The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by a number of events relating to domestic development, international cooperation and the implementation of state programmes. This was reported by the news agency TDH.

On 20 July, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting on the digital system, during which he reviewed the progress of agricultural work. The focus was on preparations for sowing wheat, the cultivation of cotton and rice fields in the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats, sugar beet crops in the Mary velayat, as well as preparations for the autumn planting of potatoes, vegetables and melons.

Issues relating to adherence to construction deadlines for facilities scheduled for commissioning in the velayats as part of socio-economic programmes were also discussed.

On the same day, the Head of State received the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang, who presented her credentials to the Head of State. The parties noted the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN, including collaboration in the fields of sustainable development, the strengthening of peace and security, preventive diplomacy, energy, transport and environmental protection.

The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the continued implementation of programmes under the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2026–2030. The UN Resident Coordinator expressed her readiness to facilitate the further development of the partnership.

On 24 July, Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a Cabinet of Ministers meeting via the digital platform. Participants discussed issues relating to the improvement of legislation, preparations for the Turkmenistan Investment Forum in Ashgabat, cooperation with foreign companies in the fields of subsoil use, seasonal agricultural work, energy supply and the construction of railway infrastructure.

It was also announced at the meeting that, from 1 August, school supplies would go on sale in cities and districts across the country ahead of the new academic year. In addition, a programme of events for August was approved, dedicated to the 2026 motto and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence.

As part of efforts to promote sport, joint training camps are planned in Ashgabat for cyclists from the Turkmenistan national team and the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club.

Particular attention was paid to the preparation of Turkmenistan’s priority positions for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The document includes initiatives to strengthen peace and security, develop preventive diplomacy, sustainable transport, energy, the climate agenda and international cooperation.

Turkmenistan intends to propose that the years 2027–2037 be declared the Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, to establish a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States within the UN, and to hold consultations on the Strategy for Universal Peace.

In addition, the country will put forward initiatives to establish an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation, launch the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, and develop an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy.

There are also plans to continue work on supporting the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, developing the Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034, and establishing new transport links across the Caspian Sea.

Other areas of focus include the development of the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue, support for youth initiatives, the organisation of an international forum in connection with the proposal to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, and Turkmenistan’s participation in the work of the UN Economic and Social Council for the period 2026–2028.

On 24 July, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

During the conversation, the high level of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and the prospects for its further expansion were highlighted. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed exploring joint projects, including the creation of an ‘Industrial and Technological Belt’, a transport and logistics centre on the border between the two countries, and a ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ High Council.

At a meeting of Turkmenistan’s National Commission for UNESCO, issues relating to further cooperation with the organisation were discussed. Materials have been submitted to UNESCO for the inclusion of three elements of national heritage on international and regional lists.

In particular, it was proposed to include, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the traditions of folk medicine associated with endemic medicinal plants, and the art of making and wearing the ‘tahya’. Manuscripts devoted to the life and philosophy of Ibrahim Edhem have been nominated for the ‘Memory of the World’ programme.

A meeting was also held of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Participants reviewed the work carried out during the first half of 2026 and set out further tasks.

Admissions to the country’s higher and secondary vocational education institutions are currently underway. In 2026, more than 18,000 people will enrol as first-year students at universities. Compared with last year, the number of places has increased by 1,239 due to the introduction of new study programmes.

Representatives of Turkmenistan were also awarded commemorative medals for their participation in the ‘A New Cultural Journey Along the Silk Road Through Arirang’ song and music festival, held as part of the International Days of Friendship in the Republic of Korea.

The week’s key events reflect Turkmenistan’s ongoing efforts to develop international cooperation, strengthen diplomatic ties and implement national development programmes.