Society
The latest issue of the magazine ‘Democracy and Law’ is now available in Turkmenistan
20.01.2026The latest issue of the quarterly scientific and applied journal ‘Democracy and Law’, published by the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan in Turkmen, English and Russian, has been released. This was reported by the news resource AsmanNews. The issue opens with a speech by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The article highlights the role of the forum in discussing regional and global processes, as well as the importance of the principles of Peace and Trust and dialogue in international politics. Special attention is paid to the Constitutional Law of Turkmenistan ‘On the Legal Foundations of the Policy of Peace and Trust of Neutral Turkmenistan,’ adopted in September last year. The document enshrines the principles of neutrality, equality, good-neighbourliness, non-use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law and human rights. The magazine also published a speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in which neutrality is presented as the basis of the state's foreign policy and worldview. The open nature of the forum and its focus on a long-term strategic vision of world processes are noted. The issue includes articles on the national and international legal foundations of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, with a list of constitutional laws and UN General Assembly resolutions. An article has been published on the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On the Unified State Register of Voters’, which examines issues of modernising electoral legislation and the role of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan. The section devoted to humanitarian issues reveals the activities of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan and the development of the volunteer movement within the framework of its strategy for 2021-2025. The issue also features publications on the role of neutrality in international relations, the Awaza Political Declaration adopted at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, and the development of housing legislation in Turkmenistan. A separate section is devoted to the results of the ‘Creative Work and Human Rights’ competition held by the National Centre of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the magazine ‘Democracy and Law’ and the announcement of its holding in 2026. The issue concludes with the traditional ‘Chronicle’ section, which provides an overview of international and national events.
Leasing has commenced in the free trade zone on the border between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
19.01.2026Border trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan is gaining new momentum. The leasing of retail space has begun in the free trade zone on the border between the two countries, and entrepreneurs can now officially reserve space for their businesses, according to the Orient news agency. The 3.1-hectare zone is a full-fledged trade and service complex: 112 open galleries, 28 covered pavilions, 16 shops, as well as pharmacies, medical centres, a hotel, cafes and parking for 300 cars. A key advantage is the simplified visa-free regime, which allows free movement within the zone. The ‘Shavat-Dashoguz’ project is considered a pilot project and should confirm the potential of a modern and profitable model of cross-border trade. The launch of the lease coincided with a 30% increase in bilateral trade and freight traffic between the countries, including deliveries through the port of Turkmenbashi.
Badhyz Nature Reserve recorded a female leopard with her cub
16.01.2026The second female Near Eastern leopard with a cub has been spotted in the Badhyz State Nature Reserve. This was reported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. A camera trap captured the cub following the female across the reserve. The Near Eastern leopard is one of the rarest predators and is listed in the Red Book. According to experts, the appearance of a second female with offspring indicates the formation of a stable breeding population in the region. Previously, leopards could only be seen here occasionally. Monitoring of rare species is carried out in collaboration with Conservation X Labs. Material from camera traps is used to assess the effectiveness of nature conservation measures. The Badhyz Nature Reserve was established in 1941 in southern Turkmenistan, between the Tejen and Murgab rivers. Its territory is home to caracals, striped hyenas, urials, gazelles and rare bird species.
Indian Film Festival to be held in Ashgabat from 20 to 24 January
16.01.2026From 20 to 24 January 2026, the Ashgabat cinema will host the Indian Film Festival. This was reported by the IIC. The event is organised by the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India. The festival aims to develop humanitarian ties and cultural exchange between the two countries. The programme includes nine films from different years, representing more than 50 years of Indian cinema. Viewers will be shown both classic Bollywood films and contemporary films that have received international recognition. Admission to all screenings is free. Seating in the hall is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Iranian representatives presented Turkmenistan with more than 40 books in Persian
15.01.2026Iran's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani and Cultural Advisor Abdolreza Abbasi presented the State Library of Turkmenistan with more than 40 books in Persian. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During a meeting with the library's director, Lachyn Nurmuhammedova, the parties discussed cooperation in the field of culture and education. The Iranian guests also familiarised themselves with the library's rare and modern publications. The Ambassador presented the library with a Persian translation of the book by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, ‘Enä tagzym – mukaddeslige tagzym’ (‘Worshipping a Mother - Worshipping a Sacredness’) and the advisor presented more than 40 other books in Persian.
Ashgabat could become a regional hub for combating desertification in Central Asia
15.01.2026The Regional Centre for Combating Desertification in Ashgabat will enable Central Asian countries to jointly address transboundary issues affecting agriculture and water management. This was stated by Pirli Kepbanov, Director of the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. His words are quoted by the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’, reports Turkmenportal. He recalled that the initiative to create the centre was put forward by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. According to Pirli Kepbanov, the centre will serve as a platform for coordinating the efforts of countries in the region on issues related to land degradation and water resource management. This, he noted, will allow for the consolidation of the scientific and practical potential of the countries and strengthen regional environmental cooperation. The director of the institute emphasised that Turkmenistan has the necessary scientific base to host the centre. The country has specialised research institutions with many years of experience in the field of desert studies. He noted that there are only four scientific institutes of this kind in the world, and one of them is the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan. Kepbanov also recalled that historically, Turkmenistan has been the leading centre of desert science for Central Asia and neighbouring regions. For decades, scientists and specialists have been coming to the country to exchange experience and conduct research. According to him, several generations of Eurasian specialists have been professionally trained in Turkmenistan. Over the years, the institute has established partnerships with more than 40 scientific and government organisations from 35 countries. Currently, the institute cooperates with the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of China, the A.N. Kostyakov Federal Scientific Centre for Hydrotechnics and Land Reclamation in Russia, and is also involved in negotiations with universities in Central Asian countries.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Ashgabat held a reception to mark Defenders of the Fatherland Day
15.01.2026On 14 January, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan held a briefing and official reception in Ashgabat to mark Defenders of the Fatherland Day in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the 34th anniversary of the formation of the country's Armed Forces. The event was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel, according to IIC. During his speech, Jasur Ashurov, Counsellor of the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, noted that due to the political will of the leaders of the two states, Uzbek-Turkmen relations have reached a qualitatively new level of strategic partnership in recent years. As the organisers emphasised, such events contribute to the further development and strengthening of friendly and good-neighbourly relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, based on the principles of mutual respect and constructive cooperation.
A veteran from Turkmenistan shared the secrets to a long and happy life
14.01.2026The newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’ reported on 107-year-old Great Patriotic War veteran Aydogdy Amadyev. He confidently states that he lives a happy life, considering true wealth to be not years, but the goodness and meaning invested in them, according to the news website Asmannews. ‘I have lived through different times. I have seen years of deprivation and hardship, survived the war, and worked honestly, sparing no effort. All this has strengthened my character and taught me to appreciate peace, tranquillity and human warmth. Today, I feel particularly keenly the value of a peaceful sky and confidence in the future,’ the veteran shared. He noted that Turkmenistan is becoming stronger every year: the economy is developing, schools and kindergartens are being built, families' well-being is growing, and young people are receiving an education. All this fills him with pride and joy. A special joy for Aydogdy Amadyev is his large and friendly family. He is the father of four daughters and two sons, the grandfather of 34 grandchildren, the great-grandfather of 94 great-grandchildren and the great-great-grandfather of 42 great-great-grandchildren. Their successes, laughter and family celebrations give him strength and inspiration. As he enters a new year of his life, he believes that true happiness lies in peace, harmony, honest work and love for one's country and family, and that every day should be filled with good deeds and joy.
FAO conference on climate and nutrition to be held in Ashgabat
13.01.2026On 22 January, Ashgabat will host an International Conference on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change entitled ‘Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate’, organised with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by IIC. The forum will bring together experts and government officials to discuss measures to protect agri-food systems from climate risks. The conference will be a continuation of international initiatives presented at the Nutrition for Growth Summit held in London and the Climate Conference in Brazil. The key theme will be the concept of ‘One Health,’ which examines the interrelationship between human, animal, plant and environmental health. Participants will discuss food security, supply chain sustainability and adaptation to extreme weather conditions. The programme includes a ministerial segment and specialised technical sessions. The meeting is expected to result in practical recommendations and strengthened international cooperation in the field of sustainable development and nutrition.
‘Kids Expo 2026’: the future of the children’s industry in Turkmenistan
12.01.2026From 19 to 22 August 2026, the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ International Universal Exhibition and Fair will be held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event promises to be an important milestone in the development of the children's goods and services industry, providing companies with a unique opportunity to strengthen their position in the market and contribute to its development. ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ serves as a platform for companies working in the field of children's goods and services, allowing them to present innovative products and new solutions that expand market opportunities. The exhibition will not only be a business platform for companies, but also an effective window into the Turkmenistan market, attracting the attention of international partners, investors and professionals in the children's industry from around the world.
Ashgabat celebrated World Hindi Day
10.01.2026On the eve of World Hindi Day, the Indian Embassy in Ashgabat held a festive event dedicated to one of the world's oldest languages. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The date coincides with the first World Hindi Conference, held in Nagpur in 1975. Today, Hindi is spoken by more than 600 million people and ranks third in the world in terms of prevalence. The programme was opened by students of the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Dovletmammet Azadi, who demonstrated their high level of language proficiency through poetic recitations and vocal performances. The audience also enjoyed dance and music performances inspired by Indian cultural traditions and classical cinema. Special attention was paid to the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Indian heritage: participants from the Ashgabat Yoga Centre presented a demonstration programme, emphasising the profound meaning of this practice. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, delivered a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that Hindi is an important cultural and emotional link that promotes dialogue between peoples and the development of cooperation. The evening concluded with the awarding of active students and a tasting of Indian vegetarian cuisine. The event was a vivid example of how language and culture strengthen humanitarian ties between India and Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan presented an updated strategy for nature conservation
09.01.2026Ashgabat has completed the development of an updated National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation, taking into account the experience of previous programmes and Turkmenistan's commitments under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This was reported by IIC. The main innovation will be the electronic reporting format: The seventh national report will be presented via a digital platform for the first time. The strategy adapts the 23 global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Framework to national conditions. The priorities are combating desertification, biological protection of plants, control of invasive species and conservation of the genetic diversity of cultivated flora. There are plans to expand the network of specially protected natural areas (currently 4.38% of the country's territory), including the opening of the Greater Balkan Nature Reserve and several wildlife sanctuaries in the Koytendag, Gaplangyr and Amudarya regions. The BIOFIN project, in collaboration with the GEF and UNDP, analysed the financing of environmental protection measures: currently, 99% of the costs are covered by the state budget, which is allocated to laboratories, equipment for inspectors and the infrastructure of nature reserves. In the future, it is planned to involve business, young people and science in environmental initiatives. Work on the strategy was carried out throughout 2025 under the coordination of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and takes into account the link with the National Adaptation Programme and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A comprehensive approach will strengthen legislation and balance economic growth with the protection of natural ecosystems.
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