A delegation from Turkmenistan is participating in the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, which is being held from 11 to 13 February under the auspices of the International Labour Organisation and the Government of Morocco. This was reported by the IIC. The conference programme includes plenary sessions, thematic discussions and events to exchange experiences, develop effective practices and strengthen international cooperation in the fields of education and social protection of children. Turkmenistan's participation demonstrates its growing international authority and commitment to humanistic values and constructive dialogue.
As part of his visit to Turkmenistan, Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), visited the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Port Director Parahat Jumayev presented the ADY delegation with the port's infrastructure, technical capabilities and transit potential. The role of the port in the development of regional freight transport, the synchronisation of development plans for the ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku, as well as dredging work were discussed. The parties emphasised that strengthening the connection between the Caspian and Black Seas would contribute to the growth of cargo turnover and increase the efficiency of the Middle Corridor route. The importance of coordination between ports along the Eurasian transport route for safe and fast transportation was also noted.
An information and communication session dedicated to the EU's ‘Horizon Europe’ research and innovation programme was held at the International University for the Humanities and Development in Ashgabat. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The aim of the event was to familiarise the scientific and educational community with the opportunities for international grant funding. The guest of honour at the event was Ksenia Savchenko, representative of the European Commission's ‘Global Service Facility’. Participants were presented with the structure and key areas of the programme, as well as the specifics of cooperation with Central Asian countries. Special attention was paid to the work plans for 2026-2027. During the meeting, the prospects for expanding the participation of Turkmen scientists in international projects, the priorities of the country's innovation policy and the practical aspects of obtaining funding were discussed. Participants emphasised the importance of developing international scientific cooperation.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan, together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development, held a round table in Ashgabat dedicated to World Wetlands Day. The meeting, entitled ‘Scaling Climate-Resilient Practices through Digitalization of Land and Water Monitoring,’ took place on 9 February at the UN building. This was reported by IIC. The event was held as part of the UNDP project on the conservation and sustainable management of land resources and ecosystems of high natural value in the Aral Sea basin. The discussion was attended by representatives of relevant government agencies, scientific and research organisations, national coordination centres for international environmental conventions, administrations of specially protected natural areas, as well as non-governmental organisations and international partners. The main focus was on restoring ecosystems in the Amu Darya basin, strengthening the environmental sustainability of wetlands, and promoting the principles of land degradation neutrality. Participants considered the possibilities of using digital technologies and scientifically based monitoring systems for more effective management of water and land resources. Rustem Nuryev, National Coordinator of the Ramsar Convention at the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, noted that the country is consistently fulfilling its international obligations by expanding the monitoring of important ornithological areas and strengthening the scientific basis for biodiversity conservation. The round table also emphasised the need to align national measures with international agreements on combating desertification and protecting wetlands. Participants agreed that the conservation of these ecosystems plays a key role in ensuring climate resilience, food security and the well-being of local communities, and that cross-sectoral cooperation and the implementation of innovative solutions are important conditions for long-term environmental development.
Ismail Orazov, Director of the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan, took part in a conference on archaeometry and museology, which was held on 9 February in Ankara. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the conference, issues related to the restoration and preservation of cultural values were discussed, as well as the creation of digital copies of historical artefacts as part of projects to pass on historical and cultural heritage to future generations. The event was organised as part of a programme to exchange experience with Turkey in the field of restoration and conservation laboratories and is being held from 9 to 13 February in Ankara and Istanbul.
International sports commentator Tengiz Pachkoria arrived in Ashgabat to cover the ‘Arkadag’ match on 11 February. With 46 years of experience, the journalist previously covered the Olympic Games in Sochi and Beijing; his visit to Turkmenistan was the 55th stop on his professional journey, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to him, the match is of historical significance for the club and for Turkmen football as a whole. Pachkoria noted that the match is an important step towards the Turkmenistan national team reaching the final stage of the World Cup and will allow it to face leading European teams such as Georgia and Serbia in the future. During his visit, the journalist conveyed greetings to the Turkmen people from Georgian coach and academician Jemal Gugushvili, who led the Turkmenistan national team in 1996-1997 and laid the foundations for professional football in the country. The expert emphasised that it is not only the result of the match that is important for fans, but also the impetus it will give to the development of national football. In his opinion, the game will be a significant start for Turkmenistan's entry into world football.
Baku Ervin, representative of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), spoke at the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football”. This was reported by IIC. He noted the importance of the upcoming AFC Champions League 2 round of 16 match between FC ‘Arkadag’ and Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’. According to him, the game will be a symbol of openness, cultural dialogue and international cooperation. Ervin stressed that football unites people regardless of language and borders. In his opinion, the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat is an important symbol of investment in the youth and health of the nation. He congratulated FC ‘Arkadag’ on its achievements and expressed confidence that the match will be a celebration of fair play and will strengthen the friendship between Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia and other Asian countries.
At a press conference for the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football”, the Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport, Allaberdi Saparov, spoke. He emphasised that the club's entry into the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match is not just a sporting achievement, but a vivid testimony to Turkmen football's entry into a new international level. Founded in 2023 on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, the club has quickly become a powerful sporting force, according to IIC. Saparov noted that the team's successes in the national championship and victory in the AFC Challenge League were made possible thanks to comprehensive state support. In his speech, the Head of the State Committee drew attention to Turkmenistan's active cooperation with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. He stressed that the country has become a reliable venue for major international tournaments, and the upcoming match with ‘Al-Nassr’ on 11 February will be a clear confirmation of this. The game promises to be a real treat for fans and demonstrate the modern level of Turkmen stadiums and the organisation of sporting events. In conclusion, Saparov expressed his confidence that the players and coaching staff of FC ‘Arkadag’ will make every effort to justify the trust placed in them and put on a good show against the world's football stars.
On 9 February, the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football” opened at the International Broadcasting Centre in the Olympic Village. This was reported by IIC. Leading sports analysts, journalists and distinguished experts from Turkmenistan and abroad are participating in the event. The main topic of the forum was the rapid growth of the national champion and preparations for a landmark event — the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’, which will take place on 11 February in Ashgabat. The upcoming match has generated a lot of interest among fans: for the first time, Turkmenistan will be visited by a major Asian football team with world stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo. For the Saudi team, this match will be an important part of their continental campaign, but they will face a confident FC ‘Arkadag’, led by head coach Vladimir Bayramov, which has already established itself as the strongest club in Central Asia.
The football match between ‘Arkadag’ and Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ promises to be not only spectacular, but also technologically advanced. The organisers have announced that fans will no longer need to print out tickets — it will be enough to have them in digital form on their smartphones. This was reported by IIC. Electronic tickets allow fans to avoid queues and simplify access to the stands. All they need to do is open the QR code on their device screen and show it to the ticket inspector. To speed up the process, it is recommended that fans prepare their tickets in advance on their way to the stadium. After scanning, volunteers will help fans quickly find their seats. The introduction of digital tickets is part of a programme to create a comfortable, modern environment at sports venues in Turkmenistan. This allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the match without being distracted by formalities.
A meeting of the National Management and Coordination Group, established within the framework of the ‘Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development between Turkmenistan and the UN for 2021-2025’, was held at the office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place on 3 February at the UN building in Ashgabat. It was attended by representatives of the country's state bodies, international and national experts, as well as employees of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed the results of the programme's implementation and familiarised themselves with advanced international experience in this field. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their confidence in further fruitful cooperation and wished each other success in the implementation of important initiatives in the field of sustainable development.
The regional online presentation of the European Union's EU RECA project, implemented by GIZ, focused on the integration of solar and wind energy without compromising the stability of energy systems. Experts from Turkmenistan and other countries in the region were introduced to ‘smart’ GFM inverter technology, which can maintain frequency and voltage in the grid during failures and overloads, according to the news agency Orient. Against the backdrop of plans to develop renewable energy in Turkmenistan, such solutions are becoming critically important: variable solar and wind generation requires new approaches to grid management. GFM inverters do not shut down during instability, but imitate the operation of traditional power plants, ensuring the stability of the power system. The presentation was based on the experience of the GIZ training course previously held in Kazakhstan at the KEGOC system operator. The project will result in a technical report — a practical guide for Central Asian energy companies on the safe implementation of renewable energy sources.