On the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), taking place in Antalya, a meeting was held between representatives of Turkmenistan and Wei Huang, Director of the Planning, Information and Knowledge Management Division of the IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Energy. Turkmenistan’s Minister of Education, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, took part in the negotiations, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of education, science and the training of specialists for the peaceful use of nuclear and radiation technologies. Among the areas where these technologies could be utilised were healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection and water resource management.

The Turkmen side provided information on the modernisation of medical infrastructure, the implementation of scientific developments and the training of national personnel. One example cited was the International Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre, with a capacity of 500 beds, which opened in Ashgabat in October 2026. The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment.

It was also noted that the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan is training specialists in the fields of radiological diagnostics, radiotherapy and oncology. The university runs training programmes for clinical residents and continuing professional development for practising doctors.

The participants paid particular attention to Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the IAEA, of which the country has been a member since 2016. The significance of the ‘Atoms for LLDCs’ initiative, put forward by Turkmenistan in 2026, was highlighted. It aims to expand access for landlocked developing countries to the achievements of peaceful nuclear science.

A representative of the IAEA spoke about the Agency’s capabilities in training specialists, implementing educational programmes, organising international placements and exchanging scientific expertise.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing cooperation in the fields of education and science, as well as in enhancing the professional skills of Turkmen specialists.