From 28 February to 2 March, Tashkent hosted the ‘Creative Central Asia 2026’ regional forum, which brought together experts from Central Asian countries and the United Kingdom. The event was dedicated to the development of creative industries as a strategic tool for urban development and human capital strengthening, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

The forum's programme covered interdisciplinary approaches and the implementation of innovations. Participants discussed the role of artificial intelligence, mechanisms for attracting investment, the formation of urban infrastructure, education, the economy of values and the skills of the future. The forum included panel discussions, a presentation of the results of the ‘City Rating’ hackathon and professional sessions for establishing business contacts.

Turkmenistan was represented at the forum by a delegation of young professionals who are actively developing the country's technological and creative environment. Among them was Vasily Andronov, founder of the ‘Jam Creative’ scientific theatre for children and winner of the twelfth ‘StartUp Academy’ business incubation programme, organised jointly with the International Technological and Scientific Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. According to him, the trip allowed him to study the experience of neighbouring countries and confirmed Turkmenistan's active participation in regional initiatives.

It is noted that in the spring of 2025, Ashgabat already hosted the International Forum ‘Creative and Innovative Economy of Turkmenistan’, which demonstrates the consistent development of the sector. Today, the creative economy in the country combines IT, design, art and architecture, creating opportunities for professional self-realisation and shaping the modern image of cities.

The ‘Creative Central Asia’ initiative, launched by the British Council in 2017, continues to serve as a key platform for dialogue, promoting the integration of Turkmen professionals into the international creative community.