Education
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan gave a lecture at the University of Leuven
20.03.2026A lecture entitled ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ was held at the University of Leuven in Belgium, featuring Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, blogger and polyglot Yuji Beleza, and Central Asia researcher Derya Soysal. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan spoke about the country’s development since gaining independence in 1991, emphasising its commitment to neutrality, equality and mutual respect in international relations. He noted the importance of national identity and the Turkmen language as the foundation of cultural unity and the preservation of historical memory. The motto and theme of the lecture symbolise the country’s strength and determination through the image of the Ahal-Teke horse. The students watched a video presentation on Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, natural resources and achievements. Yuji Beleza shared his experience of language learning and the importance of intercultural communication, whilst Derya Soysal highlighted Central Asia’s growing role on the world stage and the importance of academic dialogue. The lecture took an interactive form with a lively discussion, after which participants sampled traditional Turkmen dishes. The event was noted as a platform for exchanging ideas, fostering an interest in culture and forging future links between Turkmenistan and European youth.
The IIR MFA of Turkmenistan hosted a lecture by a professor from the University of Oxford
19.03.2026On 14 March, a lecture was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan with Professor Antonios Tzanakopoulos of the Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford. The event was attended by lecturers and students from the university, according to the online news site TerraNews. During the lecture, the professor spoke about current developments in international law, discussed methods of peaceful settlement of international disputes and the role of international courts in maintaining global stability. Students asked questions about international humanitarian law and the specifics of studying at the University of Oxford’s Faculty of Law. Following the visit, Tzanakopoulos emphasised the importance of academic exchanges between universities for the development of cooperation and the training of specialists of international calibre.
A Turkmen university held an online Olympiad in the discipline of ‘Strength of Materials’
19.03.2026On 18 March, the 5th Open International Online Olympiad in the subject of ‘Strength of Materials’ was held online at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction for students from universities in Turkmenistan and other countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The competition was attended by 877 students from a number of countries, including the USA, Australia, Germany, China, Russia, Turkey and Central Asian nations, as well as specialist universities in Turkmenistan. The competition consisted of a single round: participants solved six problems in 120 minutes, with their work assessed by lecturers from foreign universities. According to the organisers, such events contribute to the development of international educational cooperation, the exchange of experience and the identification of gifted students.
A teacher from Lebap has won an international teaching competition
18.03.2026Aynur Baltayeva, a mathematics and computer science teacher at Specialised Secondary School No. 19 in the Danew etrap of the Lebap velayat, won first prize at the ‘Golden Formula’ international competition, which took place in Berlin in February. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The competition is organised by the French company EURO MEDIA STAR GROUP and brings together teachers from different countries every year. The competition is held in four categories: ‘Educational Project’, ‘Teaching Guide’, ‘Model Lesson’ and ‘Research Paper’. A. Baltayeva submitted her work in the ‘Teaching Guide’ category on the topic ‘Game-based technologies in web programming lessons: interactive learning based on chess strategy’ and took first place.
Universities in Turkmenistan and the UK are expanding their academic cooperation
16.03.2026As part of a working visit, a delegation from the International University for the Humanities and Development held a meeting with the leadership of the University of Westminster, where they discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The university rectors, Professors Andrew Lynn and Dibyesh Anand, took part in the negotiations. Professor Andrew Lynn presented the university’s research and educational activities and noted that he had previously visited Ashgabat on numerous occasions to participate in academic conferences and educational programmes. In particular, he highlighted cooperation with universities in the region as part of the British Council’s ‘Accelerating English Language Learning in Central Asia’ programme. The visit also included a hybrid meeting with professors and lecturers from the University of Westminster on the ‘Academic English’ course, during which the parties exchanged experiences on the application of modern English language teaching methods. In addition, an international conference marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence was held in the university’s conference hall. The event was attended by the management, lecturers, research staff and students of the University of Westminster, as well as a delegation from the International University for the Humanities and Development. The university’s rector, M. Kuliyeva, gave a presentation on Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and diplomacy, based on the principles of permanent neutrality. A. Chariyev, a lecturer in the Department of International Relations, spoke about the country’s historical development, its modern achievements and international cooperation in the field of education. G. Seyilbayeva, a senior lecturer at the Department of Management, presented information on the development of foreign language teaching and the university’s educational activities. Conference participants noted the significance of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, aimed at strengthening Peace and Trust and international cooperation, and also gave a positive assessment of the reforms being carried out in the country’s education system.
A delegation from a Turkmen university met with the leadership of the University of Westminster
16.03.2026During a working visit, a delegation from the International University for the Humanities and Development held a meeting with the Vice-Chancellors of the University of Westminster, Andrew Linn and Dibyesh Anand, to discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Representatives of the university spoke about their academic and international activities, their experience working in Central Asia and their participation in educational programmes. The Turkmen delegation presented the achievements of their university and noted the productivity of the meetings with the research centres of the University of Westminster. The parties discussed the possibility of implementing exchange programmes, summer and online courses, as well as developing joint educational programmes in the ‘2+2’ and ‘1+1’ formats. Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to further explore cooperation through diplomatic channels. A hybrid meeting was also held with lecturers from the University of Westminster on the ‘Academic English’ course, during which they shared their experience of applying modern language teaching methods. As part of the visit, an international conference was held to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, attended by the leadership, lecturers and students of the University of Westminster and a delegation from the International University for the Humanities and Development. The Rector of the Turkmen university, M. Kuliyeva, presented a report on Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and diplomacy, based on the principle of permanent neutrality. University lecturers also delivered presentations on the country’s history and achievements, international cooperation in the field of education, and the development of foreign language teaching. Conference participants noted the peaceful nature of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, its international initiatives and the reforms being implemented in the education system.
A delegation from a Turkmen university visited the University of Westminster
14.03.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, including representatives from the International University for the Humanities and Development, visited the University of Westminster’s campus in London on Regent Street and Marylebone Street. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Representatives of the University of Westminster — Joseph Coote-Cowling, Anastasia Bezborodova and others — conducted tours of the teaching buildings, laboratories, libraries, research centres and sports facilities. The Turkmen delegation met with Professors Nitasha Kaul and Karen Jackson, who spoke about the work of the Centre for the Study of Democracy and the Forum for the Study of the Silk Road and Uzbekistan, and expressed their willingness to organise joint seminars, online courses and programmes for students, including study visits to international organisations and companies. The parties discussed options for bilateral cooperation and agreed to continue these discussions through diplomatic channels.
The Language Institute of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting with a US diplomat
14.03.2026An educational meeting was held at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, attended by Aleksey Sanchez, Political Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The event was attended by students and lecturers from the Faculty of European Languages and Literature. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the US diplomatic mission also joined the discussion. The main topic of the meeting was Aleksey Sanchez’s presentation on the influence of Spanish cultural heritage on the formation of modern US culture. He spoke about the tradition of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States and the role of the Spanish language in the country’s literature, art and public life. Separately, the Diplomat presented an overview of the cultural and historical characteristics of South American countries, focusing on the diversity of regional dialects of the Spanish language. A discussion took place during the meeting. Students asked questions about the literary norms of the Spanish language and its linguistic features in different countries.
Austrian expert gave a lecture to future diplomats in Ashgabat
13.03.2026Martin Sajdik, representative of the Austrian Institute for European Diplomacy and Security Policy, paid a working visit to Ashgabat. The main purpose of the trip was to prepare a cooperation agreement between this organisation and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During his visit, the Diplomat visited the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Carpet Museum, the ‘Köne Nusaý’ Historical and Cultural Centre, and the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Sports Complex. The central event of the programme was a meeting with teachers and students of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Rector of the university, Gulshat Yusupova, gave an introductory speech about the purpose of the guest's visit. The meeting took the form of a lecture followed by a question-and-answer session in English. Martin Sajdik also met with staff from the Institute's Scientific Centre for Strategic Studies. The meeting was attended by the Head of the centre, Ambassador Shiri Shiriyev, as well as specialists B. Amansaryev and O. Annabayev. The parties discussed current issues of international and regional politics. During the conversation, the Diplomat noted that qualities such as objectivity, impartiality, empathy and patience are important for work in the field of international conflict resolution. Following the meetings, the parties expressed interest in developing cooperation between the Austrian Institute for European Diplomacy and Security Policy and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
Turkmen students are studying in Italy under the ‘Erasmus+’ programme
12.03.2026The International University for the Humanities and Development (IUHD) is expanding its participation in the international educational space. As part of the ‘Erasmus+’ programme, students Yhlas Komekov and Soltanmyrat Tairov have been sent to Italy for five months of study at the G. D'Annunzio University of Chieti–Pescara. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. This exchange is the first collaboration between IUHD and an Italian university, opening up new opportunities for educational and cultural exchange. Students study their specialities, improve their foreign language skills, gain practical experience in international politics and diplomacy, and represent the Turkmenistan education system on the international stage. The programme helps to establish scientific and cultural ties with students from different countries.
IIR MFA launches second training course for young diplomats from Central Asia
10.03.2026The opening ceremony of the second regional training course for young diplomats from Central Asian countries was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat. This was reported by the IIC. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, diplomats from missions accredited in the country, participants from regional states, teachers and students of the institute. The event is aimed at strengthening cooperation between young specialists from the region's foreign ministries. The training serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and developing joint approaches to current issues in Central Asia. It was noted that such meetings are shaping a new generation of diplomats focused on constructive dialogue.
Turkmenistan represented at the ‘AELLCA’ international summit in Tashkent
07.03.2026Teachers from Turkmen universities are participating in the British Council Partnership Summit in Tashkent, which is being held from 4 to 8 March as part of the ‘AELLCA’ educational project to improve the quality of English language teaching in Central Asia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmenistan is represented at the forum by staff from the International University for the Humanities and Development and the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. The summit programme includes modern methods of teaching English, tools for professional development and mechanisms for inter-university cooperation. Participants are holding seminars and exchanging experiences, and there are plans to launch joint language projects. The participation of Turkmen specialists paves the way for the introduction of international approaches into the national education system and contributes to the acceleration of the integration of educational systems in the region.
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