Society
Turkmenistan participated in a regional meeting on pandemic response
25.06.2025On 19-20 June 2025, a regional meeting of the multi-country project ‘Pandemic Preparedness and Response through a One Health Approach’ was held, bringing together five countries of Central Asia. The event, organised with the support of the Pandemic Fund, brought together representatives of veterinary services, health and environmental agencies in the region, as well as international organisations, including the World Bank, WHO, FAO and others. This was reported by the IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by Arslan Soltanmyradov, Head of the International and Scientific Relations Department of the State Veterinary Service, who presented a report on the progress of the project in the country. Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan also made presentations, demonstrating the country's commitment to the principles of intersectoral cooperation in the field of biosafety. During the two-day discussions, participants summarised the results of the second year of project implementation, analysed emerging challenges and identified priorities for further work. Particular attention was paid to strengthening regional cooperation and the scientific and technical capacity of participating countries. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of the ‘One Health’ approach as an effective tool for ensuring epidemiological stability in the Central Asian region. Turkmenistan, demonstrating a high degree of responsibility in matters of sanitary security, continues to actively participate in international initiatives aimed at protecting the health of the population and the environment.
International Yoga Day celebrated on the shores of the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan
24.06.2025In honour of International Yoga Day, which is celebrated annually on 21 June, a practical yoga session was held on the Caspian coast in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone with the participation of enthusiasts of this discipline. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The outdoor session, surrounded by the sea and a fresh breeze, created a great atmosphere for meditation and healing. The session was led by Myahri Gulmamedova, a yoga instructor from Balkanabat with five years of experience and special training. According to her, interest in yoga in the region is growing consistently: ‘Last year, with the support of the Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan, a master class was held at the ‘Awaza’ indoor water park, and since then the number of people wanting to practise yoga has increased significantly. We practise both in gyms and outdoors, in the mountains and by the sea, as our region offers excellent conditions for yoga,’ said the instructor.
The Embassy of India in Ashgabat organised an event to mark International Yoga Day
24.06.2025In honour of International Yoga Day, the staff of the Indian Embassy in Ashgabat organised an event at the ‘Bagtyýarlyk’ Sports Complex. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the day, which is dedicated to the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ according to the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’ news agency. According to the source, the event was also attended by Azat Ovezov, Deputy Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. This event brought together yoga enthusiasts in Ashgabat. Indian Ambassador Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat emphasised the importance of regular yoga practice and its benefits for health in her speech.
A UNDP programme supported by the Government of Japan has been launched in Turkmenistan
24.06.2025A nine-day training course on ‘Psychological Aspects of Preventing Various Forms of Extremism’ has started in Turkmenistan. The event is organised as part of the country component of the UNDP regional project on countering violent extremism in Central Asia, with support from the Government of Japan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The training aims to develop skills in psychosocial support, mental health and critical thinking. It is attended by representatives of government agencies, universities, NGOs, as well as psychologists and coaches. The programme includes practical methods such as case studies, discussions and storytelling, and covers topics such as target audience analysis, evaluation of preventive materials and resilience to manipulation. Particular attention is paid to human rights, humanistic values and gender sensitivity. The initiative contributes to strengthening Turkmenistan's capacity to prevent violent extremism and build resilient communities.
Turkmenistan and Italy conducted a joint expedition to study the ecology of the Aral Sea region
23.06.2025From 16 to 18 June this year, specialists from Turkmenistan and Italy conducted a joint expedition to the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats to assess the natural and climatic conditions of the region. The aim of the study is to lay the foundations for a new environmental project to be implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. The project provides for the introduction of innovative solutions to improve the environmental situation, the organisation of training programmes for specialists in the water and agricultural sectors, and the creation of a unified database on water resources in Central Asia. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The initiative is being implemented within the framework of the ‘Central Asia - Italy’ dialogue with the support of the State University of Rome, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the company ‘Sogesid’, which will provide technical assistance. Italian experts plan to use advanced technologies to optimise water use on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers and monitor the state of oasis ecosystems. The project will strengthen monitoring of environmental changes in the Aral Sea region and develop strategies for sustainable natural resource management in the region.
Turkmen tourist zone ‘Avaza’ welcomes young vacationers from all over the country
22.06.2025In the midst of the summer holidays, the ‘Avaza’ tourist zone became a place of rest for hundreds of children from different parts of Turkmenistan, including Ashgabat and Arkadag. Five specialised health centres - Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary - have created all the conditions for young tourists to have an interesting and useful time. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Thorough preparations were made before the start of the season: playgrounds and sports grounds were renovated, excursion routes were organised, and special attention was paid to medical care and quality nutrition. Children enjoy visiting the ‘Avaza’ water park and the ‘Älemgoşar’ and ‘Jadyly kenar’ amusement parks, and spend their time actively at the swimming pools and sports grounds. The cultural programme includes meetings with famous artists and veterans, as well as various competitions and quizzes with prizes. This comprehensive approach to organising children's recreation allows for an effective combination of entertainment and educational activities.
Modernisation of higher education and science continues in Turkmenistan
21.06.2025On 20 June, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva presented a report on measures aimed at further improving the work of the country's higher education institutions based on a scientific and methodological approach. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The report noted that targeted work is being carried out to ensure that students, by acquiring relevant knowledge and mastering modern sciences, can make a significant contribution to the development of the national economy in the future. Particular attention is being paid to the introduction of advanced technologies, innovative practices and teaching methods. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of developing and modernising the science and education system, as well as training highly qualified personnel. The Head of State instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to continue effective work in this direction.
Turkmenistan presents plan of main events for July
21.06.2025Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bahar Seyidova reported on the plan of key events for July during a government meeting on 20 June. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Conferences, creative meetings, informational campaigns, musical and sporting events are planned for next month in honour of the International Year of Peace and Trust. The final stages of the television contest ‘Ýaňlan, Diýarym!’ will also take place in July. Cultural events are planned to mark the 30th anniversary of the ‘Saglyk’ programme and the 10th anniversary of the Scientific and Clinical Centre for Maternal and Child Health. The Deputy Prime Minister submitted the proposal for consideration to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who noted the importance of social and cultural projects and instructed that the July events be prepared to a high standard.
Turkmenistan strengthens ties through diplomacy and international cooperation
19.06.2025During May, Turkmenistan held a series of significant international events that contributed to strengthening its neutral and peacemaking potential, as well as developing partnerships with various countries and organisations. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Libyan Culture Days were held in Ashgabat, accompanied by exhibitions, concerts and a conference on the contribution of Turkmen scientists to Arab culture and Islamic education. On 5 May, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the EU and the international organisation 'Hedayah' in the field of security. At the same time, Turkmenistan Day was held at the WHO European Office in Copenhagen to mark the anniversary of the country's neutrality. On 6 May, talks were held with the Saudi Arabian ambassador and representatives of UN-Habitat on sustainable urban development. On 8 May, the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed bilateral and regional issues. From 12 to 16 May, the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry hosted the first regional seminar for young diplomats in Central Asia, as well as a competition on the culture of peaceful dialogue among students. On 13 May, a meeting with UN coordinators from Central Asian countries was held in Ashgabat, during which the region's contribution to the implementation of UN initiatives in the areas of climate, gender equality, digitalisation and health was highlighted. On 13-14 May, a conference on climate change was held in Ashgabat, organised jointly with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). On 14 May, meetings were held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and representatives of ‘Petronas’, ministers of the UAE, and agreements were signed with the Malaysian and Emirati sides on cooperation in the oil and gas sector. On 15 May, prospects for cooperation with Lithuania were discussed. On 16 May, in Kazan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held talks with the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, Rustam Minnikhanov, emphasising the high level of relations between the countries. On 18–19 May, the Tehran Dialogue Forum was held in Tehran, where Turkmenistan presented its priorities in the field of transport diplomacy. From 19 to 20 May, the international music festival ‘Music of the World’ was held in Ashgabat, as well as a meeting of the Turkmen-Iranian intergovernmental commission, which ended with the signing of a protocol. The Turkmen delegation met with Iranian leaders to discuss economic and humanitarian issues. On 20 May, the first Central and South Asia Dialogue was held in Termez, where issues of sustainable development and regional integration were discussed. On 21 May, projects in the field of youth policy were discussed with a UN representative at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. From 21 to 23 May, a Turkmen delegation visited China, where negotiations were held with representatives of the NPC and the PRC, including on parliamentary cooperation and the implementation of initiatives within the framework of the UN. On 22 May, a video conference of the UN Country Team in Turkmenistan was held to discuss the country's priorities under the 2026-2030 Framework Programme for Cooperation, with a focus on sustainable development, energy, the environment and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Japanese Ambassador visits oil and gas university in Turkmenistan
19.06.2025On 17 June, Japanese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Hiroshi Sasaki visited the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. During the visit, the diplomat presented the university with several dozen books in English on Japanese culture and society, donated by the Nippon Foundation. The ambassador also toured the library and reading rooms of the educational institution, visited the Geology Museum and familiarised himself with the work of the DRILL SIM-5000 drilling laboratory at the Faculty of Oil and Gas. At the end of his visit, Hiroshi Sasaki expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and the opportunity to visit the university.
Scientists in Turkmenistan have developed innovative trellises for vineyards
19.06.2025Experts from the Laboratory of Alternative Energy Sources and Measurement Instrument Technologies at the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have introduced a new material for viticulture: hydrophobic sulphur concrete cages. PhD in Technical Sciences, Meretmuhammet Hudayberdiyev, has the potential to revolutionise agriculture. This information was featured in the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: The Golden age’. Traditionally, grape trellises are made of wood or metal, but these materials are susceptible to rot, corrosion, and deterioration due to moisture and chemical exposure. The new sulphur concrete composite lacks these drawbacks—it possesses high mechanical strength, resistance to aggressive environments, and, most importantly, hydrophobic properties, i.e., the ability to repel water. This technology, developed by Turkmen scientists, is opening new horizons for the agricultural sector by reducing maintenance costs and increasing production efficiency. The application of these technologies is particularly important for countries with hot climates where traditional materials wear out quickly. Experts highlight that sulphur concrete trellis serves as a successful example of the effective use of modern materials in agriculture and contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture. In the future, this technology could be adapted for other crops requiring support structures.
UNDP, with support from the Government of Japan, conducted a series of youth training sessions in Turkmenistan
18.06.2025From 28 May to 18 June 2025, a series of training sessions for young people was held in six etraps of Turkmenistan as part of a UNDP regional project on preventing violent extremism. The events, organised by UNDP with the support of the Government of Japan, brought together more than 180 participants from the country's pilot districts. This was reported by the IIC. The training sessions aimed to raise young people's awareness of government programmes for socio-economic support and to develop skills that will help them to remain resilient in the face of modern challenges. Participants in the mentoring training sessions had the opportunity to engage in open dialogue and exchange experiences. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan and contributes to the creation of an inclusive environment for the active participation of young people in society.
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