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A delegation from Turkmenistan is attending the UN Forum on Sustainable Development
14.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy, is taking part in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The forum, which is taking place from 7 to 15 July, is dedicated to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions are centred on issues relating to water resources, clean energy, innovation, sustainable urban development and international partnership. At the ministerial meeting, senior UN officials emphasised the need to strengthen international cooperation, reform the global financial system and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Turkmenistan’s participation in the forum forms part of the preparations for the submission of the country’s third Voluntary National Review, scheduled for 2027.
Turkmenistan and Indonesia: a new phase in the development of their bilateral partnership
14.07.2026On 13 July, Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, arrived in Indonesia on a working visit, where he held negotiations with Muhammad Anis Matta, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Indonesia. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The diplomats discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda and emphasised the importance of regular political consultations for strengthening inter-state dialogue. The parties paid particular attention to close cooperation within the framework of the UN and the prospects for Turkmenistan’s partnership with ASEAN. In particular, they noted the significance of the initiative to establish a new ‘Central Asia + ASEAN’ dialogue format to strengthen inter-regional ties. The meeting also explored opportunities to expand trade and economic relations, boost investment and implement joint projects. Furthermore, the diplomats agreed to develop cultural and humanitarian ties by facilitating direct contacts between universities and research organisations in both countries.
Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in the field of the environment and climate
14.07.2026Turkmenistan continues to participate in international efforts to ensure environmental security, combat climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The environmental and climate agenda is one of the country’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, according to the news agency TDH. Climate change issues affect not only the environment, but also the economy, the social sphere and the quality of life of the population. In this regard, Turkmenistan is implementing national programmes and developing cooperation with the UN, UNDP, UNEP, FAO and other international organisations. On the international stage, Turkmenistan has put forward a number of initiatives, including the establishment of a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies, a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia, and the development of a UN environmental strategy for the region. The proposals also include a special UN programme for the Aral Sea basin. The country pays particular attention to environmental issues in the Caspian region. Turkmenistan’s Caspian Environmental Initiative is aimed at developing international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the conservation of the Caspian Sea’s biological resources. As part of this initiative, it has been proposed to hold the Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026. Environmental issues were also discussed at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone in August 2025. Issues of sustainable development were reflected in the Awaza Political Declaration and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034. Turkmenistan is a party to international climate agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. In 2023, the country joined the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) and adopted a Roadmap for 2025–2026 to reduce methane emissions. The country is improving its legislative framework in the environmental sector. The National Climate Change Strategy is being implemented, and the National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Energy up to 2030 and the Law ‘On Renewable Energy Sources’ have been adopted. The National Forest Programme of Turkmenistan for 2026–2030 and the Action Plan for its implementation have also been approved. As part of the UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge, Turkmenistan is carrying out large-scale greening projects. As a result of annual tree-planting campaigns, new green spaces, parks and woodlands are being created across the country. Environmental principles are also taken into account in the development of urban infrastructure. One example is the city of Arkadag, where digital and ‘green’ technologies are being applied. The project has received a number of international certificates in the field of sustainable construction and environmental safety. Turkmenistan also participates in international climate events. At the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB64) in Bonn, the country’s position on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, introducing environmentally friendly technologies and developing renewable energy was reaffirmed. One of the key areas of sustainable development is the transition to a circular economy. Turkmenistan advocates the introduction of ‘green’ technologies, resource recycling, waste reduction and the development of innovative production models. At the World Governments Summit in Dubai in 2024, the country presented an initiative to establish a Global Framework Programme for the Transition to a Circular Economy. Considerable attention is paid to water resources. Turkmenistan promotes water diplomacy and advocates the rational use of transboundary waters in accordance with international law. One of the country’s initiatives was a proposal to establish a Regional Council on Water Use in Central Asian Countries under the auspices of the UN. Environmental and climatic factors are also taken into account in the development of agriculture. Resource-saving technologies are being introduced across the country, land-use methods are being improved, and plant breeding and the digitalisation of the agro-industrial complex are being developed. Cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and other international partners in the field of adapting agriculture to climate change remains a key priority. Turkmenistan also advocates the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies for Central Asia, which is planned to be based in Ashgabat.
A meeting with a representative from Libya took place at the IIR MFA
14.07.2026Gulshat Yusupova, Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Mahmud A.M.Hasan, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Libya in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting on 13 July, the parties discussed the development of academic and humanitarian cooperation, including the organisation of specialised courses, the expansion of inter-university exchanges of experience, and promising areas for collaboration. A tour of the Institute of International Relations was also organised for the diplomat. He visited the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy and the UNESCO ‘Culture of Peace’ Club, where he viewed historical exhibits, archival materials and student projects.
A student from Turkmenistan took part in the OSCE Summer School of Journalism
14.07.2026Yusup Orazov, a first-year student at the Faculty of International Journalism of the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, took part in the OSCE Summer School of Journalism 2026, which took place from 28 June to 12 July in the Republic of Tajikistan, according to the press office of the Turkmen university. The educational project was organised by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan, for young media professionals and aspiring journalists from Central Asian countries. During the programme, participants studied modern approaches to media work, standards of professional ethics, issues of media literacy and methods of countering disinformation. The practical component included a visit to the state television channel ‘Safina’, where students learnt about the processes involved in producing television programmes, studio operations and the creation of news bulletins. Twenty students and young professionals from leading universities in Central Asia took part in the media intensive, including representatives from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the University of Central Asia (UCA), New York University Shanghai (NYU Shanghai), Ala-Too International University and the Uzbekistan State World Languages University (UzSWLU). Upon completion of the course, Yusup Orazov was awarded an international certificate. The organisers highlighted the importance of the project for the professional development of young professionals and expressed their intention to continue running the programme in the future.
The President of Turkmenistan has congratulated France on its national holiday
14.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and the people of France on their national holiday — Bastille Day. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his message of congratulations, the Turkmen Head of State wished President Emmanuel Macron good health and happiness, and the people of France peace and prosperity.
A delegation from the Uzbek Foreign Affairs Ministry has arrived in Ashgabat
14.07.2026A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, has arrived in Ashgabat. The main purpose of the visit is to hold political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries as part of efforts to strengthen their strategic partnership, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. On the first day of the programme, the delegation visited historical and cultural sites in Turkmenistan. Representatives of the Uzbek Foreign Affairs Ministry laid flowers at the Monument to Independence in Turkmenistan and visited the ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’ cultural and park complex, where they paid tribute to the memory of the great Uzbek poet and thinker Alisher Navoi. The guests also visited the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan, where they viewed archaeological finds and ethnographic exhibits. The cultural programme concluded with a visit to the Ashgabat Equestrian Sports Complex, where a display of Ahal-Teke horses took place. On the second day of the visit, negotiations between the delegations of the two countries are scheduled to take place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Following the meetings, a number of joint documents are expected to be signed.
Educational programmes on artificial intelligence are to be launched in Turkmenistan
14.07.2026In Turkmenistan, 20 new degree programmes and fields of study will be launched at the country’s higher education institutions in the 2026–2027 academic year. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs will begin offering a bachelor’s degree in ‘Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems’. The Polytechnic Secondary Specialised Educational Institution of the Ministry of Communications will launch a degree programme in ‘Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis’. These new educational programmes are being introduced in response to the growing demand within Turkmenistan’s economy for qualified specialists in various fields.
Turkmenistan is set to increase student intake at the country’s universities
14.07.2026In 2026, higher education institutions in Turkmenistan plan to enrol over 18,000 students. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This is 1,239 more than last year, when around 17,000 applicants were admitted to higher education institutions. Plans for admissions to higher education institutions and vocational training establishments in Turkmenistan for the new academic year have already been approved. The admissions campaign will run from 13 July to 24 August. Entrance examinations for applicants will be organised directly at the relevant educational institutions.
Turkmenistan is stepping up measures to protect ecosystems and restore land
14.07.2026Turkmenistan is stepping up measures to combat desertification as part of the UN Decade of Action (2025–2034). The country is implementing its third National Forest Programme (2026–2030), under which afforestation efforts are continuing. This has been reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Since 1993, more than 160 million trees have been planted, including saxaul, which helps to stabilise the sand. Particular attention is being paid to the restoration of the Aral Sea region’s ecosystem. Protective forest belts are being created on the dried-up bed of the Aral Sea and the Botendag hills, whilst engineering methods are also being used to stabilise the sand. One of the key international initiatives will be the establishment in Ashgabat of a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification, which will coordinate cooperation among the countries of Central Asia in the areas of pasture restoration, the rational use of water resources and the exchange of environmental expertise.
The Turkmen Stock Exchange has summarised the trading results for the past week
14.07.2026Last week, 16 transactions were recorded on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Liquefied gas, textile products, cottonseed oil, cotton yarn, fabrics, denim products, cleaned cotton spinning waste, as well as boilers and ceramic sanitaryware were sold for export in exchange for foreign currency. The buyers were companies from Georgia, the UAE, Turkey and Uzbekistan. The total value of the export contracts exceeded 3.297 million US dollars. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs purchased polypropylene, wheat flour, cotton yarn, raw silk and cotton fibre. The total value of the transactions amounted to 128.216 million manats.
Turkmen teachers took part in a training programme at an international seminar in China
14.07.2026Young teachers and academics from Turkmenistan took part in the international seminar ‘Chinese Language Teaching for Central Asian Countries’, which was held in Beijing. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, participants learnt about modern methods of teaching Chinese, the HSK testing system and the use of digital technologies in education. In addition to the training sessions, a cultural programme was organised for the teachers, including visits to historical sites and lectures on Chinese traditions. Following the seminar, the Turkmen specialists acquired new professional skills, which they plan to apply in educational practice in Turkmenistan.
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