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Turkish Airlines to increase flights between Ashgabat and Istanbul
24.10.2026Turkish Airlines will increase the frequency of flights on the Ashgabat–Istanbul (IST)–Ashgabat route to 18 per week from 26 October 2026. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The winter schedule will run from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027. Two flights in each direction are scheduled daily. From Istanbul, flight TK322 departs at 21:15 and arrives in Ashgabat at 02:55, while flight TK324 departs at 01:55 and arrives at 07:40. From Ashgabat, flight TK323 departs at 04:15 and arrives in Istanbul at 06:30, while flight TK325 departs at 09:00 and arrives at 11:10. An additional pair of flights, TK320 and TK321, will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flight TK320 departs Istanbul at 14:25 and arrives in Ashgabat at 20:10. The return flight, TK321, departs Ashgabat at 21:30 and arrives in Istanbul at 23:45. These flights are scheduled to operate until 26 March 2027. All departure and arrival times are local.
National component of CHANGE programme presented in Ashgabat
24.10.2026Ashgabat hosted the presentation of the national component of the international CHANGE programme, which aims to promote gender equality and transform social norms. The initiative is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the support of the European Union in Central Asian countries. This was reported by Orient. The regional project, with a budget of €5.2 million, aims to develop inclusive economic policies and improve social institutions. Research will be one of the programme’s key areas. UNDP and UNFPA will support national partners in conducting a time-use survey and studying the informal labour market. The findings will help assess employment patterns and develop recommendations to expand access to vocational education, retraining and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people. UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan Narine Saakyan noted that expanding women’s economic opportunities contributes to sustainable national economic growth. UNFPA Head of Office Kemal Goshlyyev and Maciej Adam Madalinski, a representative of the European Union Delegation, emphasised the importance of developing an evidence base to strengthen institutions promoting equal opportunities. The CHANGE programme aligns with Turkmenistan’s national priorities for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, “Gender Equality”, and SDG 8, “Decent Work and Economic Growth”.
United Nations Day celebrated in Ashgabat
24.10.2026On 23 October, an event was held at the UN building in Ashgabat to commemorate United Nations Day, which is celebrated annually on 24 October. The date is timed to the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan with the support of the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Participants included representatives of Turkmenistan’s ministries and agencies, as well as media outlets. At the opening, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova and UN Permanent Coordinator in Turkmenistan Grace Wang spoke. Participants noted the role of the UN in maintaining international peace and security, promoting cooperation among countries and promoting sustainable development. It was also stressed that Turkmenistan considers the organization as a key international platform for solving global issues on the basis of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. Special attention was paid to Turkmenistan’s long-standing cooperation with the United Nations. It covers international peace and security, sustainable development, environment, transport, energy, humanitarian action and protection human rights. During the event, they also noted Turkmenistan’s support of multilateral diplomacy, expansion of international dialogue and strengthening of the role of the UN in solving contemporary challenges. Among the country’s priorities are the development of a culture of peace and trust, preventive diplomacy, and promotion of neutrality. The event confirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in further cooperation with the UN in the interests of peace, security and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan participated in the World summit on child well-being
22.10.2026A 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, a native of Turkmenistan, is training for a flight to the ISS
22.10.2026Oleg 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.
Ashgabat participated in a dialogue on urban sustainability
22.10.2026Turkmenistan 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 of Turkmenistan are mastering new management methods
21.10.2026Employees 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 will bring together developers and technology enthusiasts
20.10.2026DevFest 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.
Turkmen specialists receive training on border management in China
20.10.2026On 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.
Training on the implementation of LDAR systems has begun in Turkmenistan
20.10.2026At 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.
A scientist from Turkmenistan has been appointed to the MAAN Scientific Council on New Materials
19.10.2026Mukam 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.
A journalist from Turkmenistan participated in the 4th Liangzhu Forum
19.10.2026The 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.
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