From 28 May to 18 June 2025, a series of training sessions for young people was held in six etraps of Turkmenistan as part of a UNDP regional project on preventing violent extremism. The events, organised by UNDP with the support of the Government of Japan, brought together more than 180 participants from the country's pilot districts. This was reported by the IIC. The training sessions aimed to raise young people's awareness of government programmes for socio-economic support and to develop skills that will help them to remain resilient in the face of modern challenges. Participants in the mentoring training sessions had the opportunity to engage in open dialogue and exchange experiences. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan and contributes to the creation of an inclusive environment for the active participation of young people in society.
The 17th round of the Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union took place in Brussels on 17 June this year. The meeting, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, allowed the parties to discuss key issues of human rights protection, the rule of law and gender equality. This was reported by the IIC. The Turkmenistan delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov. The delegation included representatives of the Ministries of Education, Labour and Social Protection, Internal Affairs, Justice, the Supreme Court, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, as well as the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan. During the dialogue, the Turkmen side presented progress in the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights (2021-2025), including measures on judicial reform, protection of socio-economic rights and promotion of gender equality. Particular attention was paid to the fulfilment of international obligations, including those under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The parties also discussed cooperation with the UN, the OSCE and other international organisations, emphasising Turkmenistan's commitment to constructive dialogue in the field of human rights. At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached on further developing partnership in this area.
From 21 to 23 August, Ashgabat will host the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international universal exhibition and fair. This was reported by the portal ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The forum will serve as a platform for presenting products and services aimed at children, ranging from everyday goods to solutions in the field of education and leisure. The event will be attended by companies seeking to strengthen business ties and promote their brands on the market. According to the organisers, the aim of the exhibition is to stimulate the introduction of innovative approaches in the children's goods and services industry, as well as to attract foreign investment to the national market.
On 17 June, a round table was held in Ashgabat on the integration of the principles of neutral balance of land degradation (LDN) into national land use policy. The event was timed to coincide with the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was organised by the Scientific and Information Centre of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, with the support of the Global Environment Facility. Representatives of the Secretariat of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Turkmenistan Parliament, and relevant ministries and agencies took part in the discussion. The main focus was on incorporating LDN principles into the updated National Action Programme to Combat Desertification. Participants considered issues of strategic planning, coordination of environmental policies and improvement of the legal framework for sustainable land use. Particular attention was paid to the integration of land degradation neutrality principles into the country's land management system. The event was an important step in the implementation of Turkmenistan's environmental policy and the fulfilment of its international commitments in the field of sustainable development.
Ceremonies were held in Ashgabat to honour graduates of the Military Academy, the Military Institute of the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan named after Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi the Great, the Border Institute, the Institute of National Security and the Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as the Military Medical Faculty of the State Medical University named after Myrat Garryev. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The celebrations began with the laying of flowers at the monuments to Berdimuhamed Annayev and Malikguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as at the monuments of the ‘Halk hakydasy’ Memorial Complex. The main part of the celebration took place on the square near the Constitution Monument. Young officers received diplomas and badges and took the oath of allegiance. The President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country, General of the Army Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the graduates with a congratulatory speech. The address emphasised the role of military educational institutions in training personnel to defend independence, neutrality and law and order. The modernisation of the military education system, the introduction of new technologies and the importance of patriotic education were also noted. The festive atmosphere was complemented by performances by creative groups and demonstrations by the Honour Guard. The celebration ended with a parade of cadets. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Head of State for his support and attention to military personnel and promised to serve Turkmenistan with honour.
On 14 June, a nationwide blood donation campaign was launched in Turkmenistan to mark World Blood Donor Day. The campaign is being held under the slogan ‘Give blood, give hope: together we save lives’ and covers medical institutions throughout the country. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The key event was the start of the donation campaign at the International Centre for Surgery and Endocrinology in Ashgabat, where medical workers from the capital's clinics joined in to donate blood. The campaign was organised by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the Blood Centre under the Directorate of Infectious Disease Centres.
Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and Turkish Airlines have organised a familiarisation trip to Antalya for representatives of ten travel agencies from Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. As part of the ‘Sea, Sand and Sun’ programme, participants visited eight high-class hotels and explored the region's natural, historical and cultural attractions. In addition, Turkmen specialists held business meetings with representatives of the Turkish tourism industry and sampled the local cuisine.
On 14 June 2025, Ahmed Alhay Hamad Khamis Alhameli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Turkmenistan, sent official letters to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The messages express sincere gratitude to the leadership and people of Turkmenistan for the prompt humanitarian assistance provided to passengers of UAE airline flights who were forced to stay at Ashgabat International Airport on 13 June 2025. The ambassador particularly noted that the Turkmen authorities provided the passengers with food, water and everything necessary during the several hours of waiting, demonstrating high humanitarian principles and traditional hospitality. This gesture by Turkmenistan confirmed its reputation as a responsible and reliable international partner, ready to come to the aid of others in unforeseen situations.
Turkmenistan has demonstrated responsibility and humanity by providing comprehensive support to passengers on several FlyDubai transit flights that were forced to land at Ashgabat International Airport due to the temporary closure of airspace. Among the flights was the Astana-Dubai route with dozens of Kazakh citizens on board. This was reported by the IIC. The Turkmen side immediately organised comfortable conditions for the temporary accommodation of passengers, providing them with everything necessary and establishing operational cooperation with diplomatic missions. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, Nurlan Nogayev, arrived at the location, personally spoke with his compatriots and guaranteed them the full support of the Kazakh diplomatic mission. The passengers expressed their sincere gratitude to the Turkmen authorities for their professional approach and hospitality, as well as to the Kazakh diplomats for their prompt assistance. This incident clearly demonstrated Turkmenistan's readiness to respond promptly to unforeseen situations and provide effective international support. Work is currently underway to restore regular air service as soon as possible.
Turkmenistan has launched an electronic visa system that will simplify entry into the country for foreign citizens and help increase tourist and business traffic. This was announced by Yusup Odayev, deputy head of the training department of the Central Office of the State Migration Service, during the International Conference ‘Peace, Sustainable Development and Migration’ held in Ashgabat, according to Turkmenportal. According to him, the law ‘On Migration’ adopted in April this year provides for the introduction of an online visa application mechanism. The new service will allow foreigners to submit applications, track their status and receive visa documents in digital format, eliminating the need to visit consulates in person. Y. Odayev noted that electronic visas will become an important element in the modernisation of the migration infrastructure, increasing the transparency of procedures and convenience for citizens and visitors to the country. In addition, Turkmenistan is considering the use of artificial intelligence and new-generation analytical platforms to develop its migration system. In the future, this will make it possible to automate the analysis of migration flows, integrate biometric technologies and assess potential risks based on big data.
On the third day of the ‘TurkmenTextile EXPO – 2025’ exhibition in Ashgabat, master classes and presentations were held with the participation of renowned designers and fashion industry experts. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Aydarkhan Kaliyev (Taraz, Kazakhstan), Omar Mansoor (London, United Kingdom), Govher Gouvernet (France – Turkmenistan), Elena Kharitonova (Brussels, Belgium) and Hayden Ng (Singapore) shared their experience and knowledge. The programme covered a wide range of topics, from neo-folklore and sustainable fashion to marketing, cultural identity and new technologies. Particular attention was paid to issues of cross-cultural interaction and the role of fashion as a tool for self-expression and preservation of traditions. During the master classes, Turkmen craftsmen presented their crafts, from felting camel wool to silk painting and other types of handicrafts.
On 12 June, the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology held a ceremony to award the winners of a scientific research competition. The competition, organised by the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organisation, brought together young scientists, students, teachers, and employees of research institutes and industry organisations, according to the state news agency TDH. During the event, a musical composition dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality was performed. In his address, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of science and education for the country's development, emphasising that the achievements of young people in the international arena are a source of pride for Turkmenistan. The President also announced support for scientific work and the involvement of young scientists in solving topical issues. The competition was attended by 1,665 young people who presented research in six areas: nanotechnology, biotechnology, information systems, medicine, innovative economics and the humanities. The 118 winners received diplomas and valuable gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan. The ceremony ended with a festive concert, which was a gift to the young scientists on Science Day.