News
An ILO awareness-raising campaign took place in Turkmenistan
22.08.2026Around 1,500 people from 35 etraps across Turkmenistan took part in an awareness-raising campaign organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to prevent child labour and forced labour. The events took place in the run-up to the cotton-picking season, which runs from 12 June to 12 August 2026, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The campaign was implemented by the ILO in collaboration with national stakeholders, with financial support from the European Union (EU). It comprised 15 events, including a capacity-building seminar, 13 information sessions in the velayats and etraps, and a closing meeting. The events took place in Tejen, Gokdepe, Ak-Bugday, Kerki, Sayat, Turkmenabat, Mary, Yoloten, Bayramali, Dashoguz, Akdepe, Kunya-Urgench and Gyzylarbat. They were attended by representatives of government bodies, ministries, educational and medical institutions, farmers’ associations, employers’ organisations and workers’ unions. Participants discussed legislation on child labour and forced labour, including the ban on the use of children in the annual cotton harvest. Government measures to prevent forced labour in the cotton sector were also examined. ‘Raising awareness is a practical tool for prevention,’ noted Oxana Lipcanu, ILO project manager in Turkmenistan. The events were held as part of the EU-funded ILO project for 2026–2027, which aims to promote decent work and prevent child and forced labour, particularly in Turkmenistan’s cotton sector.
A Turkmen delegation has arrived at the youth forum in Khiva
22.08.2026An Uzbek-Turkmen youth forum has opened in the city of Khiva, in the Khorezm Region of Uzbekistan, and will run from 18 to 21 August. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation is led by Yazpolat Keriyev, Chairman of the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organisation. Participants were also welcomed by Alisher Sadullayev, Director of the Agency for Youth Affairs of Uzbekistan, and Sanat Salayev, Deputy Governor of the Khorezm Region. The head of the Turkmen delegation recalled the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, noting that the poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy had, in his time, studied at the Shirgazi Khan madrasah in Khiva. He also spoke about the development of the bilateral partnership, which is based on a memorandum signed in 2018, and cited examples of cooperation in the humanitarian sphere — joint educational initiatives, environmental projects and youth participation in international dialogue platforms. The programme for the four-day forum includes plenary sessions, presentations on state youth policy practices and an introduction to the work of local youth centres. A cultural programme has also been organised for participants, featuring visits to places of interest in Khiva and Urgench.
Turkmenistan is represented at academic events in Seoul
22.08.2026Humanitarian and academic events were held in Seoul in the run-up to the first ‘Republic of Korea–Central Asia’ summit. Representatives from Turkmenistan and other countries in the region took part. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Education experts from five countries, including Turkmenistan, took part in a three-day programme to develop skills in the field of artificial intelligence. They studied Korean approaches to training AI specialists, discussed national digitalisation strategies and visited training centres in Seoul. A public lecture series was also held at the Yeongdeungpo Art Hall, featuring young representatives from Central Asia. Turkmenistan was represented by Ogulgul Nazarova, a recipient of a South Korean government scholarship. The programme was complemented by ethnographic exhibitions dedicated to the cultural heritage of the region’s countries.
The Arkadag Medical Cluster showcased baby food at ‘Kids Expo’
22.08.2026The annual international trade fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ is taking place in Ashgabat, where the Arkadag Medical Cluster is presenting a new range of baby food under the AMC brand. This has been reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The company ‘Arkadag Medisina Klasteri Menejment’, established on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is expanding its range of import-substituting products. The range includes dry nutritional formulas and porridges for children from six months of age. The range comprises rice porridge, rice porridge with banana, semolina porridge with honey, and multigrain porridges. According to Ogulsuray Yazdurdyeva, a paediatrician and consultant at the production site, the production process complies with international quality standards and environmental requirements. AMC products are already being exported to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other countries. Participation in the exhibition is also aimed at expanding international partnerships.
The Head of Turkmenistan inspected the progress of construction work on the paediatric centre
22.08.2026On 21 August, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, inspected the progress of construction work on the International Paediatric Centre, which is being built in the south of Ashgabat. The project is in its final stages and forms part of the Directorate of International Medical Centres, according to the news agency TDH. M. Gayipov, Minister of Health and Medical Industry, reported on the progress of construction work, the equipping of wards and the landscaping of the site. The President of Turkmenistan was also shown the Centre’s designs and plans, including arrangements for the fitting out of consultation rooms, clinical laboratories, operating theatres and inpatient wards. The Head of State inspected the consultation, diagnostic and treatment rooms, inpatient wards and other facilities. The International Paediatric Centre is designed to provide medical care to children over the age of three. Its operations are to be organised in collaboration with leading global clinics. Particular attention has been paid to the digitalisation of medical processes and the application of artificial intelligence technologies. The diagnostic department has been fitted with state-of-the-art equipment for endoscopy, functional diagnostics and radiology. The therapeutic department is equipped, in particular, with digital X-ray and intensive care units. Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed that measures be taken to ensure the efficient operation of the equipment, the storage of electronic treatment records and the application of modern digital technologies. The Head of State also emphasised the need to enhance the professional skills of medical staff and to adopt leading international practices. The Centre is equipped to provide post-operative care, monitor hygiene standards and maintain the necessary microclimate. The inpatient ward is equipped with patient rooms and a children’s play area. The opening of the International Paediatric Centre is scheduled to coincide with the year marking the 35th anniversary of independence and is timed to coincide with Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers’ Day. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has instructed that construction work be completed and the facility prepared for opening by the set deadline.
The best young mental arithmetic champions have been chosen in Ashgabat
22.08.2026The ANZAN Turkmenistan Mental Arithmetic Championship for children aged 6 to 12 took place in Ashgabat. The competition was held as part of the international exhibition and fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ and attracted 121 participants from educational centres across the country, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The event was organised by the Magtymguly Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan and a number of Turkmen companies. Participants underwent a multi-stage selection process at the level of educational centres, regions and branches. At the end of the competition, winners were determined in the overall standings and by age category. Among the most outstanding participants were pupils from the ‘Kämil Bilim’, ‘Altyn Göreç’ and ‘Zehin ýoly’ centres. ANZAN mental arithmetic is designed to develop mental calculation skills, concentration, memory and speed of thought. The championship is being held for the second year running as part of the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ exhibition and fair.
Space and robotics are featured at the ‘Kids Expo’
22.08.2026The international exhibition and fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ is taking place in Ashgabat. The American Center at the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan is participating for the third year in a row. This year, its exhibit is dedicated to space and high technology, according to the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ news agency. On display at the venue are Dash robots, Lego building sets and Arduino kits. Children can learn the basics of programming, build and code models, whilst secondary school pupils and adults can work on projects in the fields of robotics and microelectronics. The programme also includes the Math24 maths competition and the international NASA Space Apps Challenge. During the two-day hackathon, participants tackle challenges related to space, technology and climate issues. According to Muhabat Rozmammedova, a representative of the American Centre, the interactive zone introduces children to educational and technological resources and helps foster links between organisations.
Turkmenistan’s basketball team has got off to a successful start in the Nations League
22.08.2026Turkmenistan’s men’s and women’s under-23 national teams secured victories over their Qatari counterparts in their opening matches of the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League 2026 international tournament in Singapore. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The men’s team beat their opponents 15–9, whilst the women’s team won 21–6. The matches took place on the first day of the group stage of the Asia West/Pacific conference. The tournament in Singapore is taking place from 20 to 26 August, with teams from Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkmenistan taking part. In the preliminary stage, the Turkmenistan national teams are also set to face the Australian teams. The winner of the regional conference will qualify for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, which will take place in September in the Chinese city of Hubei.
The 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council will take place in Ashgabat
22.08.2026On 11 September 2026, the 111th meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States will take place in Ashgabat. The meeting will take place as part of the Action Plan for the implementation of Turkmenistan’s Presidency of the CIS and in accordance with the decision of the Economic Council of 26 June this year, reports IIC of Turkmenistan. The draft agenda includes 28 items, some of which will subsequently be submitted for consideration by the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS. Participants will discuss strategic plans for the development of transport security, concepts for industrial cooperation in high-tech sectors, as well as a number of financial and organisational initiatives. As part of the preparations for the meeting, a delegation from the CIS Executive Committee, led by Deputy Secretary-General Ilkhom Nematov, visited Ashgabat. During meetings with the leadership of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Finance and Economy, the parties discussed the readiness of regulatory documents, the programme of events and the organisational arrangements for the meeting. The delegation also inspected the venues selected for the meeting; following the visit, the parties signed a protocol on further coordination of actions. The parties noted that holding the Economic Council meeting in Turkmenistan would give impetus to the development of partnership relations between the CIS countries and would enable decisions to be taken on key issues of regional cooperation.
The development of children’s chess was discussed at the ‘Kids Expo’ in Ashgabat
22.08.2026The international trade fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ is taking place in Ashgabat, featuring leading Turkmen and international organisations showcasing children’s products, as well as methods for upbringing, education and intellectual development. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Intellectual sports occupy a special place at the exhibition. The forum’s guest of honour — International Grandmaster and Vice President of the Sri Lankan Chess Federation, Luxman Wijesuriya — shared his impressions with a correspondent from ‘Golden age’. The expert spoke highly of the standard of training among Turkmen chess players and the country’s national chess traditions. ‘Turkmenistan has one of the strongest chess schools. A whole generation of high-class grandmasters has emerged in the country, while Turkmen chess players themselves have their own unique culture of play, formed over many years, and a distinctive style. If we compare sporting strength at the highest level, Turkmen athletes undoubtedly demonstrate excellent preparation and the highest results. We sincerely admire this level and express our deep respect for your masters,’ noted Luxman Wijesuriya. According to him, the key factor in the development of chess in Sri Lanka has been its accessibility and promotion amongst children. ‘Chess is also developing very dynamically in Sri Lanka. Our secret lies in the fact that we have placed an emphasis on children’s education. Today, we have around 200,000 active chess players. It is through children’s clubs and school sections that the foundation for future victories is formed,’ explained the guest from Sri Lanka. The federation’s Vice President noted that the ‘Kids Expo’ could serve as a platform for exchanging experience and undertaking joint projects between countries. ‘We see enormous potential for joint work and are sincerely pleased with the development of cooperation with Turkmenistan. Combining the experience of the Turkmen grandmaster chess school with our experience in the mass involvement of children in chess can bring wonderful results. Forums such as “Kids Expo” prove that investment in the intellectual development of children is an investment in the successful future of our countries,’ concluded Luxman Wijesuriya.
Turkmenistan is boosting its appeal to investors
22.08.2026International investor interest in Turkmenistan goes beyond the traditional perception of the country as a supplier of hydrocarbons — this view was expressed by Leandro Slovinski, Global Editorial Director of the international publication ‘The Investor’, ahead of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. ‘For many years, Turkmenistan was viewed internationally primarily through the lens of its hydrocarbon resources. Today, that perspective is broadening considerably,’ Slovinski noted in an interview with the editorial team of ‘Golden age’. According to him, foreign investors are increasingly exploring opportunities not only in the energy sector, but also in industry, infrastructure, logistics, digitalisation and private sector development. A special issue of ‘The Investor’ on Turkmenistan, published in 2025, generated considerable interest among readers, and the editorial team is currently preparing a new edition on this topic. The expert highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan’s long-term partnerships with international companies – 20 years of cooperation with CNPC in the gas sector and 30 years of PETRONAS’s operations in the country. In April, the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynyş’ field development began, involving the construction of wells and a complex with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres of marketable gas per year; the project is expected to create over a thousand permanent jobs. ‘Institutional investors do not respond to marketing narratives; they respond to evidence of long-term direction, economic stability and implementation,’ emphasised Slovinski. The ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline is also attracting growing attention from investors. According to data from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, published in July, 101 kilometres of pipeline have been laid on the Afghan section and 126 kilometres of the route have been prepared. Slovinski believes that the project has the potential to become part of an economic corridor linking Central and South Asia, and that the transition from planning to implementation is an important signal for investors. According to the expert, Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon sector is increasingly being viewed by investors not only as a source of export revenue, but also as a foundation for economic diversification – the development of the oil and gas chemicals industry, refining, industrial production, logistics, infrastructure and digital technologies. Congratulating Turkmenistan on the 35th anniversary of its independence, Slovinski wished the country peace, prosperity and further success in economic development and international cooperation. According to him, over the past years the country has built a large-scale infrastructure and established long-term relationships with international companies, and the next stage involves harnessing this potential to develop industry, produce high value-added goods and foster private enterprise. The investment agenda will be one of the topics at the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2026’ (OGT 2026), which will take place in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October. Slovinski, who has previously attended the forum, described OGT as one of the region’s leading energy platforms, bringing together representatives of government bodies, international companies, investors and technology providers. The forum’s programme covers investment, infrastructure, new export corridors, gas monetisation, the development of the oil and gas chemical industry, and the reduction of methane emissions. The previous, anniversary edition of OGT brought together over 1,400 delegates from more than 70 countries.
The ‘Galkynyş’ group will represent Turkmenistan at the championship in the Netherlands
21.08.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is preparing to take part in the World Equestrian Games and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, which will be held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The national equestrian troupe ‘Galkynyş’, established in 2007, is taking part in the preparations. The troupe has repeatedly won prizes at international circus festivals in Russia, Italy, China, Monaco and other countries. As part of the preparations, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, observed the group’s training sessions and wished them every success in the upcoming competitions. Horse breeding and equestrian sports are flourishing in Turkmenistan, whilst the traditions of horse breeding and horse riding are being preserved. Modern equestrian centres operate in Ashgabat and all the velayats. Every year, on the last Sunday in April, the National Day of the Turkmen Horse is celebrated.
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