At the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (IIR MFA), a seminar was held by the Department of World Languages to mark World Arabic Language Day (18 December) and the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare an International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy. This was reported by the press service of the IIR MFA of Turkmenistan. The purpose of the event was to support multilingualism and develop dialogue between cultures within the framework of UN resolutions. The seminar was conducted by Arabic language teacher Dovrangeldi Atanazarov, who spoke about the structure of the Arabic language, Arabic-speaking countries and its role in international relations. Students who had visited Arab countries on study trips gave presentations on the culture, history and political system of those countries, including Myahriban Mammedova and Gulchemen Parahadova on Saudi Arabia. The event ended with a question-and-answer session. Participants noted the importance of such seminars for learning foreign languages and expressed their gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the opportunities for world-class education.
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan donated 190 books and educational materials to the International University for the Humanities and Development. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin. Students demonstrated their knowledge of Chinese by reading poems, and a video about China was also shown. The Ambassador answered questions about exchange programmes and opportunities for master's and doctoral studies in China. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to further develop cooperation in the field of education.
Gadyr Orazberdiyev, a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Ecology of the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan, demonstrated high results at international competitions, confirming the competitiveness of Turkmen student youth. This was reported by IIC. In the 2025–2026 academic year, he took part in the international competition ‘Leader of the 21st Century’, organised by the Innovative Research Centre ‘Bilim-orkenieti’. Based on the results of the assessment of academic achievements and leadership skills, Gadyr Orazberdiyev became the winner, receiving a first-degree diploma, an honorary badge and a cup. His potential was further confirmed by his participation in the international competition ‘Best Student of the CIS’, held by the ‘Bilim-orkenieti’ National Innovative Research Centre in conjunction with the ‘Žana Kazakhstan’ Republican Innovative Centre. The student was awarded a first-class diploma for his active public stance and contribution to the development of youth policy. As part of his achievements, the work of his academic supervisor, Dovletmyrat Porrykov, was also recognised, and he was presented with a letter of appreciation for his high level of mentorship and training of the winner of international intellectual competitions.
Rovach Annaseyidov, a fourth-year student at the International University for the Humanities and Development, won an international competition in Astana. He received diplomas for ‘Best Student of the CIS’ and ‘Leader of the 21st Century’, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The competition was organized by the ‘Bilim-orkenieti’ National Innovative Research Centre and the ‘Žana Kazakhstan’ Republican Innovative Centre. Students from CIS countries participated in the competition with projects in the fields of science, art and social initiatives. R. Annaseyidov was also awarded commemorative medals and cups, and information about the winners will be included in the international compilations ‘Best Student of the CIS’ and ‘Leader of the 21st Century’.
Yuki Tokunaga, a specialist from Tokyo University in Japan and founder of the ‘Culpedia’ portal, gave a lecture on ‘Japanese Culture from the Perspective of Traditional Crafts’ to students and teachers at the Turkmen State Institute of Culture. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The specialist is known for his research and projects on the preservation of traditional crafts and intangible cultural heritage, as well as his lectures on cultural exchange and strengthening international friendship. His presentations on the revival of disappearing crafts are of particular interest to young people. Following the lecture, the expert noted the high level of interest among Turkmen students in world culture. He also attended a performance by the ‘Miras’ folk-dance ensemble, familiarised himself with the practical classes of the Department of Restoration and Museum Studies, and showed interest in the exhibition of national artefacts.
Mukam Saryev, a student at the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute, won the ‘New Science Award 2025’ International competition, which was held in the Russian Federation. This was reported by the IIC. The fourth-year ‘Biology’ speciality student was awarded a first-degree diploma for his research work, which was highly praised by the expert jury. Students and young researchers from various countries took part in the competition, presenting their developments in the field of natural sciences. As a result of the competition, the Turkmen student's research was included in a collection of the winners' works and placed in the official archive of the ‘New Science Award’, confirming its scientific and practical significance. Mukam Saryev's achievement reflects the high level of training of specialists at the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute, as well as contributing to the development of international scientific cooperation and strengthening the position of Turkmen science and education system in the international arena.
The Turkmen Agricultural Institute hosted the Second International Scientific and Practical Online Conference ‘The Role of Biotechnology in the Sustainable Development of the Agricultural Sector.’ This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age.’ The forum was attended by representatives of 88 universities and research centres from 14 countries, including Turkmenistan, Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, India and Pakistan. The plenary session was opened by the rector of the Turkmen Agricultural Institute, D. Yolov. Foreign experts then gave presentations via video link on the application of biotechnology in the agricultural sector. The conference continued in three sections: ‘Genetics and Innovation in Agrobiotechnology’, ‘Bioresources, Bioremediation and Sustainability’, and ‘Education and Capacity Building in the Agro-Industrial Complex.’ A total of 260 reports were presented. The best presentations were reviewed at the final meeting. The event included an exhibition of scientific developments and projects in the agro-industrial complex. Following the conference, participants noted the practical focus of the discussions and the importance of such meetings for the development of agricultural science and inter-university cooperation.
From 17 to 21 December, a delegation from Magtymguly Turkmen State University visited the French city of Saint-Paul-lès-Durance. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The group included A. Amanmadov, a lecturer at the Department of Theoretical and Experimental Physics, and M. Kakamyradova, a first-year student majoring in radio physics and electronics. During the visit, the Turkmen specialists familiarised themselves with the work of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), one of the largest scientific projects in the field of energy. The participants were told about the principles of controlled thermonuclear fusion and the prospects for its application in the production of safe and environmentally friendly electricity.
During the working visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Japan, a package of documents on cooperation in key economic sectors, including education, was signed. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the bilateral agreements are Memoranda of Understanding between Turkmen and Japanese universities. In particular, documents were signed between the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan and the Engineering School of Tohoku University, including a Memorandum on student exchange, as well as between the same university and the Graduate School of Science and Technology of Hirosaki University. The signed documents are aimed at developing cooperation in the field of science and education and expanding academic ties between Turkmenistan and Japan. Currently, the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan has signed Memoranda of Understanding with 10 Japanese educational institutions and companies. These agreements create the basis for the implementation of joint educational programmes, scientific cooperation and the training of specialists in priority areas of higher education.
An international conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality was held in Florence. The forum was organised by the International University for the Humanities and Development (Turkmenistan) and a branch of Kent State University (USA), according to IIC. Participants from academic and expert circles discussed the role of neutral states in ensuring global stability. Special attention was paid to the Turkmen model of neutrality, its significance for preventive diplomacy and adaptation to modern challenges. The role of humanitarian education in strengthening international trust was also considered. During the visit, the IUHD delegation held negotiations with the leadership of the Florence branch of Kent State University. The meeting was held in continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2024. The parties discussed expanding their partnership. The agenda included the launch of joint educational programmes, including an MBA programme with double degrees, student and teacher exchanges, as well as summer schools and scientific seminars. The Turkmen delegation familiarised itself with the branch's infrastructure and digital platforms for interdisciplinary education. An agreement was also reached on joint research in the fields of international relations, digital technologies and sustainable development. Fabrizio Ricciardelli, Director of the Florence branch, noted the importance of systematic dialogue with the Turkmen university. Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science emphasised that integration into the global educational space and the introduction of international standards remain key tasks for the development of higher education in Turkmenistan.
The 6th International Olympiad in Theoretical Mechanics for university students was held in Nanjing, China. The competition was organised by Hohai University. More than 600 students from 66 universities in different countries took part in the Olympiad, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Turkmenistan was represented by students from the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan, Dursunjemal Atayeva and Myahriban Azadova. At the end of the Olympiad, both participants took second place in the individual competition and second place in the team competition. The jury noted their high level of training in theoretical mechanics. These results have been added to the list of international achievements of Turkmen students participating in competitions and Olympiads abroad.
A meeting with a delegation from the Republic of Korea was held at the Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology in Turkmenistan. This was reported by TerraNews. The meeting was attended by representatives of scientific, educational, and business circles of the Republic of Korea, including director of the World Institute for Innovative Research, director of the institute, President of DYPNF, Director of the World Association of Korean Entrepreneurs, as well as representatives of the Bureau for North and Central Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation with the university, including collaboration in the fields of education and science. The Korean delegation was introduced to the university's research activities and key areas of training specialists in accordance with international standards. During the negotiations, special attention was paid to partnership opportunities in the fields of artificial intelligence, e-sports, robotics, and electronics. It was also noted that the Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan had previously signed memoranda of understanding with Sungkyunkwan University and Inha University of the Republic of Korea, as well as with a number of leading foreign universities and companies.