At the Education World Forum 2026 in London, the Turkmen delegation led by Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Ataev held a series of meetings focused on international cooperation. This was reported by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. During talks with Classera, the parties discussed a pilot project in the areas of analytics, personalized learning, and teacher support. Meetings with representatives of ClassLink focused on integrating educational data, managing access to digital platforms, and the use of analytical tools in the education system. At a meeting with Times Higher Education, participants discussed the possibility of selecting one of Turkmenistan’s universities for preparation to participate in international rankings. Discussions with Pearson covered the establishment of certification centers and the introduction of international qualification programs. During negotiations with Educational Testing Service (ETS), the sides exchanged experience in the field of educational assessment and testing. Representatives of the Project Management Institute proposed holding an introductory seminar in Turkmenistan on managing educational reforms and digital projects. Talks with Matific focused on implementing a pilot project to support mathematics education for schoolchildren. During meetings with the British Council, the parties reviewed the results and future prospects of the AELLCA project aimed at accelerating English language learning in Central Asia. Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Ataev also met with the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson. The sides discussed the development of Turkmen-British cooperation in the field of education.
A literary meeting and a “Shahnameh” reading competition were held at the Makhtumkuli State University of Turkmenistan. The events were dedicated to the Day of Protection of the Persian Language and the memory of Abul-Qasim Ferdowsi, which is observed on May 15. This was reported by IIC. The Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Turkmenistan acted as the organizer. The jury included the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, cultural counselor Abdolreza Abbasi, lecturer Yadollah Mohammadi, and representatives of the Makhtumkuli Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts. Before the start, participants were introduced to an exhibition featuring books about Ferdowsi and the Persian language, handicrafts, and thematic materials. Welcoming speeches were delivered by the rector of Makhtumkuli State University Orazgeldi Ovezsakhedov, Iranian Ambassador Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, and cultural counselor Abdolreza Abbasi. They highlighted the cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Iran and shared literary traditions. The competition was held in three stages. Participants recited passages from the “Shahnameh” by heart, then explained their content in Persian, and answered questions about the life and work of Ferdowsi. The winner was Turkmen State University student Irada Guseynova. Second place went to Selbi Orazova from the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Döwletmämmet Azadi, and third place was awarded to Turkmen State University student Myakhri Gurbanova. Winners received diplomas, gifts, and cash prizes. The cultural program included performances by creative groups and students. Musical and dance performances were presented in both Turkmen and Persian languages.
A technical seminar dedicated to the development of “green” skills in Turkmenistan’s vocational education system was held in Ashgabat at the Ýyldyz Hotel. The event was organized by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank within the framework of the CAREC program, the IIC of Turkmenistan reports. Participants discussed the introduction of environmental competencies and the principles of a just transition into educational programs, as well as the adaptation of curricula to labor market needs and the training of specialists for sustainable sectors of the economy. Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Ataev emphasized the growing importance of environmental education in the context of global climate challenges. Issues of interaction between the education system and the labor market, as well as the improvement of educational standards taking into account international environmental initiatives, were also considered.
From May 11 to May 14, a professor from the PETRONAS University of Technology conducted an online training session for students and young lecturers of the geology faculty at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. Participants of the “Black Gold” session were introduced to modern technologies and methods of oil and gas extraction, and also gained practical knowledge about the latest industry innovations. Upon completion of the training, they will be awarded PETRONAS certificates. Cooperation between the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, PETRONAS Charigali (Turkmenistan), and PETRONAS University of Technology has been successfully developing for several years, covering educational and scientific projects. Online courses, training sessions, and summer internships for students and lecturers are regularly organized. Within the framework of the existing memorandum of understanding, the parties plan further joint programs, including courses on oil and gas topics, artificial intelligence, chemistry, and processing using modern technologies.
A delegation of Turkmenistan led by N. Shykhlyyev, Vice-Rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development, held a meeting in Japan on May 14 with Yano Kazuhiko, Senior Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the expansion of educational cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the participation of Turkmen students in the MEXT program, the possibility of allocating a separate quota for Turkmenistan, as well as the development of STEM fields, engineering, artificial intelligence, and environmental education. The sides also reviewed issues related to the establishment of Japanese language centers at universities in Ashgabat, the provision of educational and digital materials for these centers, and advanced training for teachers. Separate discussions focused on the introduction of the Japanese technical education model (KOSEN) and joint research in the fields of smart technologies, robotics, and green energy. On May 15, the delegation held a meeting with the management of “SPRIX Inc.” The parties discussed projects in digital education, the introduction of the TOFAS test, the development of exchange programs, and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.
Rector of the International University of Oil and Gas named after Yagshygeldi Kakayev, B. Atamanov, paid a working visit to the People’s Republic of China on May 13–15. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The purpose of the visit was to participate in a symposium dedicated to the development of higher education in the energy sector within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The forum was held at the China University of Petroleum in Beijing. During the plenary session, B. Atamanov delivered a report on the introduction of innovative technologies in the oil and gas industry within the framework of Turkmen-Chinese partnership. He presented the results of the international conference “Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 years of strategic partnership in the gas sector,” held in Ashgabat. Special attention was given to the work of the “Luban Workshop” project operating at the university. As part of the visit, the delegation also attended the opening of a cultural festival. Turkmen students studying in China performed the national dance “Kushdepdi.” On the second day, representatives of Turkmenistan familiarized themselves with the laboratories of the China University of Petroleum. They were presented with solutions for integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process. On the final day, a meeting was held at Lenovo headquarters with the leadership of Xi’an Petroleum University and Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University. The sides discussed the development of the “Luban Workshop” and its technical equipment. The Chinese side presented plans for the third phase of modernization of the project. The Turkmen delegation emphasized the need to accelerate the development of the educational and research base of the center and to move toward practical implementation of the outlined tasks.
From May 6 to 11, an international scientific and practical conference titled “Science and Innovative Education: Global Development Strategies” was held in Tashkent as part of the “Pearl of the East” championship. The event was organized with the participation of the Academies of Sciences of Uzbekistan and Germany. Turkmenistan was represented by Novruzalem Gurdov, a lecturer at the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding, according to the Orient news agency. During his presentation, N. Gurdov spoke about the integration of modern educational approaches with centuries-old traditions of training Akhal-Teke horses. Special attention in his report was given to the training of young specialists at the academy, which attracted interest from experts from CIS countries. For his contribution to the development of science and his high level of professional excellence, Novruzalem Gurdov was awarded the honorary CIS title “Master of His Craft” and received commemorative awards. This recognition became another indication of the international reputation of Turkmen horse breeding schools and the national education system.
A meeting was held at the Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan with French diplomat, ambassador, Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, and Director of the Secretariat of the European Information and Analytical College based in Paris, Yasmine Guédar. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. During her visit to Ashgabat, she also plans to visit several scientific and cultural institutions, as well as hold talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education of the country. The discussions with the university experts were conducted in a businesslike and informative atmosphere. They focused on developments in Central Asia, including regional cooperation and major infrastructure and energy projects of interest to European analysts. Representatives of the center presented their work and research areas, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with international partners.
On May 12, a scientific and practical conference titled “Turkmenistan and International Law: the Experience of Neutrality and Cooperation” was held at the International University for the Humanities and Development. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event brought together representatives of Turkmen ministries and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, foreign experts in the field of international law, as well as lecturers and students. During the conference, it was noted that the initiative to proclaim 2028 as the “Year of International Law,” first announced by the President of Turkmenistan at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, is aimed at strengthening the legal foundations of international security and supporting the supremacy of the UN Charter. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova emphasized that the country consistently advocates for strengthening international law, developing multilateral cooperation, and promoting peaceful dialogue and preventive diplomacy. At the conclusion of the conference, participants noted that observing 2028 under the auspices of international law would be an important step toward strengthening the legal framework of interstate relations and expanding cooperation.
On May 12, a delegation from Turkmenistan led by the vice-rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development of Turkmenistan, N. Shykhlyyev, held a series of meetings in Tokyo with representatives of academic and educational circles, as well as international organizations. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During a meeting with the President of the Turkmen–Japanese Science and Technology Association, G. Koinuma, the parties discussed areas of cooperation. The discussion was also attended by an advisor from the Directorate for Project Development and Implementation of the organization Asia SEED, A. Futohashi. The talks focused on the development of scientific and educational ties between the two countries. Key topics included humanities education, language studies, exchange programs, specialist training, the introduction of the KOSEN education system, as well as cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. A separate meeting was held with the Deputy Director of the East Asia, Central Asia and Caucasus Department of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Y. Sonoyama. The parties discussed cooperation between Turkmen universities and JICA in areas of mutual interest. They also addressed a specialist exchange program for Japanese language teaching, which is being implemented with JICA’s support. In addition, JICA invited students from Turkmen universities to participate in a short-term online course on artificial intelligence and data science.
On May 11 in Tokyo, a meeting took place between a Turkmen delegation and the President of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Nobuo Haruna. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. From the Turkmen side, the meeting was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Japan, A. Bayramov, and the Vice-Rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development of Turkmenistan, N. Shykhlyyev. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the fields of education, science, and culture. Particular attention was given to academic exchanges of students and faculty, as well as the expansion of foreign language study programs. The participants also considered opportunities for cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) within joint projects and research initiatives. Following the meeting, mutual interest was noted in further strengthening Turkmen-Japanese cooperation in humanitarian and educational spheres.
A student of Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, Guvanchmyrat Arrykov, has become the winner of the international research competition “Analysis, Modeling and Practical Application of Scientific Problems and Their Solutions.” He was awarded a first-degree diploma. This was reported by Turkmenportal. Arrykov, a third-year student at the Faculty of Law, presented a paper titled “The Legal Nature of the Fundamental Principles of International Law.” His academic supervisor was S. Gochumova, Head of the Department of Constitutional Law. The competition was held in an online format. It was organized by the scientific publishing center “Eterna” (Ufa, Russian Federation).