Turkmenistan is set to begin developing a conceptual project for a ‘smart society’. This was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, according to the news agency TDH.

On 2 September, a public lecture was held at the ‘Ruhyýet’ Palace in Arkadag to mark Knowledge and Student Youth Day, as well as the start of the new academic year. The event was attended by representatives of civil society organisations, young professionals, university rectors and lecturers, students, school students and media representatives.

According to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the concept of a ‘smart society’ must encompass key areas of activity. It is proposed that young people, including students, be involved in its development to contribute new ideas and innovative proposals.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the development of new technologies and artificial intelligence is shaping contemporary trends. Hero Arkadag identified the country’s entry into the ranks of industrially developed nations as one of Turkmenistan’s main objectives.

Turkmenistan will also continue its international cooperation in the fields of education and innovation. Furthermore, it has been proposed to establish the legal and organisational framework for the creation of international scientific and educational youth clusters. These are intended to serve as a platform for the joint implementation of projects by Turkmen and international young people.