News
A seminar on biodiversity conservation is taking place in Ashgabat
03.09.2026On 2 September 2026, a national workshop is being held in Ashgabat as part of a joint project by the UNDP and the Global Environment Facility to update the National Strategy and Action Plans for the Conservation of Biodiversity and to prepare the Seventh National Report under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The seminar is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Over the course of two days, participants are reviewing the draft National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Turkmenistan for 2026–2035, as well as issues relating to the preparation of the national report under the Convention. The event is attended by representatives of government bodies, scientific institutions, the private sector and civil society. Discussions centre on biodiversity conservation, the rational use of natural resources and sustainable development. Drafts of Turkmenistan’s Seventh National Report and specialised reports under the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols have also been presented. The seminar aims to strengthen Turkmenistan’s international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the fulfilment of its international obligations regarding the conservation of biodiversity.
An international Pearson Certiport certification centre has been established in Turkmenistan
03.09.2026On 1 September 2026, in Ashgabat, as part of the opening ceremony for the new building of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, a certificate was presented marking the establishment of the Pearson Certiport International Certification Centre in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The establishment of the centre is a tangible outcome of the development of Turkmen-British cooperation in the field of education. Negotiations with Pearson began in May 2025 at the ‘Education World Forum’ in London. In February 2026, during a working visit by a Turkmenistan government delegation to the UK, four documents on cooperation in the field of education were signed. These included a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and Pearson in the field of skills development, certification and qualifications. The Pearson Certiport Centre will administer international certification examinations from leading companies and organisations, including Microsoft, Adobe, Autodesk, Cisco, Apple, Intuit, Unity and the Project Management Institute. The centre’s operations will enable students, teachers and professionals to obtain international certificates directly in Turkmenistan. Certification validates professional skills and broadens opportunities to participate in international projects and enter the global labour market. The establishment of the centre is aimed at further integrating Turkmenistan’s education system into the international educational landscape and introducing modern tools for assessing professional skills.
The resolution on the CIS Year of Social Development is to be presented in Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A meeting of the Working Group of the Advisory Council on Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Population of the CIS Member States took place in Minsk. Chaired by the Kyrgyz Republic, experts discussed proposals for the draft Action Plan for the preparation and implementation of the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life in 2028, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Delegations from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took part in the discussion, as well as representatives of the CIS Executive Committee, the Interparliamentary Assembly, the Interstate Statistical Committee, trade unions and veterans’ organisations. Following consideration of the comments, the necessary additions and clarifications were made to the draft document. Coordination of the Plan will continue with the involvement of the Commonwealth’s grassroots organisations and civil society bodies. The next round of negotiations will take place in September, chaired by the Belarusian side. The final draft Resolution on declaring 2028 the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life is scheduled to be submitted for consideration by the Council of Heads of State of the CIS on 9 October in Turkmenistan. The initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic is designed to strengthen the socio-demographic potential of the region’s countries, boost employment and improve citizens’ quality of life.
‘World Magazine’ has dedicated a special issue to Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A special issue of the international travel magazine ‘World Magazine’ is entirely devoted to Turkmenistan. Issue 18 of the official publication of the World Tourism Forum Institute comprises 60 pages featuring articles on the country’s cultural heritage, its economy, tourism opportunities and Turkmenistan’s role as a transit transport hub in Eurasia, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The issue is entitled ‘Turkmenistan 2026: Independent Neutral Turkmenistan, the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and marks the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The cover features a photograph of an Ahal-Teke racehorse. The articles in this issue cover Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality, its role in the Caspian Sea, the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, the country’s economic development and its tourism potential. Particular attention is paid to Ahal-Teke horses, the Turkmen Alabay, the literary legacy of Magtymguly Pyragy, and historical and cultural monuments. The magazine also features Ashgabat, the Darwaza gas crater, the Yangykala Canyon and the ‘Awaza’ national tourist zone on the Caspian coast, whilst exploring the country’s tourism and investment opportunities. ‘World Magazine’ is the official publication of the World Tourism Forum Institute; it is not available for sale and is distributed for informational purposes, covering current issues in the development of global tourism, industry trends and investment.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador held a meeting with the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Saudi Arabia
02.09.2026On 31 August 2026, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, met with Dr Raed bin Khaled Qarmali, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Public Diplomacy. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the further strengthening of political, cultural, scientific, educational and humanitarian ties. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan was briefed on the implementation of the ‘Vision 2030’ programme, aimed at developing the country’s economic and social sectors. Particular attention was paid to cooperation between higher education institutions. M. Ayazov proposed expanding cooperation, including through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and other documents. The importance of exchanging experience, training students and organising joint scientific conferences and exhibitions was also highlighted.
The IIR of the MFA of Turkmenistan celebrated the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth
02.09.2026On 1 September 2026, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a festive musical celebration entitled ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, dedicated to Knowledge and Student Youth Day, as well as the start of the 2026–2027 academic year. This was reported by the press office of the university. The event was attended by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the Foreign Affairs Minister R. Meredov, the institute’s academic staff, students and representatives of the country’s diplomatic service. Following the performance of the National Anthem of Turkmenistan, R. Meredov read out a message of congratulations from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of Knowledge and Student Youth Day. The message highlighted the importance of science and education in the country’s development, as well as the need to nurture an educated and patriotic youth proficient in modern technologies. The younger generation was called upon to contribute to strengthening the country’s scientific and educational potential. Congratulatory speeches were delivered by G. Yusupova, Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Chary Niyazov, Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy at the Institute, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan and Candidate of Technical Sciences. The first-year students presented a literary and musical performance. They were presented with their student ID cards and a symbolic key to knowledge. After the first bell rang, the students began their first lesson of the new academic year on the topic ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The participants discussed the country’s achievements since independence, the principles of neutrality and the challenges facing the younger generation.
Turkmenistan and Georgia discussed new projects in education and science
02.09.2026On 1 September 2026, a meeting took place at the building of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan between Batyr Mammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, and Givi Mikanadze, Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the fields of education, science and youth policy. In particular, they discussed direct links between educational and scientific institutions, academic mobility, joint programmes, and exchanges of lecturers and students. During the meeting, the Turkmen side presented the reforms currently being implemented in the field of education, including the introduction of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the development of scientific research, and the strengthening of links between education, industry and the labour market. The Georgian side proposed expanding study opportunities for Turkmen students at Georgian universities, holding an education fair in Turkmenistan involving Georgian universities, supporting joint research projects and exploring the possibility of opening a branch of one of Georgia’s higher education institutions in Turkmenistan. Discussions also covered joint summer camps, student exchanges, meetings of young researchers, and joint educational, scientific and innovation projects. Particular attention was paid to the establishment of a Turkmen-Georgian Working Group on cooperation in the field of education. It will operate at the level of the two countries’ deputy ministers of education and coordinate the implementation of joint initiatives. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to expand cooperation in the fields of education, science and youth policy and to implement specific joint projects.
An international school for pre-school children has opened in Ashgabat
02.09.2026On 1 September, the ‘Jahan Bilimli Çagalar Dünýäsi’ international preparatory school for children aged 4 to 6 was officially opened in Ashgabat. The school’s educational programme is based on modern international standards, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The ceremony was attended by the school’s headteacher, M. Kakabayeva, and Steve King, Head of the ‘Partnership in Education’ division (covering Europe, Central Asia and the Americas) at the University of Cambridge’s Press & Assessment organisation. One of the school’s key focuses is teaching in English. Lessons are delivered by native-speaking teachers with international experience, working in accordance with the Early Education Pathway standards. The programme includes play-based and practical activities, as well as creative and research projects. It is designed to develop children’s independence, critical thinking and creative abilities, whilst taking into account the national traditions of Turkmenistan.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games
02.09.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, which took place on 31 August at the ‘Bishkek Arena’ stadium in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The event is being attended by 2,355 athletes, coaches and officials from 106 countries, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The ceremony was attended by the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, and high-ranking foreign guests, including leaders of a number of member states and partner countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The 6th World Nomad Games are taking place from 31 August to 6 September. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held in Bishkek, whilst the main competitions will take place on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. The programme includes more than 40 traditional and national sports, including Turkmen national wrestling.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Vietnam on Independence Day
02.09.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent his congratulations to the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, To Lam, on the occasion of the national holiday — Independence Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Head of State wished the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of Vietnam peace, progress and prosperity.
The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the role of education in the country’s development
02.09.2026On 1 September, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the opening ceremony for the new building complexes of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The Head of State congratulated his compatriots, professors, lecturers and students on Knowledge Day and on Student Youth Day, as well as on the opening of the new educational complexes. In his address, the President of Turkmenistan noted that the development of science and education is one of the priorities of state policy. Measures are being implemented in the country to modernise the education system, strengthen its material and technical base, introduce scientific advances, train highly qualified specialists and expand international cooperation. On 1 September, new complexes of higher education institutions were opened in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat. According to the Head of State, modern general education and pre-school institutions are simultaneously being commissioned in the country’s regions. First-year schoolchildren are being presented with ‘Bilimli’ computers. The new complex of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction has a capacity of 5,000 students. It comprises a 13-storey main building, eight faculties, 28 departments, a library, a conference hall, a hall of residence with 2,600 places, and two residential blocks, each with 40 flats for teaching staff. The complex of the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute in Turkmenabat also has a capacity of 5,000 places. It comprises a five-storey main building, eight faculties, 22 departments, a conference hall, a library, a hall of residence with 2,000 places, as well as facilities for sporting and cultural events. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that the new campuses will help train qualified specialists for the construction, industrial and educational sectors. Concluding his speech, the Head of State congratulated the students on the start of the new academic year and wished them every success in their studies, and the teaching staff every success in their work.
Modern campus complexes at two universities have opened in Turkmenistan
02.09.2026On 1 September, in the presence of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the new building complexes of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute were officially opened. The Head of State took part in the opening ceremony of the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute complex via a digital system. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The new complexes were commissioned on Knowledge and Student Youth Day. Their construction formed part of measures to develop the education system and strengthen its material and technical base. The complex of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction in Ashgabat is designed to accommodate 5,000 students. It comprises a 13-storey main building, eight faculties, 28 departments, a library, a conference hall, a hall of residence with 2,600 beds and residential blocks for teaching staff. The total area of the complex is 32.2 hectares. The complex of the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute in Turkmenabat is also designed to accommodate 5,000 students. It comprises a main building and teaching blocks, eight faculties, 22 departments, an assembly hall, a library, a canteen with seating for 1,000 people, six halls of residence with 2,000 places, sports facilities and other amenities. The complex covers an area of approximately 26 hectares. During the ceremony, the President of Turkmenistan noted that the development of the scientific and educational sectors and the training of qualified specialists remain priority areas of state policy. The Head of State familiarised himself with the learning and working conditions provided at the universities. At the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, the President of Turkmenistan visited the laboratories of architecture and earthquake-resistant construction, electromechanics and general chemical technology, where he was shown modern equipment for research and the practical training of students. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also signed the guest book at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute. In addition, a ceremony was held to present international certificates to the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seyitnazar Seydi. The Institute of Architecture and Construction received certificates of compliance with five international ISO standards, as well as UNDP certificates in the fields of energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable development. Furthermore, the university was awarded a ‘Certiport Authorised Testing Centre’ certificate confirming the establishment of an international examination centre. The Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute was presented with certificates from the Naberezhnye Chelny State Pedagogical University of the Russian Federation, the ‘Contribution to the Future’ Charitable Foundation, the United Nations Children’s Fund, as well as a letter of appreciation from the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education and a certificate of membership in the UNESCO International Association of Universities. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, both universities were presented with car keys. Festive sadaqah ceremonies were held to mark the commissioning of the new complexes.
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