Society
Ashgabat will serve as a forum for discussing reforms in the field of gender equality
20.03.2026On 26–27 March 2026, Ashgabat will host a meeting of parliamentarians from Eastern Europe and Central Asia dedicated to strengthening the legislative framework on gender equality and the eradication of violence against women, reports IIC. The event is organised by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Japan Trust Fund (JTF). During the discussions, parliamentarians will discuss practical legal reforms to eliminate structural inequality and discriminatory norms. The promotion of the rights of women and girls is seen as a key element of sustainable and inclusive development in Central Asia. Parliamentarians play a vital role in bringing national laws into line with international standards, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. They also oversee the allocation of budgetary resources and monitor compliance with gender equality principles at all levels of government. The programme for the two-day event includes interactive sessions with parliamentarians, experts and activists, as well as field visits to government bodies, civil society organisations and healthcare facilities. The event will be conducted in English, Turkmen and Russian with simultaneous interpretation.
The British Ambassador and a UNICEF representative praised inclusive education in Ashgabat
20.03.2026The British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon, and UNICEF representative Jalpa Ratna visited Pilot Inclusive School No. 74 in Ashgabat to learn about inclusive education practices and the adaptation of the school environment for children with disabilities. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the visit, they met with the school administration, representatives of the Ministry of Education and specialists, discussed progress and challenges, and visited classrooms where teachers demonstrated the pupils’ learning and social development outcomes. The guests were invited to lessons featuring interactive tasks, exercises and dancing, where the children actively involved them in the process. The visit took place as part of the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Schools for Children with Disabilities in Turkmenistan’ project, funded by the UK Department for International Development, and highlighted the importance of collaboration between teachers, families and partners in creating schools adapted to each child’s needs. UNICEF and international partners continue to support inclusive education in the country.
An event was held in Turkmenistan to mark Turkey’s National Anthem Day
19.03.2026On 18 March, an event was held in Ashgabat to mark the Day of the Adoption of the Turkish National Anthem and the Day of Remembrance for Mehmet Akif Ersoy. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The ceremony took place at the Turkish Cultural Centre at the country’s Embassy. Participants honoured the memory of the fallen with a minute’s silence, after which the national anthems were played. Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming speech. During the programme, the military attaché, Colonel Sedat Kirmizi, presented a report on the events of the Battle of Gallipoli. A video about the life and creative legacy of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, prepared by Bekir Shirin, a representative of the Turkish Ministry of National Education, was also shown. A key element of the event was the performance of the oratorio ‘Çanakkale Zaferi’ (‘Victory at Çanakkale’). The programme concluded with an awards ceremony.
Turkmenistan was represented at the Nowruz celebrations in Tbilisi
19.03.2026On 17 March, large-scale celebrations were held in Tbilisi to mark International Nowruz Day, with the support of the city council. The festivities were attended by diplomatic missions from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkey, as well as representatives of diaspora communities and cultural organisations, according to the news website Asmannews. The exhibition by the Embassy of Turkmenistan attracted particular interest: guests viewed works by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as traditional costumes, jewellery, carpets and souvenirs, as well as sampling national cuisine and exploring the themed stand. Nowruz, symbolising the renewal of nature and the beginning of new life, unites different cultures and strengthens mutual understanding. The celebrations concluded with a concert featuring national music and dance.
Participants in the UN training course strengthened professional ties in Central Asia
17.03.2026Young staff members from the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the Second UN Regional Training Course on Sustainable Development, Human Rights Protection and International Law. The training lasted five days, according to IIC. The programme was aimed at enhancing professional skills and fostering regional dialogue. Participants studied the workings of the UN system, issues of sustainable development, human rights protection and international law, as well as modern diplomatic tools. The training process included theory, practical exercises and discussions. The forum served as a platform for establishing contacts between young diplomats from neighbouring countries. It is believed that strengthening professional ties at an early stage of one’s career contributes to closer cooperation in Central Asia. Following the training, the region’s states reaffirmed their commitment to forming a cohesive diplomatic corps to promote Central Asia’s interests on the international stage.
A centenarian from the Ahal velayat celebrated her 105th birthday
16.03.2026In Turkmenistan, particular attention is paid to women—the guardians of family values. The state’s care for mothers and the elderly is demonstrated through social initiatives and festive events, reports the news website Asmannews, citing the newspaper ‘Türkmenistan’. A good example is Aysoltan Hommodova from the Ahal velayat, who celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by her large family. She emphasises that the attention from the state and society brings joy to the older generation: local authorities and community organisations regularly visit the elderly and congratulate them on important occasions. The centenarian raised eight children, and today her family numbers 40 grandchildren, 91 great-grandchildren and 32 great-great-grandchildren. Despite her age, she fondly recalls her working life in agriculture and the years of wartime hardships.
Turkmenistan is preparing to mark the 35th anniversary of its independence
16.03.2026Since gaining independence, Turkmenistan has achieved significant results across various areas of development. Since 1991, the country has been establishing the political, economic and legal framework of a sovereign state. This is reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The implementation of state programmes is aimed at strengthening the economy, boosting production and raising the standard of living of the population. Independence has also influenced public consciousness and the country’s cultural and spiritual life. During this period, the foundations of modern state governance have been laid, and Turkmenistan’s achievements are gaining recognition on the international stage. The state’s foreign policy is based on the principles of permanent neutrality, peace and mutually beneficial cooperation. As a result, diplomatic ties are expanding and cooperation with international organisations, including the United Nations, is developing. Construction of residential buildings, industrial enterprises and socio-cultural facilities continues in the country. These projects are aimed at developing infrastructure and improving living conditions for the population. It is noted that, over a relatively short period of history, Turkmenistan has demonstrated steady rates of development. The book by Hero Arkadag, ‘Independence – Our Happiness’, emphasises the importance of independence and neutrality for the country’s development and international cooperation. Independence Day remains one of the main public holidays. In 2026 — the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ — the country is preparing to celebrate the 35th anniversary of its independence.
Ashgabat is preparing for the ‘White City Ashgabat – 2026’ international forum
16.03.2026Preparations are underway in Ashgabat for the 25th Multidisciplinary International Exhibition and Conference ‘White City Ashgabat – 2026’ (WCA 2026), which will take place on 24–25 May. The forum is traditionally timed to coincide with Ashgabat City Day and is dedicated to issues relating to the development of the modern urban environment. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In 2026, the event will be held under the motto ‘Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development’. It is expected that the forum will address issues such as the modernisation of urban infrastructure, the introduction of innovative technologies, the development of environmentally sustainable urban systems, and the implementation of the “smart city” concept. The organisers note that over the years, the “White City Ashgabat” forum has become an international platform for discussing projects in the fields of construction, architecture and infrastructure development. In 2025, the event was attended by over 550 delegates from more than 30 countries, representing government bodies, international organisations and leading companies. A number of agreements were signed during last year’s forum. In particular, the Ashgabat City Administration signed a contract with the Chinese company ‘Zoomlion Environmental Industry Co. Ltd.’ for the supply of 960 units of municipal equipment. In addition, the state concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ and the South Korean company ‘Daewoo Engineering & Construction’ signed a contract for the construction of a mineral fertiliser production complex at the chemical plant in Turkmenabat. It is expected that the upcoming conference will focus particularly on the implementation of Ashgabat’s development strategy up to 2045, including the introduction of digital urban management systems, the modernisation of transport and municipal infrastructure, and the construction of energy-efficient buildings. Topics for discussion will also include the development of the city of Arkadag, regarded as a modern example of the implementation of innovative urban planning solutions and digital technologies for managing urban infrastructure. The organisers note that the upcoming forum will serve as a platform for presenting investment projects and technological solutions in the fields of construction, industry, energy and the production of building materials.
A rare arkhar lamb was rescued in a nature reserve in Turkmenistan
15.03.2026Staff at the Sunt-Hasardag State Nature Reserve nursed back to health an injured arkhar lamb – a rare mountain sheep listed in Turkmenistan’s Red Book. This was reported by the country’s Ministry of Environmental Protection. According to the agency, in April 2024, an arkhar lamb with a leg injury was transferred from the Environmental Protection Department of Balkan velayat to the Biodiversity Breeding Center of the reserve. The animal underwent a two-month course of treatment, after which it spent more than three months under a special care regime. During this period, the lamb was fed milk, fresh alfalfa and a balanced diet. The Ministry noted that the animal has fully recovered and adapted to human presence. In the near future, the lamb is set to be presented to the general public as part of events in the Magtymguly etrap. The arkhar is listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as well as on the CITES list. Three subspecies inhabit the country — the Bukhara, Turkmen and Ustyurt argali — all of which are under state protection in five nature reserves. The Biodiversity Breeding Centre at the Sunt-Hasardag Nature Reserve houses seven arkhar, which produce offspring every year. To monitor the population, specialists use camera traps, which allow them to track the animals’ behaviour during the rutting and breeding seasons.
A sadaqah-iftar was organised in Ashgabat to commemorate the Night of Power
15.03.2026A sadaqah-iftar ceremony was held in Ashgabat at the ‘Halk Hakydasy’ (‘People’s Memory’) memorial complex to mark the sacred Night of Power. The event was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the online news resource Asmannews. The country’s mufti, imams of the velayats, representatives of the older generation, mothers and young people gathered around the communal table. Such gatherings in Turkmenistan are traditionally regarded as an important element of national culture and intergenerational continuity. After sunset, the participants of the event broke their fast. Traditional national dishes were served, and prayers were offered for the well-being of the country and in remembrance of the deceased. The evening concluded with a collective prayer, during which verses from the Qur’an and supplications were recited. Participants expressed the traditional words ‘Kabul bolsun,’ conveying their hope that the prayers and good deeds would be accepted.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed expanding cooperation in the field of migration
15.03.2026Representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan and the Embassy of Uzbekistan held a working meeting dedicated to key aspects of bilateral cooperation in the field of migration. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the prospects and potential of the Turkmen-Uzbek partnership, as well as joint initiatives and opportunities for expanding cooperation in the field of migration. During the meeting, particular attention was paid to the traditionally friendly relations between the two states and the active development of their partnership. At the conclusion of the discussion, the participants expressed confidence in the further strengthening of cooperation in this area.
Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair in Minsk
13.03.2026Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair, which will be held from 17 to 22 March in Minsk. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This year, about 500 exhibitors from 23 countries will take part. On 20 March, Turkmenistan Day will be held on the central stage as part of the CIS thematic days, which will be held jointly with Uzbekistan Day. Each country will be provided with a separate platform for presenting national literature and new releases. The central exhibition is dedicated to literary and publishing projects of the CIS countries and cultural interaction between the Commonwealth states. The forum's programme includes an international symposium entitled ‘The Writer and Time’, meetings between authors and readers, presentations of new publications, autograph sessions and discussions between publishers. Separate areas will be dedicated to children's literature, educational projects and digital initiatives in book publishing.
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