An important meeting was held at the Turkmenistan pavilion at the EXPO-2025 World Exhibition in Osaka. It was attended by renowned Japanese actress Norika Fujiwara, honorary director of the Japanese pavilion, according to IIC. Her visit was a significant event for both countries, emphasising the strengthening of friendship and the development of cultural exchange. The meeting took place in a friendly and open atmosphere, demonstrating the readiness of Turkmenistan and Japan for dialogue and the expansion of international cooperation.
In honour of the 34th anniversary of Independence and the 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan, the Makul English-Turkmen Dictionary has been published in the United States and is now available for purchase on the global platform Amazon. This was reported by IIC. The new dictionary contains 16,500 English words with their translations into Turkmen. In addition to everyday vocabulary, it includes highly specialised terminology from the fields of law, economics, medicine, the IT industry, artificial intelligence and sport. The team of authors, led by Doctor of Law Dovran Orazgylyjov, has created a universal reference book intended for a wide audience, from schoolchildren and students to professional translators, diplomats, scientists and businesspeople working in the field of international relations. The global expert community has highly praised the dictionary's significance. Johns Hopkins University professor S. Frederick Starr called it a ‘bridge between languages and cultures’ that strengthens the position of the Turkmen language in the world. Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the American-Turkmen Business Council, noted that the publication will serve as a catalyst for the development of trade and economic partnership between the countries. In addition to the printed version, the dictionary is available as a mobile app and on the specialised website makulsozluk.com. Users are offered additional services: audio pronunciation of words, games and illustrated modules for children, dialogues, as well as a collection of proverbs, idioms and grammatical structures.
Ashgabat celebrated International Amu Darya Day. Festive events were held at the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The main goal was to draw attention to issues of rational water use and ecology. The programme began with the ‘Amu Darya’ flash mob, in which children, scientists, cultural figures, bloggers and entrepreneurs took part. The celebration was part of a regional project on water resource management in Central Asia, supported by Germany and Switzerland. The event featured competitions for drawings, photographs and crafts made from recycled materials, with more than 200 young participants presenting their work. The best exhibits were included in the exhibition, and the authors were awarded commemorative prizes. Special attention was paid to master classes on environmental topics — residents of the capital learned how to paint bags and ceramics, as well as how to sculpt with clay. Representatives of various social groups, including pensioners and people with disabilities, took part in these classes. The celebration highlighted the importance of international cooperation for the conservation of water resources in the Amu Darya and the region in the context of climate change.
A two-day seminar on the application of advanced international standards to ensure sustainable energy transition and renewable energy development in Turkmenistan was held at the UN building in the Turkmen capital on 4–5 September 2025. The event was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in coordination with the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the country. This was reported by IIC. During the seminar, which brought together representatives of government agencies, academia and energy companies, the main directions for the development of ‘green’ energy were discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on the prospects for the use of hydrogen and the importance of reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas complex. Experts highlighted the high potential of the Turkmen region for solar energy generation, given that it receives up to 3,000 hours of sunlight per year. Discussions focused on advanced technological solutions, methods for assessing the potential of renewable energy sources, and financing mechanisms. At the end of the seminar, participants received certificates and sets of materials that will be used for educational purposes and for further work on the implementation of the national energy strategy.
A meeting of the Heads of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the CIS countries, with the participation of the International Federation and the International Committee of the Red Cross, has concluded in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Following the event, Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan and organisations from Qatar and Russia, aimed at strengthening cooperation. Vice-President of the Qatar Red Crescent Society Ebrahim Hashim Al-Sada noted that the Memorandum will enable the development of joint projects in the field of volunteering and humanitarian activities. Pavel Savchuk, Chairman of the Russian Red Cross, emphasised the importance of exchanging experience in responding to emergencies and training specialists to work with mobile stations and tents. The two-day meeting was held under the motto ‘International Year of Peace and Trust – Humanism and Neutrality’. Participants discussed the development of National Societies, volunteer activities, humanitarian diplomacy and legislative regulation. The event coincided with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and highlighted the significance of the agreements reached.
On 2 September, representatives of the State Veterinary Service of Turkmenistan met with Viktoras Zabolotnas, a consultant to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The parties discussed the conduct of a national assessment of trade barriers, initiated at the official request of the government as part of its support for economic reforms and digitalisation processes. The study, which is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025, aims to improve trade procedures and develop quality infrastructure, from standards and regulation to metrology. The results of the assessment are expected to contribute to the creation of a more favourable business environment, the expansion of foreign economic activity and the strengthening of Turkmenistan's position in international markets, ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Humanitarian aid was sent from Ashgabat to Kabul for the people of Afghanistan affected by the earthquake. The decision to provide assistance was made by order of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, according to the state news agency TDH. The shipment included food, clothing, textiles and essential goods. The aid was provided by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. A ceremony to hand over the humanitarian aid was held in Kabul, where representatives of the Afghan side expressed their gratitude to the Turkmen leadership and people for their support. This action was yet another confirmation of Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of humanism, good neighbourliness and mutual assistance, as well as to strengthening ties between the two countries.
On 4 September, an international meeting of leaders of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the CIS countries began at the ‘Archabil’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The event is being held in a hybrid format with the participation of representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as delegates from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Qatar. Delegates from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are participating in the discussions online. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the two-day meeting, attention will be paid to mechanisms for responding to emergencies, increasing disaster resilience and strengthening humanitarian diplomacy. Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality provides ample opportunities for effective dialogue, including on complex issues that have arisen in some European regions. Participants will consider the development of humanitarian activities based on fundamental principles and discuss the institutional strengthening of national societies. The event is being held as part of the International Year of Peace and Trust, which makes the discussions particularly relevant.
On 1 September, the Consulate of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation (Astrakhan) hosted a conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality, Knowledge and Student Youth Day. This was reported by the Consulate's press service. The event was attended by Consulate staff, representatives of the Astrakhan Regional Public Organisation for the Preservation of Turkmen Culture, students, teachers and pupils of the Magtymguly Pyragy School in the village of Funtovo. Turkmenistan Consul Gadam Ilamanov congratulated the young people on the start of the academic year, spoke about the importance of neutrality and the achievements of Turkmenistan, as well as the upcoming meeting of the Halk Maslahaty. The schoolchildren also read poems by Magtymguly Pyragy in the Turkmen language. At the end of the conference, the Consulate presented letters of appreciation and commemorative gifts to the participants for their active participation in cultural and educational events.
A training programme on developing women's entrepreneurship has been successfully completed in Turkmenistan. The event, entitled ‘Improving the Competitiveness of Women in the Private Sector of the Labor Market of Turkmenistan’, was organised by the country's Union of Economists with the support of the EU and methodological assistance from the public association ‘Achievements of the Young People of Turkmenistan’. This was reported by IIC. In August this year, courses were held in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi. Female entrepreneurs selected on a competitive basis improved their professional qualifications free of charge. The training programme covered key aspects of modern business: the basics of financial planning and business plan development, legal norms of entrepreneurial activity, business communication, as well as the application of innovative technologies and AI. Special attention was paid to strategies for promoting business in the media and social networks. The classes were conducted by certified trainers and expert practitioners, which ensured the effectiveness of the theoretical part of the training and the successful acquisition of the necessary skills. According to the organisers, the programme has nationwide coverage and aims to support women from all regions of the country who seek self-fulfilment in the private sector. There are plans to continue similar educational initiatives in the future.
UNICEF in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the country's Ministry of Education, has launched an initiative called ‘Advancing Parenting Support through Preschool Education.’ This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. From 26 to 28 August, a training course was held for 25 kindergarten teachers, aimed at developing their skills in interacting with parents and improving the quality of early education. Teachers were introduced to practical methods of working with families: conducting classes for parents, fostering a caring attitude towards children and creating a stimulating environment at home. In the new academic year, teachers will join a pilot programme to support parents, which will serve as a platform for sharing experiences and a source of professional advice on the upbringing and development of preschoolers.
The third ‘BeregA’ Youth Educational Forum, part of the ‘Rosmolodezh.Forums’ federal project programme, will be held in the Astrakhan Region from 8 to 12 September. In 2025, the event set a record for the number of applications, creating competition among more than 20 applicants for each place. This was reported by IIC. A key innovation of the forum will be the international shift ‘Caspian Bridge of Professions,’ which will bring together 60 delegates from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Belarus, and Abkhazia. Three hundred young professionals aged 14 to 35 will take part in this large-scale event. The work will be organised across five professional platforms designed for service specialists, architects and engineers, property managers, agronomists and veterinarians, designers and 3D modellers. The forum aims to create a community of active young professionals who adhere to traditional spiritual and moral values.