Society
Turkmenistan participated in an international conference in honour of Abai Kunanbayev
18.08.2025A large-scale conference dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the great Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai Kunanbayev was held in the capital of Uzbekistan at the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA). Organised with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan, the event brought together diplomats, scholars, government officials and representatives of the creative intelligentsia from Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC. The key theme of the conference was the influence of Abai Kunanbayev's spiritual heritage on the cultural bond between the peoples of the region. Participants emphasised the enduring value of his ideas on education, morality and humanism, which still serve as a basis for interethnic dialogue today. According to experts, the Kazakh thinker's work remains a link between history and the present day, helping to strengthen mutual understanding in Central Asia. The event reaffirmed the importance of this outstanding philosopher and poet not only for Kazakhstan, but also for the entire CIS region, where his works continue to inspire new generations.
A conference on the development of the digital economy was held in Ashgabat
16.08.2025A conference on the digital transformation of the economy was held at the International Scientific-Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants discussed cybersecurity, electronic document management, the application of ICT in various fields, and the use of alternative energy with digital technologies. Specialist Ahmet Esenov presented Li-Fi technology, which is a high-speed data transmission method using light and is considered an alternative to Wi-Fi. Nikolay Nikolayev, an employee of the geoinformation systems department, spoke about the application of mobile spatial technologies, in particular the QField tool, for resource management, urban planning and logistics. The conference highlighted the importance of digital development and the implementation of innovative projects for the formation of modern infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
Turkmenistan participated in a regional seminar in Kyrgyzstan on cryosphere issues
16.08.2025In early August, the ‘Marco Polo’ Hotel on the shores of picturesque Lake Issyk-Kul hosted the fourth regional seminar on nivale-glacial systems and their role in sustainable development in Central Asia. The event brought together experts from five countries in the region, including specialists from Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC. During the seminar, participants summarised the results of an educational programme on the study of the cryosphere and discussed the country action plans that had been developed. Particular attention was paid to joint work on a subregional programme aimed at conserving water resources in the context of climate change. The Turkmen delegation actively participated in the discussions, emphasising the importance of monitoring snow cover in the Kopetdag and Koytendag mountain systems for the country's water supply. Despite the absence of permanent glaciers in Turkmenistan, these snow reserves play a key role in the formation of water resources in small rivers and springs, which is critical for agriculture and the ecological balance of the region. Turkmenistan's participation in this seminar reaffirms the country's commitment to international cooperation in the field of ecology and sustainable development, as well as its desire to find a balance between economic interests and the conservation of natural resources.
An international seminar on water diplomacy and the conservation of biological resources was held in Turkmenistan
15.08.2025An international seminar on water diplomacy and the conservation of aquatic biological resources was held in Turkmenbashi. The event was organised as part of a joint project between UNDP/GEF and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, aimed at the sustainable management of natural resources in the Aral Sea basin. This was reported by the IIC. The seminar was supported by the FAO and Conservation X-Lab. During the event, experts discussed key issues: water diplomacy in the Aral region, scientific approaches to water resource management, the importance of ecological flows, the development of sustainable aquaculture and the protection of endangered species, including the Caspian seal. Participants from different countries shared their experiences and outlined ways to cooperate to preserve water ecosystems. The event was an important step in strengthening regional cooperation and implementing Turkmenistan's environmental initiatives.
Young people in Turkmenistan are invited to participate in the UNDP programme
14.08.2025The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is launching the ‘Future of Work Academy’, an educational platform that will enable young professionals from Turkmenistan and other countries to acquire skills that are in demand in a rapidly changing global labour market. This was reported by the IIC. Experts predict that by 2030, the transition to a low-carbon economy will create around 100 million new jobs. However, many graduates today do not have the necessary skills to fill these positions. The ‘Future of Work Academy’ aims to bridge this gap. The six-week programme will be delivered online and will combine training in cutting-edge technologies with relevant environmental and social trends. The programme is open to young people aged 18 to 29 from Central Asia, the South Caucasus, the Western CIS, the Western Balkans and Turkey. The programme will include lectures by leading experts, sessions with mentors and independent study. Applications for the UNDP programme will be accepted until 27 August, and training will begin in October 2025.
The YOUTHx festival was held in Ashgabat to mark International Youth Day
14.08.2025On 12 August, Ashgabat hosted the YOUTHx festival, dedicated to International Youth Day. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event, organised by the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan in cooperation with ‘Creative Corner’ and ‘Ynamly Kepil’, brought together young people from the capital to learn, socialise and exchange ideas. The festival programme was dedicated to developing skills that are in demand in the digital age: communication, leadership, teamwork and project management. Participants attended interactive workshops on public speaking, digital etiquette, goal setting and decision making. A separate section was devoted to pitching ideas, where young people presented projects on socially significant topics ranging from ecology to inclusiveness. The best initiatives received certificates. Support for young people and human capital development remain an important area of EU cooperation with Turkmenistan, including the creation of open platforms for dialogue and learning.
Turkmenistan honors the memory of the outstanding officer and teacher Malikguly Berdimuhamedov
13.08.2025A commemorative conference was held at the Cultural Centre of Military Unit No. 1001 named after Malikguly Berdimuhamedov, attended by military personnel, cadets and veterans of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The event was dedicated to the legacy of an outstanding officer who rose from a village teacher to a lieutenant colonel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and made a significant contribution to the patriotic education of young people. This was reported by IIC. Conference participants laid flowers at the monument to Malikguly Berdimuhamedov and viewed the museum exhibition, which includes personal belongings, documents and equipment from his period of service. Special attention was paid to the book ‘True son of Motherland. Life work of Malikguly aga’ published in 2012, which details the life of this outstanding officer. During the conference, it was emphasised that the principles of service and dedication to duty upheld by Malikguly Berdimuhamedov remain relevant today, forming moral guidelines for new generations of law enforcement officers in Turkmenistan.
Events held in Turkmenistan to mark Caspian Sea Day
13.08.2025On 12 August, Caspian Sea Day was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone to mark the entry into force of the Framework Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The central event was a conference entitled ‘The Caspian Sea – A Sea of Friendship and Peace,’ attended by representatives of the Caspian littoral states, international organisations and the scientific community. Issues related to the protection of the Caspian environment, the rational use of its resources and the implementation of regional and international environmental programmes were discussed. Special attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiatives, including the Caspian Ecological Initiative and proposals to establish joint structures with the UN to address climate and water issues. Participants emphasised the importance of the Caspian Sea as a factor in peaceful cooperation, strategic stability and economic development in the region. The forum concluded with an appeal to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, expressing gratitude for the organisation and contribution to the protection of the marine environment. The celebration was accompanied by exhibitions, sporting and cultural events, as well as excursions to Avaza.
A meeting with students from China was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium
12.08.2025The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium hosted a meeting with a group of students from China who arrived in Brussels on a summer educational programme. The students represented nine provinces and study at leading Chinese schools and universities. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Sapar Palvanov, Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium, welcomed the guests and spoke about the country's foreign policy, particularly its status of permanent neutrality recognised by the UN. Important initiatives were discussed, such as the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) and the significance of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. The students learned about Turkmenistan's peacekeeping role, transport diplomacy and partnership with the EU and China. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan recalled the country's historical role in the Great Silk Road and the importance of modern transport routes. The students were attracted by the presentation of the national cultural heritage, traditional crafts and clothing. Each of them received a Turkmen tahya as a gift, which aroused keen interest and warm emotions. The meeting was accompanied by an active dialogue on diplomacy and life in Turkmenistan, becoming a valuable platform for cultural exchange and public diplomacy.
Global media highlighted the role of the LLDC 3 international conference in Avaza
12.08.2025The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone from 5 to 8 August. International media noted Turkmenistan's strategic role in the development of transport corridors and international cooperation, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The documents adopted at the forum are aimed at modernising infrastructure, simplifying trade and improving climate resilience. The event was called a step towards unlocking the economic potential of landlocked countries, the success of which is linked to Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the need to diversify economies and develop digital infrastructure. According to the UN, there are 32 landlocked developing countries in the world.
Children from the Ashgabat Palace of Orphans are enjoying a holiday in the ‘Avaza’ resort area
11.08.2025Children from the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Palace for Orphaned Children in Ashgabat have left for a summer holiday in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, a rich programme has been organised for the children: they visit parks and amusement parks, take part in sports activities, participate in cultural events and enjoy beach holidays on the shores of the Caspian Sea. In an interview with the ‘Ýaşlyk’ TV channel, the children shared their vivid impressions of their holiday, noting that Avaza has everything they need for a comfortable and interesting holiday. The resort's modern infrastructure allows children not only to have fun, but also to improve their health. This summer holiday was made possible due to the state's attention to social support and the comprehensive development of the younger generation.
Turkmenistan participated in a forum on the development of AI technologies in CIS countries
10.08.2025Turkmenistan was represented at the international forum ‘Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in the Commonwealth of Independent States,’ which took place on 7–8 August in Samarkand. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event was attended by more than 100 specialists and experts, as well as representatives of IT companies and government agencies from the CIS countries. The forum became a platform for discussing the prospects for the introduction of artificial intelligence, harmonising policies and standards, and searching for joint innovative solutions. One of the priorities of the meeting was the exchange of experience between countries, the strengthening of partnerships and the launch of joint initiatives. The results of the forum will contribute to the development of scientific and technical cooperation within the CIS and the expansion of the use of digital technologies in various sectors of the economy.
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