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.
From 25 to 29 August 2025, the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan, in cooperation with UNDP, will hold a series of training sessions on digital transformation for representatives of government agencies and businesses. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The events are part of the preparation of the Concept and State Programme on the Digital Economy for 2026-2028. Representatives of about 30 ministries and departments, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, as well as start-ups will take part in the training. The programme covers issues of digitalisation of public administration, strategic planning, cybersecurity, data management and the study of international experience. The sessions are led by UNDP international expert Aare Laponin. The training sessions are aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and implementing digital solutions, which will be a step towards the implementation of the programme for the development of the digital economy in Turkmenistan.
UNDP in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the UNDP Knowledge Project, is launching the second phase of the Future Skills Academy initiative, aimed at developing in-demand skills and improving employment opportunities for young people through online courses. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Citizens of Turkmenistan and stateless persons with permanent residence in the country and a valid residence permit are eligible to participate. The programme covers universal, entrepreneurial and technical skills, including topics such as communication, business planning, digital literacy and programming. Training takes place online on the Coursera platform with the support of mentors. The initiative is being implemented as part of a regional project to prevent violent extremism in Central Asia, funded by the Japanese government and supported by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan.
Registration has begun in Ashgabat for participants in the International Conference on the ‘Development of the Construction, Industrial, Chemical and Energy Sectors of Turkmenistan’ (CIET 2025). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event, scheduled for early November, will serve as a platform for discussing cross-sectoral innovations, investment projects and opportunities for cooperation in the field of sustainable development. CIET 2025 will continue the tradition of the 2024 conference, which brought together more than 450 delegates from 50 countries, including representatives of ‘Çalık Holding’, ‘Rönesans Holding’, ‘Daewoo E&C’, ‘Mitsubishi’ and ‘Gertner Group’. The forum programme includes an international exhibition of technological solutions, plenary sessions on digitalisation and sustainable development, as well as B2B and B2G meetings for establishing business contacts. Special attention will be paid to the training and development of young professionals.