Society
Turkmenistan has begun developing a system for forecasting labour market demand
11.09.2026UNDP in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Education, has launched the pilot phase of the ‘National System for Strategic Human Capital Planning’ project. The initiative aims to establish a coherent, data-driven system linking demographic trends, education, skills development and labour market needs, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The project was launched at the first coordination meeting, attended by key government bodies and international UNDP experts. The project will help strengthen the capacity of national institutions in data analysis, skills forecasting and strategic human capital planning. One of the key areas of focus is the collection and analysis of data for human capital foresight and skills planning in Turkmenistan, according to a UNDP press release. As part of the international experts’ visit, consultations will be held with relevant ministries and departments on issues relating to human capital planning, labour market needs, available data and mechanisms for inter-agency cooperation. The outcomes of these consultations will be taken into account when developing the national system. UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, Narine Sahakyan, noted that human capital development is a key prerequisite for sustainable development, and that the country’s young population presents significant opportunities for its future. Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, emphasised that education transforms demographic potential into skilled and competitive human capital. According to him, the project is conceived not as an analytical study, but as a practical planning tool that will help identify medium- and long-term needs for specialists and skills, link these to the workforce training system, and improve the soundness of decision-making regarding educational priorities. Atayev added that the value of the project would depend on whether it was possible to establish a mechanism enabling the training of personnel in advance, rather than reacting to shortages after the event. The initiative is in line with Turkmenistan’s national priorities in the fields of education, human capital, digital transformation and economic diversification, including the Strategy for the Development of Higher Vocational Education for 2026–2052 and its implementation plan for 2026–2030.
A journalist from Turkmenistan took part in CIPCC-2026 in Beijing
11.09.2026From September to December 2026, China is hosting the ‘China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) 2026’ international training programme for journalists. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The opening ceremony took place on 8 September in Beijing. The programme is being implemented as part of the ‘International Information Centre’ project and brings together 109 journalists from 101 countries. Among the participants is a representative of the online newspaper ‘Altyn asyr’ from Turkmenistan. The aim of the programme is to familiarise foreign journalists with China’s political, economic and cultural life, as well as to strengthen international cooperation in the media sector. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their professional skills and broaden their knowledge of the PRC’s political system, its economic development and foreign policy. The organisers note that such programmes contribute to fostering dialogue between countries and strengthening professional ties among journalists from different nations.
Turkmen youth took part in a climate conference in Samarkand
10.09.2026Representatives of youth environmental organisations from Turkmenistan took part in the RCOY Central Asia 2026 regional conference, which took place on 4–6 September in Samarkand. This was reported by the IIC. The conference was attended by around 100 experts and volunteers from Central Asian countries, as well as Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Mongolia and Turkey. Participants discussed issues relating to climate policy, water resource management, combating desertification and glacier conservation. Following the conference, the participants adopted a Regional Youth Declaration, which is to be submitted to the relevant ministries, UN bodies and international partners. The conference was co-organised on behalf of Turkmenistan by ‘Mümkinçilik Dünýäsi’ and the ‘Youth Climate Network Turkmenistan’.
A special issue of the journal ‘Issues of Philology’ has been published to mark the 35th anniversary of independence
09.09.2026The Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages has published a special issue of the academic and methodological online journal ‘Issues of Philology’ to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The articles examine the country’s achievements since independence in the fields of science, education, foreign policy, culture, humanitarian diplomacy and social development. Particular attention is paid to Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, cooperation with the UN and UNESCO, the country’s contemporary architectural landscape and the city of Arkadag. The journal also covers issues relating to national heritage, including the collection of manuscripts by Magtymguly Pyragy, as well as the activities of UNESCO clubs and departments at higher education institutions. Individual articles are devoted to the modernisation of the education system, the digitalisation of science and education, gender equality and the participation of women in socio-political life. The section on philology presents research in the fields of linguistics, political terminology, language teaching methodologies and the integration of higher education into the global scientific and educational community. The digital version of this special issue is available on the official website of the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages.
Turkmenistan is developing ‘green’ technologies in the energy sector
09.09.2026Turkmenistan is introducing world-leading technologies in the fields of geological exploration, oil and gas production and processing, whilst simultaneously taking large-scale measures to reduce its environmental impact. This is reported by the online news site Asmannews. Particular attention is being paid to environmental protection during the development of the ‘Galkynyş’ field, the construction of the ‘Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline, the implementation of projects in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, the expansion of gas exports, and the development of the gas processing and petrochemical industries. Against the backdrop of the global transition to low-carbon energy, the country is diversifying its energy strategy and offering investors projects ranging from the further development of ‘Galkynyş – one of the world’s largest gas fields – to solar and wind energy. The processes of extraction, collection, processing and transportation of raw materials at the ‘Galkynyi’, ‘Döwletabat’, ‘Malaý’ and other fields are fully automated. Control centres are equipped with electronic equipment that ensures the reliability of operational cycles and the safety of personnel. In recent years, facilities designed to reduce harmful emissions have been commissioned: - a polymer plant in Kiyanly (Balkan velayat); - a plant producing ECO-93 petrol from natural gas in Ovadandepe (Ahal velayat); - liquefied gas production units at the ‘Naýyp’ and ‘Bagaja’ fields; - booster compressor stations at the ‘Malaý’ field. Methane emissions are being reduced at fields currently under development: associated petroleum gas is being captured, and gas pipelines and distribution networks are being upgraded. At the same time, the country is implementing research programmes on the use of hydrogen, solar, hydro and wind energy, as well as biogas. As part of field development, gas processing complexes are being built to purify and dry the gas and to convert hydrogen sulphide into sulphur — with particular attention being paid to fields with high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide. Within the country’s fuel and energy sector, production infrastructure is being developed, production and processing capacities are being expanded, and gas supply routes are being diversified, taking environmental factors into account. As noted, the reduction of carbon emissions and the growth in demand for natural gas remain key trends in the development of the global energy sector.
Turkmen horse breeding was showcased at an international conference in the Netherlands
07.09.2026An international scientific and practical conference entitled ‘Ahalteke bedewi: türkmeniň dünýewi seýisçilik sungaty’ (‘The Ahal-Teke Horse: Turkmen Art of Universal Horse Breeding’) was held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands as part of the World Equestrian Games and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest. Representatives from Turkmenistan, as well as academics and horse breeding specialists from more than 20 countries, took part in the event, according to the news agency TDH. One of the central themes of the forum was the historical and cultural significance of the Ahal-Teke breed. Participants highlighted the centuries-old connection between these horses and the history and traditions of the Turkmen people. Particular attention was paid to the inclusion, on 5 December 2023, of the national nomination ‘Art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration’ on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The conference also featured a presentation on the activities of the UNESCO Club ‘Ahal-Teke Horses – Envoys of Peace’, established under the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in the city of Arkadag. The organisation is dedicated to promoting the Ahal-Teke breed and its breeding traditions. International experts shared their experience in the areas of training, registration and maintaining the purity of the breed. Jean-Philippe Camboulives, a representative of the International Equestrian Federation, highlighted the development of cooperation with the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, including the training of young specialists and the exchange of professional expertise. Julio Bendezu-Sarmiento, a senior research fellow at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the National Museum of Natural History and History, presented historical and scientific data on Ahal-Teke racehorses. Patricia Johnson, Director of the US Ahal-Teke Horse Foundation, spoke about the work being done to register horses of this breed in the USA. Following the plenary session, the conference continued with breakout sessions dedicated to the history and development of the Ahal-Teke breed, its significance within UNESCO’s cultural heritage, the portrayal of these horses in art, breeding and veterinary work, as well as the genetic foundations for maintaining the breed’s purity. Particular attention was paid to the development of the horse-breeding infrastructure in the city of Arkadag, where the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and the Scientific and Production Centre for Horse Breeding have been established. The significance of Turkmenistan’s Law ‘On Horse Breeding and Equestrian Sport’, adopted in 2015, was also highlighted. Forum participants emphasised the importance of international cooperation in the study of the Ahal-Teke breed, the preservation of horse-breeding traditions, the development of equestrian sports, and the exchange of scientific and practical experience.
Ashgabat marked the 15th anniversary of the ‘Nebit-gaz’ newspaper
07.09.2026A ceremony was held at the editorial office of the ‘Nebit-gaz’ newspaper to mark the 15th anniversary of the publication’s first issue. The event was attended by representatives of the Trade Union Council of Oil and Gas Workers of Turkmenistan, the state-owned concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’, as well as members of the editorial team, reports AsmanNews. The newspaper, established by a Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan, was first published on 6 September 2011. Over the past 15 years, the publication has covered developments in the country’s fuel and energy sector, including the implementation of international infrastructure projects, the construction of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline, the development of oil and gas fields, and the modernisation of petrochemical plants. Those attending the event highlighted the development of the newspaper’s digital infrastructure and the launch of its online edition, which has expanded the publication’s readership both in Turkmenistan and abroad. Special mention was made of the contribution of veteran journalists, the newspaper’s own correspondents in the velayats, photojournalists and authors of articles about enterprises and leading workers. The further development of the newspaper, the improvement of its material and technical resources, and working conditions for staff were also discussed. In conclusion, on behalf of the Trade Union Council of Oil and Gas Industry Workers of Turkmenistan and the state-owned concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’, valuable and commemorative gifts were presented to the staff of the ‘Nebit-gaz’ newspaper.
The second day of the Ahal-Teke Horse Championship took place in the Netherlands
06.09.2026The second day of the World Championship for Ahal-Teke Racehorses and Equestrian Competitions took place at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the Netherlands. The programme included a themed exhibition dedicated to Turkmen equestrian art, traditional culture and folk art, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. A separate pavilion showcased the history of European horse breeding. Older Ahal-Teke horses competed in the beauty contest. An international panel of experts assessed them on breed characteristics, conformation, posture and grace. One of the most spectacular events was the ‘Most Beautifully Decorated Horse’ competition. Participants presented hand-crafted ceremonial tack featuring silver amulets, traditional ‘agzybaglar’ and national carpet-covered saddlecloths. The programme for the second day concluded with show jumping competitions. The riders demonstrated their technique in clearing obstacles and showcased the athletic qualities of the Ahal-Teke horses.
The world champion among Ahal-Teke horses has been crowned in the Netherlands
06.09.2026The interim results of the World Championship and International Beauty Contest for Ahal-Teke horses have been announced at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the Netherlands. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. More than 100 horses of this breed from 25 countries are taking part in the competition. The top title was won by the Ahal-Teke racehorse Yyndam, representing French horse breeders. The jury praised his breed characteristics, physical condition, posture and the golden hue of his coat. The competition in the Netherlands is still ongoing.
The second day of the Ahal-Teke Horse Championship took place in the Netherlands
06.09.2026The second day of the World Championship for Ahal-Teke Racehorses and Equestrian Competitions took place at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the Netherlands. The programme included a themed exhibition dedicated to Turkmen equestrian art, traditional culture and folk art, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. A separate pavilion showcased the history of European horse breeding. Older Ahal-Teke horses competed in the beauty contest. An international panel of experts assessed them on breed characteristics, conformation, posture and grace. One of the most spectacular events was the ‘Most Beautifully Decorated Horse’ competition. Participants presented hand-crafted ceremonial tack featuring silver amulets, traditional ‘agzybaglar’ and national carpet-covered saddlecloths. The programme for the second day concluded with show jumping competitions. The riders demonstrated their technique in clearing obstacles and showcased the athletic qualities of the Ahal-Teke horses.
The world champion among Ahal-Teke horses has been crowned in the Netherlands
06.09.2026The interim results of the World Championship and International Beauty Contest for Ahal-Teke horses have been announced at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the Netherlands. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. More than 100 horses of this breed from 25 countries are taking part in the competition. The top title was won by the Ahal-Teke racehorse Yyndam, representing French horse breeders. The jury praised his breed characteristics, physical condition, posture and the golden hue of his coat. The competition in the Netherlands is still ongoing.
Representatives from Turkmenistan took part in a conference for young parliamentarians
06.09.2026Representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the 12th World Conference of Young Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held on 4–5 September 2026 in Samarkand. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The conference focused on the role of young people in political and public life, expanding the participation of young parliamentarians in legislative and state activities, protecting their rights and ensuring equal opportunities, as well as strengthening peace and inter-regional cooperation. At the opening session, participants discussed the protection of young people’s rights and freedoms, the development of the legal framework for youth policy, and the creation of conditions to realise young people’s potential. The need for comprehensive support for young people to achieve sustainable development was emphasised. A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan spoke about the country’s work to protect the rights and freedoms of young people and women, strengthen their role in society, and expand opportunities for their participation in public administration and various sectors of the economy. The role of cooperation with international organisations in this area was also highlighted. Participants examined issues relating to the economic independence of young people, the protection of their rights in the labour market, and support for young entrepreneurs. Particular attention was paid to digital accessibility, security, data protection and the development of young people’s skills in the context of the introduction of new technologies. In addition, discussions centred on young people’s participation in environmental initiatives, environmental protection and the challenges posed by climate change. Participants emphasised the importance of legal approaches to ensuring sustainable development and climate protection in the interests of present and future generations.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
