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Ashgabat to host International Forum on Startups and Innovation
05.11.2025The International Forum for Startups and Innovations of Turkmenistan–2025, organised by the country's Ministry of Communications in conjunction with the UNDP, will be held in Ashgabat, according to the news website Asmannews. The forum will present a Roadmap for the development of Turkmenistan's innovation and IT ecosystem and discuss measures to involve government agencies, businesses and international partners. UNDP expert Bagrat Yengibaryan will give a presentation on the prospects for international cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of digital technologies and start-ups. The forum also aims to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors. After the main event, there will be a meeting entitled ‘Opportunities for Regional Cooperation for the Development of a Start-up Ecosystem in Central Asia’, where innovative projects and solutions for expanding partnerships in the field of ICT will be presented.
Turkmenistan modernises Serhetabat customs post
04.11.2025A large-scale reconstruction of the Serhetabat customs post has begun on the Turkmen-Afghan border under the leadership of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC. This facility is an important link in foreign trade and a key hub for international transit routes, including the Lapis Lazuli Corridor. The reconstruction, to be carried out by the company ‘Sapaly geljek’ in 2025-2027, includes the renovation of the existing building, the construction of new facilities and the installation of modern X-ray inspection equipment for transport. After the modernisation, the station's capacity will reach 500 vehicles per day — 2.5 times the current level, which will improve the efficiency of logistics and transit.
New UNDP programme for 2026–2030 launched in Turkmenistan
01.11.2025From November 2025, a new UNDP Country Programme for 2026–2030 will come into force in Turkmenistan. It defines the key areas of cooperation with the state, civil society, business and international partners in the field of sustainable development, according to the news website Asmannews. The programme takes into account national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals, is aligned with the UN Framework Programme for Sustainable Development for the same period, and is based on the UNDP Strategic Plan for 2026-2029. The main areas of focus are: - digitalisation and improving the efficiency of public administration; - inclusive economic growth, private sector support, green technologies, initiatives for women and youth; - strengthening the social sphere, including healthcare and digital solutions in social protection; - nature conservation, climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. The programme is being implemented in collaboration with UN agencies, international financial institutions and donors, focusing on practical results and long-term sustainability, and setting new benchmarks for partnership with Turkmenistan in the field of inclusive and technologically advanced development.
Turkmenistan and GIZ strengthen cooperation in the field of climate resilience
30.10.2025A ceremony was held in Ashgabat to sign protocols to the Memoranda of Understanding with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). This was reported by IIC. The documents are aimed at developing cooperation within the framework of the regional programmes ‘Climate Risk Management in Central Asia’ and ‘Integrated and Climate-sensitive Land Use in Central Asia’. The protocols were signed by the Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, Charygeldi Babaniyazov, and the GIZ coordinator in the country, Joachim Fritz. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, environmental organisations and heads of GIZ climate programmes. Ch. Babaniyazov noted the high level of partnership with GIZ and expressed hope for further strengthening of cooperation. J. Fritz emphasised the importance of joint efforts in the field of sustainable natural resource management and climate change adaptation. GIZ programmes contribute to the development of regional cooperation, the exchange of experience and the introduction of effective land use practices that take into account local conditions and aim to reduce climate risks.
Ways to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals discussed in Ashgabat
29.10.2025On 27 October, the International University for the Humanities and Development hosted a scientific conference dedicated to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This was reported by the online publication Arzuw News. The forum, organised as part of the International Year of Peace and Trust, focused on issues of quality education, according to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Among the participants were the Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, Chynar Rustemova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon, Director of the Kent State University branch in Florence (Italy), Fabrizio Ricciardelli, Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Westminster Andrew Linn, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and foreign guests. An exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality was opened in the university foyer, showcasing international awards won by students. As part of the conference, the University of Westminster presented the Turkmen university with a certificate for its accelerated English language programme. Participants emphasised the importance of introducing innovation and digital technologies into education, noting the compliance of national programmes with international standards. At the end of the conference, gratitude was expressed to the leadership of Turkmenistan for developing cooperation with UN organisations, including UNESCO and UNICEF.
The UNDP Permanent Representative in Turkmenistan visited the Lebap velayat
28.10.2025UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan Narine Sahakyan and Deputy Resident Representative Tomica Paovic made a working visit to Lebap velayat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the visit, they took part in a marathon dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the UN and held a series of meetings with local partners. N. Sahakyan noted that marathons in five velayats of the country symbolise solidarity and commitment to the principles of peace, healthy lifestyles and sustainable development. During a meeting with the Deputy Governor of Lebap velayat, Shohrat Hojanazarov, they discussed cooperation on the UNDP and GEF project aimed at preserving land resources and ecosystems in the Aral Sea basin. N. Sahakyan also met with project participants – women entrepreneurs, including an initiative group of beekeepers developing sustainable sources of income in the context of climate change. In addition, the UNDP Permanent Representative took part in the award ceremony for the ‘Green Ideas: Women and Climate’ competition, which promotes innovative business projects in the Lebap and Dashoguz velayats. The second phase of the ‘Future Skills Academy’ initiative was launched in Turkmenabat as part of a regional project to support sustainable communities, funded by the Government of Japan. Participants in the event learned about the academy's programme, training and employment opportunities, and took part in the ‘Connect and Impress’ job fair.
The fifth meeting of the international association ‘Türkmen Alabaý Itleri’ was held in Ashgabat
27.10.2025The fifth meeting of the International Association ‘Türkmen Alabaý Itleri’ was held in Ashgabat, timed to coincide with the Turkmen Alabay Festival. The forum became a platform for discussing issues related to the promotion, breeding and preservation of this national breed, according to the state news agency TDH. The event was attended by representatives of relevant departments, scientists, dog breeders, members of the Association and foreign dog breeders. Particular attention was paid to the role of the Turkmen Alabay as part of the country's cultural heritage, its history, breed characteristics and international cooperation. The prospects of including the tradition of breeding Alabay dogs in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, expanding the exchange of experience and preserving the purity of the breed were discussed. The forum included an exhibition of decorative and applied arts dedicated to Alabay dogs, as well as an award ceremony for leading dog breeders. Speeches by participants from Russia, China, the United States and Turkey highlighted the global interest in Turkmen Alabay dogs and the importance of preserving national dog breeding traditions. The honorary titles ‘Türkmenistanyň halk itşynasy’ (‘National dog breeder of Turkmenistan’) and ‘Türkmenistanyň at gazanan itşynasy’ (‘Honored dog breeder of Turkmenistan’) have been established, the ‘Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy’ (‘Turkmen Brave Alabay of the Year’) competition is held, and the magazine ‘Türkmeniň nusgalyk alabaýy’ (‘Turkmen Classic Alabay’) is published.
New issue of the magazine ‘Foreign Policy and Diplomacy of Turkmenistan’ released
27.10.2025A new issue of the magazine ‘Foreign Policy and Diplomacy of Turkmenistan’ has been published in Turkmen, Russian and English, covering key events in the country's foreign policy in the third quarter of 2025, according to the news website Asmannews. The issue provides detailed coverage of the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Azerbaijan on 16–17 July, his meetings with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other officials, as well as his visit to the cities of Fizuli and Shusha. Special attention is paid to the trilateral summit between Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan on 22 August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone and the joint declaration adopted at its conclusion. The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, attended by representatives of more than 100 countries and 50 international organisations, and the adoption of the Awaza Political Declaration are also covered. In September, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, emphasising the country's readiness for practical cooperation and strengthening stability. Turkmenistan continues to actively participate in SCO summits, including the meeting in Tianjin, where negotiations took place with Chinese leaders. The magazine also touches on topics such as Turkmenistan's neutrality, cooperation with Pakistan and Croatia, the integration of Central and South Asia, issues of diplomatic protocol, and the harmonisation of national legislation with international law. The section ‘Chronicle of Diplomatic Life’ summarises the results of the third quarter of 2025.
An event was held in Ashgabat to mark the Indian holiday
20.10.2025A festive event was held at the ‘Yyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat to mark Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, organised by the Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The festival, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, was marked by the lighting of the traditional Diya lamp, floral decorations and a vibrant cultural programme. Indian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu thanked Turkmenistan for its hospitality and recalled recent high-level contacts, including meetings between the leaders of India and Turkmenistan at the SCO summit. The Diplomat emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan in the region and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation. Guests at the event enjoyed Indian dances, performances by Turkmen artists with Indian hits, traditional dishes and the atmosphere of Bollywood. The event demonstrated not only the strategic partnership, but also the deep cultural ties between the countries, which are strengthened through the exchange of traditions, art and spiritual values.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan held a formal reception in Moscow
19.10.2025On 17 October, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation held a formal reception dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 80th anniversary of the UN, and the conclusion of the ‘UN Friendship Games – 80’ tournament. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan and the UN Information Centre in Moscow. Among the participants were representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry, diplomats, UN staff, public and scientific figures, journalists and tournament participants. Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, emphasised that the country, following the principles of neutrality, actively contributes to the strengthening of peace and cooperation. The ‘UN Friendship Games – 80’, held from 4 August to 12 October, brought together teams from diplomatic missions, universities and sports schools. The tournament became a symbol of friendship and sporting unity. Russian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Vershinin noted the high level of organisation and atmosphere of mutual understanding. The speakers emphasised Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of ‘sports diplomacy’ and the promotion of the ideas of neutrality. A ceremony was held to award the winners, a video presentation about the tournament, a concert, and a tasting of Turkmen cuisine.
Turkmenistan took part in the XXVII General Assembly of the Caspian States
17.10.2025Representatives of Turkmenistan, together with delegations from Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, took part in the 27th General Assembly of Universities and Research Centres of the Caspian Countries, held in Atyrau (Kazakhstan). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum brought together rectors, scientists and experts to discuss the development of science, education, ecology and innovation in the region. Kayrat Nurtayev, Deputy Akim of the Atyrau Region, and invited guests delivered welcoming speeches, and a message from Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, was read out. Participants discussed the protection of the Caspian Sea ecosystem and the prospects for joint scientific projects. Julie Rançon, Associate Professor at the University of Poitiers (France), emphasised the international significance of the Assembly as a platform for strengthening cooperation. The event culminated in the signing of memoranda between universities and the presentation of new initiatives aimed at sustainable development and the integration of science and education in the Caspian region.
The city of Arkadag was awarded a gold medal by the EAPO
17.10.2025The city of Arkadag has been awarded the V.I. Blinnikov Gold Medal by the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO) — a high award for achievements in the field of innovative development. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the 47th meeting of the EAPO Administrative Council who arrived in Turkmenistan. The guests familiarised themselves with the architecture and technological features of the ‘smart’ city, created on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. It was noted that Arkadag has become a model for the implementation of advanced urban planning solutions and a symbol of state policy aimed at improving the quality of life of the population. EAPO President G. Ivliev emphasised that the numerous awards and patents received by the city confirm its status as an innovation centre. The gold medal was accepted by the Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City, Deryageldi Orazov. The participants in the ceremony noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of the patent system and intellectual property, as well as the strengthening of international cooperation in this area. The event concluded with an address to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
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