On the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, met with the Rector of the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University, Uzbekistan), Professor Bakhtiyor Pulatov. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of environmental education, scientific research and the training of specialists for the ‘green’ economy, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan.

During the negotiations, they explored opportunities for developing joint educational programmes, organising academic exchanges, enhancing the professional development of teaching staff and introducing modern technologies into the teaching process. Particular attention was paid to training personnel in the fields of climate resilience, sustainable use of natural resources and ‘green’ technologies.

Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev spoke about Turkmenistan’s measures to foster an environmental culture among young people, strengthen scientific and educational capacity, and train qualified specialists. The parties also discussed the international initiatives presented by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, at the COP31 Leaders’ Summit.

These include the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, the development of a Digital Atlas of Climate Change, and the formation of a global partnership for the provision of climate technologies. The meeting participants also noted the importance of the Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia, which is scheduled to commence operations in 2027.

Separately, the minister announced that Turkmenistan would accede to the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action on 11 November 2026. The document was signed during COP31 and provides for the involvement of the younger generation in tackling climate challenges.

Bakhtiyor Pulatov outlined the main areas of activity at Green University. The university specialises in sustainable development, environmental management, the ‘green’ economy, circular technologies, climate research and the rational use of natural resources.

Promising areas for joint work identified include water resource management, combating desertification, monitoring climate change and the application of geoinformation technologies. Opportunities for conducting applied research and implementing projects involving higher education institutions from both countries were also discussed.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in expanding cooperation between scientific and educational institutions in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, exchanging expertise and training specialists for the sustainable development of Central Asia.