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Winners of the ‘Green Energy – Bright Future’ competition were awarded in Ashgabat
26.01.2026On 23 January, a round table discussion and award ceremony for the winners of the ‘Green Energy – Bright Future’ competition, organised by the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, the newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the online newspaper ‘Ussatnews’. This was reported by the online newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’. The competition, which started in May 2025, was dedicated to promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and ‘green’ projects in Turkmenistan. Participants sent dozens of articles from different regions of the country, discussing the rational use of resources, the introduction of modern technologies and sustainable development, based on the ideas of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on scientific and technical reforms and progress. The authors who took first place received certificates for an introductory trip to Europe as part of the EU project on the ‘green’ development of Turkmenistan; the winners of second and third places received commemorative gifts. Dr. Karolina Milov (GIZ) noted the active participation of young people and specialists and emphasised the importance of the competition for the exchange of experience and support for the country's environmental strategy.
Uzbek confectionery chain ‘Safia’ intends to enter the Turkmenistan market
26.01.2026The Uzbek confectionery chain ‘Safia’ is considering entering the Turkmenistan market. This was announced by the company's co-founder Bekzod Samigjanov during an open dialogue between ambassadors and business representatives, which was held on Wednesday in Tashkent, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Samigjanov noted that ‘Safia’ already operates in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and plans to expand further beyond Uzbekistan. He named the markets of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan as priority areas for development. The chain currently has about ten outlets in the Kazakh market. According to the co-founder, ‘Safia’s confectionery exports reached $7-8 million over the year. ‘Safia’ was founded in 2001 and currently has more than 145 branches.
A series of international Olympiads will be held at universities in Turkmenistan
26.01.2026Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva reported on 23 January during a government meeting on preparations for international Olympiads to be held in March at a number of the country's universities. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The programme includes the 5th Open International Internet Olympiad on ‘Strength of Materials’, the 6th International Mathematical Olympiad and the 5th Internet Olympiad on ‘Theoretical Mechanics’. Representatives of leading foreign universities are expected to participate. The Olympiads are aimed at identifying talented young people and developing international scientific cooperation. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the proposal and instructed to ensure the holding of the events.
Ashgabat discusses updating reproductive health measures
25.01.2026From 21 to 23 January, a national seminar on crisis preparedness was held in Ashgabat. It was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative Office. The topic was the updating of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) on reproductive health, according to AsmanNews. The seminar was a practical step in the implementation of the UNFPA Country Programme for 2026-2030. Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, defence and law enforcement agencies, as well as the National Red Crescent Society participated in the seminar, which was led by UNFPA international expert Heather Lorenzen. Participants assessed national capacity and finalised the MISP plan. It includes coordination and financing mechanisms. The discussion focused on public access to medical care and the protection of women's and young people's rights in crisis situations. Following the meeting, a unified strategy for the application of the MISP was formed. The national action plan defines the roles of all parties and provides for monitoring and rapid response systems.
New directions for technological development identified in Turkmenistan
25.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined new directions for the country's technological development at a Cabinet meeting on the digital system. One of the key topics was the formation of an approach to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakyev presented proposals for the development of the digital economy, including the creation of a regulatory framework for AI. It is reported that Turkmenistan plans to develop rules for the use of AI and define the responsibilities of the parties. It is also planned to consolidate the powers of state bodies and approve national standards and technical regulations for innovative products. The President noted that work is continuing in the country to develop the digital economy and introduce its tools. In this context, he emphasised the importance of developing AI and international cooperation. The Head of State approved the proposals and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to organise their implementation.
FIFA experts conduct training for FFT specialists in Ashgabat
25.01.2026FIFA international experts Gayoz Darsadze (Georgia) and Raimondas Statkevicius (Lithuania) are on a working visit to Ashgabat. They are conducting training seminars for specialists from the Football Federation of Turkmenistan (FFT) and participating in the development of the current strategy for the development of amateur football in the country, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel and was dedicated to the development of mass football. FIFA Regional Technical Advisor Gayoz Darsadze spoke about the organisation's priorities and global programmes. According to him, FIFA has studied the state of amateur football in 185 countries. Turkmenistan has become one of the platforms for the implementation of best practices. Darsadze noted that the FFT has already begun systematic work. He said that the long-term development of professional football is impossible without a strong base in the amateur sector. He named the ‘Football in Schools’ programme as a key area. It is seen as a basis for training players and as a social project to get young people involved in sport. The ‘Talent Development Scheme’ programme is also being developed. In conjunction with the FFT's technical department, modern methods of player selection are being introduced. In 2027, it is planned to launch an expanded ‘Football for Schools’ programme. Among the priorities for cooperation are education, training of coaches and technical specialists, as well as inclusiveness, including the development of women's and youth football. During the meeting, Darsadze noted the achievements of FC ‘Arkadag’ and expressed his gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for their support of sport and the development of football infrastructure.
Turkmenistan is modernising the ‘Türkmenturba’ plant
25.01.2026At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, issues related to the modernisation of the ‘Türkmenturba’ plant were discussed. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan B. Annamammedov reported on the work, according to TDH. He said that the enterprise is being provided with the necessary equipment and chemical products for stable operation and compliance with technological standards. The measures are being implemented as part of the renewal of the material and technical base of the factories of the ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ State Concern. The Deputy Prime Minister presented the relevant proposals to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The Head of State noted the importance of fully utilising the production potential of the chemical industry. He approved the measures presented and instructed that they be implemented. The ‘Türkmenturba’ plant operates around the clock. It produces polyethylene, polypropylene and fibreglass pipes using European technologies.
Turkmenistan plans to extend its roadmap with the ILO until 2026
25.01.2026Turkmenistan plans to extend its roadmap for cooperation with the International Labour Organisation until the end of 2026. This was announced at a government meeting by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, according to TDH. One of the priorities is to strengthen the political and legal framework for the prevention of forced labour, including child labour. According to the Foreign Minister, cooperation with the ILO is carried out within the framework of multilateral conventions and is aimed at ensuring decent working conditions and protecting the rights of the parties. Previously, cooperation was carried out according to a Roadmap for 2024-2025. Taking into account the results achieved, the Foreign Ministry proposes to extend the document until the end of 2026 and to involve state bodies and public organisations in its implementation. The Head of the foreign ministry noted that the measures provide for the improvement of national legislation and the strengthening of law enforcement measures. Work is also planned to protect labour rights by state bodies and trade unions. A database is to be created to monitor and analyse indicators in the field of labour rights. Turkmenistan intends to continue regular dialogue with the ILO and hold bilateral meetings with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, relevant agencies and experts from the organisation to discuss measures to prevent child labour. One of the priorities is to strengthen the political and legal framework for the prevention of forced labour, including child labour.
Turkmenistan and UNICEF discussed new joint projects
25.01.2026On 24 January, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, held a meeting with Jalpa Ratna, Head of the UNICEF Representative Office. The implementation of the joint Memorandum of Understanding was discussed, according to AsmanNews. The parties confirmed the priority of state policy in the field of child protection. Special attention was paid to the activities of the Charitable Foundation, which provides high-tech medical care to children in need of treatment. The UNICEF representative noted the compliance of Turkmenistan's humanitarian initiatives with the Global Sustainable Development Goals and the high level of work in the field of maternal and child health. Plans include the expansion of long-term projects in healthcare, inclusive education and social integration.
In February, ‘Turkmenfilm’ is organising a National Film Week
25.01.2026To mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, the Oguzhan ‘Türkmenfilm’ Association plans to hold a series of cultural events in the capital and regions, including conferences, creative meetings and a week of films made during the years of independence, according to the state news agency TDH. This was reported on 23 January at a government meeting by Bahar Seyidova, Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, when she presented the plan for the main events in February. The planned events include briefings, exhibitions, promotional and educational programmes, and musical programmes dedicated to the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and Diplomatic Worker's Day. The State Symphony Orchestra will give a concert featuring melodies from Turkmen films at the ‘Mukam’ Palace of the State Cultural Centre, along with other celebrations. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed that all events be held to a high standard.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held talks with the Head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
25.01.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Austria, Hemra Amannazarov, met with the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pere Joan Pons. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The meeting took place in Vienna at the Hofburg building, where the organisation's headquarters are located. During the talks, the parties discussed issues of parliamentary cooperation and youth participation in the OSCE. Particular attention was paid to promising regional initiatives. The possibility of holding one of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly events in Ashgabat was also considered.
Turkmenistan steps up training of oil and gas sector specialists
25.01.2026On 23 January, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Amanov reported on the measures being implemented to train specialists for the oil and gas sector with international experience. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The country's fuel and energy industry actively applies advanced global practices and digital technologies, with a particular focus on training highly qualified personnel. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister presented a corresponding proposal to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. After hearing the report, the Head of State emphasised that the country is successfully working to train professionals for the oil and gas complex with international experience, and, supporting the initiative, instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to organise the implementation of the necessary measures.
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