Society
An agreement between Turkmenistan and UNIDO on HCFCs was signed at COP31
11.11.2026On November 11, on the sidelines of the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkmenistan and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) signed an agreement to implement the third phase of a project aimed at phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) over the 2026–2030 period. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The agreement was signed by Ovezgeldy Goshjanov, Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, and Alois Mlanga, Director of the Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol Division at UNIDO. The project aims to further reduce the use of HCFCs, which are widely used in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment and have harmful effects on the ozone layer. The gradual phase-out of these substances is part of efforts to meet commitments under the Montreal Protocol. The new phase will build on the cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNIDO established through previous projects. Their joint efforts have focused on reducing HCFC consumption, introducing environmentally friendly technologies and strengthening national capacity for the management of ozone-depleting substances. The signing of the agreement reaffirms both parties’ commitment to continued cooperation in environmental protection and the adoption of modern environmental solutions.
Turkmenistan supported the international initiative to protect children from climate change
11.11.2026On November 11 in Antalya (Turkey), as part of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action was signed. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by Minister of Education Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, reports the IIC of Turkmenistan. The document provides for strengthening international cooperation in protecting children and young people from climate risks. The declaration notes that the younger generation is among the most vulnerable groups in the face of the consequences of climate change, but is also capable of actively participating in developing solutions and implementing environmental initiatives. Turkmenistan's participation in this initiative reflects the country's attention to the educational component of climate policy. The education system is viewed as an important tool for fostering environmental awareness, raising students' awareness of climate change, and cultivating a responsible attitude toward natural resources.
Turkmen cinema is represented at the 2026 Diamond Butterfly Award
11.11.2026The Russian Cultural Foundation has published the list of films admitted to the 2026 Open Eurasian Film Award, known as the “Diamond Butterfly.” A total of 41 films from 19 countries will compete for the awards. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan will be represented by two feature films produced by the Oguz Khan Turkmenfilm Studio — “Red Kurte” and “The Tree.” Both films were directed by Sahysalyh Bayramov. The competition brings together filmmakers from Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. In addition to Turkmenistan, films have been submitted by Belarus, Venezuela, Vietnam, Egypt, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan and Ethiopia. Elena Golovnina, Director General of the Russian Cultural Foundation, noted that the broad geographical representation reflects the diversity of national film traditions. According to her, each submitted film introduces audiences to the cultural identity and worldviews of different peoples, while cinema provides an opportunity to explore shared themes and emotions, transcending linguistic and geographical boundaries. The winners will be selected in 12 categories. The main competition includes awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Composer. Separate awards will recognize the best performances by leading actors and actresses, as well as supporting roles. The jury will also present awards for Best Production Design, Best Film from a Country Outside the Eurasian Region, and the honorary award for Contribution to World Cinema. The winners of the second Diamond Butterfly Film Award ceremony will be announced on November 12, 2026.
Uzbek Language Day brought students and diplomats together in Ashgabat
10.11.2026On November 9, an event dedicated to Uzbek Language Day was held at the Dovletmammed Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. It was attended by faculty members and students of the university, as well as diplomats working in Turkmenistan. This was reported by Orient. Opening the festive gathering, the institute's Vice-Rector for Research, Selbi Batyrova, and the Chargé d'Affaires of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan, Jasur Ashurov, delivered welcoming speeches. The main part of the program consisted of creative performances introducing guests to Uzbek culture and literary heritage. Participants presented a literary and musical composition entitled «Turkmen-Uzbek Friendship – Continuity of Native Languages», spoke about the history of the holiday, recited works by classical authors, and performed national dances. In particular, the audience was treated to the Uzbek dance «Lazgi», as well as the Turkmen dance performances «Tanschy gyz» and «Kushtdepdi». A separate item on the program was the award ceremony for the authors of the best entries in a student essay competition on the topic «Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: Historical Roots, Common Future». The event concluded with a joint performance of the song «Goý, ýaňlansyn türkmen-özbek aýdymy» («Let the Turkmen-Uzbek Song Resound»), which provided a musical finale to the celebration of friendship and cultural interaction between the two peoples.
The delegation studied the British experience in protecting children's rights
10.11.2026From 2 to 6 November 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan visited the United Kingdom to learn about British practices in child protection, family support and the development of alternative forms of family-based care. According to the IIC Turkmenistan, the visit was organised by UNICEF in cooperation with the Partnership for Every Child Alliance. The delegation included representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, Magtymguly Turkmen State University and Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute. In London, the delegation met with representatives of the UK Department for Education, who provided an overview of England’s child protection system, early intervention measures for families and ongoing social care reforms. The participants also visited the UK Parliament and met with a Member of the House of Commons. Particular attention was given to supporting young people leaving alternative care. At the Care Leavers Hub in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the delegation learned about programmes designed to help young people access housing, education and employment, as well as adapt to independent living. In Cornwall, the Turkmen delegation visited the Dracaena Centre and met with representatives of the local council. The discussions focused on the work of social services, cooperation between government and civil society organisations, and measures to prevent the unnecessary placement of children in residential care institutions. The programme also included visits to community initiatives in Torpoint and an exchange of experience with the University of Plymouth. A representative of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Turkmenistan noted that the practices studied could help strengthen the national child protection system, expand family support services and improve cooperation among relevant government agencies. The visit took place within the framework of cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and UNICEF. The experience gained could be applied in implementing the National Action Plan on the Rights of the Child for 2023–2028 and developing the National Programme on Child Protection and Child Justice. Serdar Bazarov, UNICEF Child Protection Officer in Turkmenistan, emphasised the importance of providing timely assistance to families and ensuring coordinated efforts among relevant services. He also reaffirmed UNICEF’s readiness to provide technical support to its Turkmen partners in studying and adapting international practices in line with national priorities. UNICEF expressed its gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for supporting the delegation’s participation, to the British side and host organisations for sharing their experience, and to the British Embassy in Turkmenistan for its assistance in organising the visit.
A commemorative ceremony honouring Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was held in Ashgabat
10.11.2026A commemorative ceremony was held in Ashgabat to mark the 88th anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. The event took place on November 10 in Ataturk Park opposite the Turkish Embassy building and was organized by the Turkish diplomatic mission, Turkmenportal reports. The ceremony was attended by Turkey's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Şener Cebeci, Azerbaijan's Ambassador, Gismat Gozalov, representatives of the Turkish community, as well as heads of Turkish companies operating in the country. Ashgabat's deputy mayor represented the Turkmen side. The commemorative event began at exactly 09:05 with a minute of silence. The national anthems of Turkey and Turkmenistan were then played. A representative of the Turkish Embassy delivered a speech dedicated to Ataturk's life and historical role in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. The ceremony continued with the laying of a wreath at the monument. An honor guard of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan brought the wreath to the monument, after which Turkey's Ambassador, Şener Cebeci, paid tribute to the founder of the republic. Flowers and wreaths were then laid by representatives of the Turkish diaspora, business community and other participants in the gathering. After the official part concluded, guests were invited to refreshments at the Turkish Embassy building.
A concert entitled ‘The Magic of the Symphony’ is to take place in the capital of Turkmenistan
10.11.2026The State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan will perform the concert ‘The Magic of the Symphony’ on 21 November at the Mukam Palace. Rasul Klychev, Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan, will be conducting, according to Turkmenportal. The evening’s programme will feature well-known works by the outstanding composers Dmitri Shostakovich and Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7.00 pm. Further information on tickets can be obtained by calling 724512 or 8(63)467177.
Prospects for cooperation with Turkmenistan were discussed in Pakistan
10.11.2026On 6 November, a briefing for representatives of the Pakistani media was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad. The main topics of the meeting were the international events held in Turkmenistan in 2026 and the prospects for the further development of bilateral relations, according to the IIC. Participants were given an overview of key events in the political, economic and cultural-humanitarian life of Turkmenistan during the year marking the 35th anniversary of independence. Particular attention was paid to the international forums organised in Ashgabat and the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, which contributed to the development of regional dialogue, the strengthening of peace and the promotion of sustainable development. During the briefing, the diplomats also reported on the outcomes of the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, at which the main directions of the country’s domestic and foreign policy were outlined. Major regional infrastructure projects were discussed as a separate topic. In particular, discussions centred on the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, the laying of the TAP power line, and the expansion of transport and telecommunications infrastructure. Pakistani journalists noted the importance of Turkmenistan’s initiatives for strengthening energy security and developing multilateral cooperation in Central and South Asia.
A film from Turkmenistan received a special award in Istanbul
09.11.2026The 6th International Turkic World Film Festival “Korkut Ata” (Korkut Ata Film Festivali) has concluded in Istanbul. The closing ceremony took place at the Atatürk Cultural Center. The film festival was held from November 3 to 7, Turkmenportal reports. The festival programme featured full-length feature films, documentaries and short films submitted by participants from various countries of the Turkic world. The Turkmen film The Beauty of Gurganj Torebeg, directed by Vepa Ishangulyyev, received a special award at the festival. The Korkut Ata Film Festival aims to promote the shared historical and cultural heritage of Turkic peoples, strengthen ties between nations and expand humanitarian cooperation. It also provides filmmakers with opportunities for professional networking and the development of joint creative projects. Secretary General of TURKSOY Sultan Raev highlighted the importance of the film festival as an international platform that encourages the creation of new cinematic projects and the development of joint cultural initiatives.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed prospects for implementing joint projects
08.11.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan held a meeting with representatives of Pakistani media outlets on 6 November. The discussions focused on the results of Turkmenistan’s international activities in 2026 and opportunities to expand bilateral relations. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the event, journalists were briefed on the country’s most significant events and achievements in the political, economic, cultural and social spheres. A separate part of the presentations focused on Turkmenistan’s development priorities in the year marking the 35th anniversary of independence, celebrated under the motto “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful and Swift-footed Horses”. Participants were also presented with the outcomes of high-level international events held in Ashgabat and the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The forums addressed issues related to strengthening ties among countries in the region, maintaining peace and security, and promoting the principles of sustainable development. The agenda also covered energy cooperation, transport infrastructure development and the expansion of transit opportunities. Special attention was given to the activities of the latest session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. Pakistani journalists were briefed on the issues discussed, including key state policy objectives, socio-economic development priorities, measures to improve public welfare and expand opportunities for young people. An important part of the dialogue focused on further strengthening the partnership between Turkmenistan and Pakistan. The parties discussed opportunities for implementing joint infrastructure projects of regional significance. These include the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline and the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (TAP) power transmission line. Cooperation in transport and telecommunications was also discussed. At the conclusion of the briefing, representatives of the Pakistani media thanked the Turkmen diplomatic mission for organising the meeting and providing the information. They noted that Turkmenistan’s international initiatives contribute to regional dialogue, strengthen mutual trust among states and create new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Performances by foreign theaters were presented on the stages of Ashgabat and Arkadag
08.11.2026From 5 to 9 November, Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag are hosting performances as part of an international theatre festival. Theatre companies from Kazakhstan and Armenia are presenting their productions to audiences and taking part in discussions on contemporary trends in the performing arts. This was reported by Arzuw.news, citing the “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper. In addition to the performances, the programme includes a meeting of theatre company directors. Discussions focus on preserving theatrical traditions, developing the performing arts and adapting theatre to the digital age. Askhat Zautbek, Director of the Kostanay Drama Theatre, presented the production The Spotted Dog Running Along the Seashore, based on the novella by Chingiz Aitmatov. The play was staged in collaboration with Belarusian colleagues and is performed without translation. According to Zautbek, the emotional depth and humanistic message of the work enable audiences to understand its meaning regardless of language differences. The V. Vagharshyan State Drama Theatre of Armenia brought the physical theatre production Abu-Lala Mahari to Turkmenistan, based on the work by Avetik Isahakyan. The theatre's Chief Director, David Harutyunyan, introduced the production, which marks the 150th anniversary of the poet's birth and offers a contemporary interpretation of a classic work of Armenian literature. The festival provides an opportunity to explore the theatrical traditions of different countries, promote professional dialogue and strengthen cultural ties.
18 schools in Turkmenistan have received the “Green School” status
07.11.2026The first stage of national certification under the Green School environmental programme, implemented by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has been completed in Turkmenistan. Following the assessment, 18 educational institutions were awarded Green School status: six received Level II certification and another twelve received Level I certification. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The decision was made by the programme’s Certification Council at a meeting held at the United Nations building in Ashgabat. Preparations for certification began in 2025. The pilot project included schools in Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary velayats, as well as in Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag. As part of the programme, environmental clubs were established in schools, projects were carried out to adapt school infrastructure to climate change, and competitions on “Green Skills” and disaster risk reduction were organised. Practical activities include greening school grounds, environmental campaigns and preparing students for emergencies. For example, in Lebap Velayat, each class has “green leaders” who encourage their peers to take part in environmental initiatives. In Dashoguz Velayat, students plant trees and take care of them independently. UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan Jalpa Ratna noted that the programme helps create a safe and environmentally sustainable learning environment while engaging children in addressing environmental challenges. UNICEF will continue to support the Ministry of Education in developing the initiative and expanding its reach. National Programme Coordinator Sapargeldi Durdyev stressed that the first stage of certification had confirmed the integration of environmental principles into school life. According to Durdyev, the results will enable educational institutions to identify their next areas of focus. Experts provided all 18 schools with recommendations. These include expanding waste separation and recycling, involving parents and local communities, and conducting regular evacuation drills. The education departments of the velayats and cities will monitor the implementation of the recommendations.
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