective prebiotic. It improves the intestinal microflora, strengthens the immune system and normalises metabolism. In addition, it is used to produce fructose-glucose syrup, a natural sugar substitute that is especially beneficial for people with diabetes. The syrups produced are available in liquid and dry forms and are used in various industries: food, pharmaceutical and agro-industrial. They can be used in the production of confectionery and bakery products, beverages, canned foods, animal feed, and also sold as a standalone product.
From 2 to 4 July, a seminar organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat. The event was part of a joint project on financial market development and institutional environment improvement. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. UNDP international expert Elena Andreeva presented to participants the key elements of the functioning of the securities market, from types of instruments to mechanisms for recording investor rights and the activities of depositories and registrars. The draft programme for the development of the securities market in Turkmenistan until 2030 and the plan for its implementation were also discussed. In addition to the training sessions, the expert held consultations with representatives of government agencies, presenting proposals for updating legislation and developing the country's financial system.