Society
A rare arkhar lamb was rescued in a nature reserve in Turkmenistan
15.03.2026Staff at the Sunt-Hasardag State Nature Reserve nursed back to health an injured arkhar lamb – a rare mountain sheep listed in Turkmenistan’s Red Book. This was reported by the country’s Ministry of Environmental Protection. According to the agency, in April 2024, an arkhar lamb with a leg injury was transferred from the Environmental Protection Department of Balkan velayat to the Biodiversity Breeding Center of the reserve. The animal underwent a two-month course of treatment, after which it spent more than three months under a special care regime. During this period, the lamb was fed milk, fresh alfalfa and a balanced diet. The Ministry noted that the animal has fully recovered and adapted to human presence. In the near future, the lamb is set to be presented to the general public as part of events in the Magtymguly etrap. The arkhar is listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as well as on the CITES list. Three subspecies inhabit the country — the Bukhara, Turkmen and Ustyurt argali — all of which are under state protection in five nature reserves. The Biodiversity Breeding Centre at the Sunt-Hasardag Nature Reserve houses seven arkhar, which produce offspring every year. To monitor the population, specialists use camera traps, which allow them to track the animals’ behaviour during the rutting and breeding seasons.
A sadaqah-iftar was organised in Ashgabat to commemorate the Night of Power
15.03.2026A sadaqah-iftar ceremony was held in Ashgabat at the ‘Halk Hakydasy’ (‘People’s Memory’) memorial complex to mark the sacred Night of Power. The event was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the online news resource Asmannews. The country’s mufti, imams of the velayats, representatives of the older generation, mothers and young people gathered around the communal table. Such gatherings in Turkmenistan are traditionally regarded as an important element of national culture and intergenerational continuity. After sunset, the participants of the event broke their fast. Traditional national dishes were served, and prayers were offered for the well-being of the country and in remembrance of the deceased. The evening concluded with a collective prayer, during which verses from the Qur’an and supplications were recited. Participants expressed the traditional words ‘Kabul bolsun,’ conveying their hope that the prayers and good deeds would be accepted.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed expanding cooperation in the field of migration
15.03.2026Representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan and the Embassy of Uzbekistan held a working meeting dedicated to key aspects of bilateral cooperation in the field of migration. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the prospects and potential of the Turkmen-Uzbek partnership, as well as joint initiatives and opportunities for expanding cooperation in the field of migration. During the meeting, particular attention was paid to the traditionally friendly relations between the two states and the active development of their partnership. At the conclusion of the discussion, the participants expressed confidence in the further strengthening of cooperation in this area.
Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair in Minsk
13.03.2026Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair, which will be held from 17 to 22 March in Minsk. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This year, about 500 exhibitors from 23 countries will take part. On 20 March, Turkmenistan Day will be held on the central stage as part of the CIS thematic days, which will be held jointly with Uzbekistan Day. Each country will be provided with a separate platform for presenting national literature and new releases. The central exhibition is dedicated to literary and publishing projects of the CIS countries and cultural interaction between the Commonwealth states. The forum's programme includes an international symposium entitled ‘The Writer and Time’, meetings between authors and readers, presentations of new publications, autograph sessions and discussions between publishers. Separate areas will be dedicated to children's literature, educational projects and digital initiatives in book publishing.
Islamabad hosted a meeting between representatives of Turkmenistan and ‘Orient Petroleum Inc.’
13.03.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan held a meeting with a delegation from the Pakistani company ‘Orient Petroleum Inc.,’ led by its Head Kamran Ahmed. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The company representatives noted the high potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan and expressed interest in developing a partnership in the energy sector. Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, informed the guests about the growing export potential of Turkmenistan's energy sector. He emphasised that Turkmenistan, as one of the world's largest producers of natural gas, is implementing a strategy of diversifying export routes, introducing modern technologies in the extraction and processing of hydrocarbons, and expanding international cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to develop and strengthen Turkmen-Pakistani cooperation.
OSCE organised a regional seminar in Ashgabat
13.03.2026From 10 to 12 March, a regional seminar organised by the OSCE was held in Ashgabat. The event was dedicated to issues of international humanitarian assistance to refugees, migrants and stateless persons. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The event was attended by representatives of five Central Asian countries — border and customs officials, as well as representatives of migration, law enforcement agencies and relevant ministries. The opening ceremony was addressed by the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan and the German Embassy. The Head of the OSCE Centre, William Leaf, stressed that the growth of cross-border mobility requires strengthening international cooperation and developing safe and humane migration policies. Participants discussed international experience in providing assistance to refugees, migrants and stateless persons, taking into account human rights principles as well as gender and age aspects. Experts from the OSCE, UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development took part in the discussions. The seminar was held as part of the OSCE Centre's project to strengthen the capacity of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan with financial support from the German government.
Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair in Minsk
13.03.2026Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair, which will be held from 17 to 22 March in Minsk. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This year, about 500 exhibitors from 23 countries will take part. On 20 March, Turkmenistan Day will be held on the central stage as part of the CIS thematic days, which will be held jointly with Uzbekistan Day. Each country will be provided with a separate platform for presenting national literature and new releases. The central exhibition is dedicated to literary and publishing projects of the CIS countries and cultural interaction between the Commonwealth states. The forum's programme includes an international symposium entitled ‘The Writer and Time’, meetings between authors and readers, presentations of new publications, autograph sessions and discussions between publishers. Separate areas will be dedicated to children's literature, educational projects and digital initiatives in book publishing.
Turkmenistan and China discuss the role of women in society and innovation
13.03.2026The ‘Archabil’ Hotel in Ashgabat hosted a round table discussion entitled ‘Turkmenistan–China: Women and Society,’ organised by the Chinese Embassy and dedicated to the role of women in the economies and cultures of both countries. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Zhong Hua, Chargé d'Affaires, presented statistics on the modern role of women in China: the average life expectancy is 80 years, 46% of scientific and technical personnel are women, and more than half of Internet entrepreneurs are female. Particular attention was paid to last year's visit to China by a Turkmen delegation led by Oguljahan Atabayeva, which strengthened cooperation in protecting children's rights and supporting motherhood. China plans to train 50,000 women and launch 1,000 local social projects over the next five years. Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Turkmenistan, gave a response speech, and the subsequent dinner turned into an exchange of success stories. The participants discussed a wide range of topics, from preserving national embroidery to achievements in aviation. Turkmen women scientists, teachers and businesswomen demonstrated a harmonious combination of innovation and national values.
Turkmenistan discusses measures to protect agricultural landscapes from drought
13.03.2026An expert meeting on the adaptation of agro-ecological landscapes to arid conditions was held in Ashgabat with the support of the national branch of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). This was reported by the IIC. Scientists from the National Institute of Deserts, specialists from the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences, ecologists and representatives of international organisations took part in the discussion. The main focus was on finding practical solutions to reduce damage to agriculture and the environment caused by lack of rainfall. International experts, including representatives of the World Bank and the Water Institute, noted the transboundary nature of climate risks in the region. Given the dependence of economies on the water resources of large rivers such as the Amu Darya, it is important to plan investments in vulnerable sectors accurately and develop early warning systems based on satellite data. The need for long-term planning, taking into account rising average temperatures and changes in the hydrological regime, was discussed separately. The meeting participants proposed measures to modernise agricultural production and water use: the introduction of digital solutions in the water sector, the development of greenhouse vegetable growing and the breeding of drought-resistant crop varieties. The combination of traditional methods of folk hydrotechnics, including ‘underground irrigation,’ with the modernisation of water infrastructure was also considered. Following the meeting, proposals were prepared for further cross-sectoral cooperation within the framework of regional programmes. Experts emphasised that combining national efforts with international initiatives is an important condition for fulfilling the country's climate commitments and ensuring the sustainable development of Turkmenistan's agro-industrial complex.
Turkmenistan and China discuss the role of women in society and innovation
12.03.2026The ‘Archabil’ Hotel in Ashgabat hosted a round table discussion entitled ‘Turkmenistan–China: Women and Society,’ organised by the Chinese Embassy and dedicated to the role of women in the economies and cultures of both countries. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Zhong Hua, Chargé d'Affaires, presented statistics on the modern role of women in China: the average life expectancy is 80 years, 46% of scientific and technical personnel are women, and more than half of Internet entrepreneurs are female. Particular attention was paid to last year's visit to China by a Turkmen delegation led by Oguljahan Atabayeva, which strengthened cooperation in protecting children's rights and supporting motherhood. China plans to train 50,000 women and launch 1,000 local social projects over the next five years. Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Turkmenistan, gave a response speech, and the subsequent dinner turned into an exchange of success stories. The participants discussed a wide range of topics, from preserving national embroidery to achievements in aviation. Turkmen women scientists, teachers and businesswomen demonstrated a harmonious combination of innovation and national values.
Turkmenistan discusses measures to protect agricultural landscapes from drought
12.03.2026An expert meeting on the adaptation of agro-ecological landscapes to arid conditions was held in Ashgabat with the support of the national branch of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). This was reported by the IIC. Scientists from the National Institute of Deserts, specialists from the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences, ecologists and representatives of international organisations took part in the discussion. The main focus was on finding practical solutions to reduce damage to agriculture and the environment caused by lack of rainfall. International experts, including representatives of the World Bank and the Water Institute, noted the transboundary nature of climate risks in the region. Given the dependence of economies on the water resources of large rivers such as the Amu Darya, it is important to plan investments in vulnerable sectors accurately and develop early warning systems based on satellite data. The need for long-term planning, taking into account rising average temperatures and changes in the hydrological regime, was discussed separately. The meeting participants proposed measures to modernise agricultural production and water use: the introduction of digital solutions in the water sector, the development of greenhouse vegetable growing and the breeding of drought-resistant crop varieties. The combination of traditional methods of folk hydrotechnics, including ‘underground irrigation,’ with the modernisation of water infrastructure was also considered. Following the meeting, proposals were prepared for further cross-sectoral cooperation within the framework of regional programmes. Experts emphasised that combining national efforts with international initiatives is an important condition for fulfilling the country's climate commitments and ensuring the sustainable development of Turkmenistan's agro-industrial complex.
Turkmenistan strengthens its position in creative industries at regional forum
12.03.2026From 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.
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