Turkmenistan took part in the C5+1 SI Conference, dedicated to the development of artificial intelligence and digital cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the United States. The forum took place on 29–30 September in Astana, according to Turkmenportal.

Representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the United States are taking part in the conference. On the first day, discussions focused on national strategies in the field of AI, digital infrastructure, cyber security and the application of technology across various sectors.

On 30 September, participants examined issues relating to workforce development for the digital economy, the growth of AI start-ups, venture capital investment and collaboration between universities and research centres. The agenda also included cross-border data exchange and digital trade.

A separate session organised by the Silkroad Innovation Hub and MIT is dedicated to Central Asia’s readiness for the implementation of AI. The conference was concluded with a discussion of priorities and future areas of cooperation between the countries of the region and the US in the field of artificial intelligence and new technologies.

The areas of technological cooperation are set out in the Declaration of Intent between the ‘C5+1’ countries on economic cooperation. The document provides for support for IT start-ups, the development of cooperation in AI research and education, as well as digital infrastructure, data centres and cyber security.

The ‘C5+1’ format has been in operation since 2015 and brings together Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the US. The platform is used to discuss issues relating to the economy, security and regional cooperation.