Society
A new UNICEF country programme has been launched in Turkmenistan
30.01.2026UNICEF, in collaboration with the government of Turkmenistan, has officially launched a Country Programme for 2026–2030 aimed at ensuring the health, education, protection and well-being of every child. This was reported by the IIC. The programme was presented with the participation of representatives of state bodies, civil society, international partners and children. The new programme is based on national development priorities, the National Action Plan for Realisation of Children's Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. Its key areas are health and nutrition for mothers and children, inclusive and quality education, protection of children from violence, development of data-driven social policy, and improving climate resilience and risk preparedness. The event also summarised the results of the 2021–2025 Programme. The results include high levels of child immunisation (over 95%), improved nutrition through flour fortification, expanded early development services, support for families and children with disabilities, the development of alternative forms of care, and the implementation of climate initiatives, including the ‘Green School’ project. The 2026-2030 Programme will be implemented under the leadership of the government of Turkmenistan with a focus on reducing inequality, scaling up effective solutions and strengthening national systems with the support of UNICEF and partners.
The city of Arkadag celebrated the international recognition of the ‘Galkynysh’ group
29.01.2026The ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group of the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan has been awarded international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association. The awards were presented at the 48th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In Turkmenistan, a solemn event was held in the city of Arkadag to mark the occasion. Riders from the ‘Galkynysh’ group took part in a procession along Geokdepe and Akhan avenues on Ahal-Teke horses and in a phaeton. The column proceeded to the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly. At the ‘Taýçanak’ monument, the participants continued their route along Ahal-Teke Atlary, Akhan and Aba Annayev avenues. The procession was accompanied by musical performances. Along the way, it was greeted by residents and students with flags. An exhibition was organised in the circus foyer. The exhibition featured works of applied art, photographs, elements of horse harness, as well as prizes and awards from the ‘Galkynysh’ group. The official part took place in the auditorium. International certificates were placed on the stage. The participants of the event gave their congratulations. Urs Pilz, Artistic Director and Vice-President of the International Circus Festival, addressed the audience via video link. He noted the contribution of the ‘Galkynysh’ group and thanked them for participating in the festival in Monte Carlo. The programme concluded with a performance by the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group in the circus arena. At the end of the event, an appeal was made to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Turkmenistan and Canada launch joint projects in the field of journalism
29.01.2026A meeting was held at the International Information Centre (IIC) of Turkmenistan between Annasahet Kakayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, and Christopher Duggan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Turkmenistan (residing in Astana). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the launch of joint projects in the field of media development, including the introduction of artificial intelligence in journalism, academic exchanges and capacity building for the media in Central Asia. A key area of focus will be cooperation between the ‘HEC Montréal’ business school and Turkmen universities — Magtymguly Turkmen State University and the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan — which will include educational events and visits by Canadian teachers. Special attention was paid to environmental journalism and the training of young professionals with the participation of the United Nations University for Water Resources, as well as the launch of subregional media initiatives in collaboration with TVTM. The central event will be Media Week in Ashgabat, dedicated to artificial intelligence, digital storytelling and podcasting. The agreements reached continue the cooperation that began during the visit of the Turkmen delegation to Canada in August 2025 and are aimed at expanding access for Turkmen specialists to advanced international practices.
Ashgabat prepares to host CIS Railway Transport Council meeting
28.01.2026Ashgabat is preparing to host the 84th meeting of the Council on Railway Transport of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This was reported on the website of the ‘Demirýollary’ Joint Stock Company of the Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan. The agenda of the meeting includes issues related to the implementation of decisions made at previous meetings, indicators and efficiency of international freight and passenger transport, as well as the formation of schedules for passenger, freight and container trains. Participants will also discuss pricing policy and the procedure for mutual settlements between railway administrations. Earlier, Deputy Minister of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan S. Nurberdiyev said at the SPECA economic forum in Ashgabat that the country is working to develop the region as a transport hub and invites partners to participate in logistics projects.
Turkmenistan expands use of biological plant protection methods
28.01.2026In Turkmenistan, 370 biological farms have begun work on breeding entomophagous insects to protect agricultural crops from pests. This was reported by Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. Since mid-winter, biofactories, enterprises and laboratories, both state-owned and privately owned, have begun breeding beneficial insects. The main types of entomophages are lacewings and habrobracon. They are used to protect cotton at various stages of its development. Biological methods are used in conjunction with agrotechnical measures. The main pests remain spider mites, cotton bollworms, tobacco thrips and aphids, which affect plants at all stages of growth. To reduce the number of pests, plant residues are removed after harvesting and deep ploughing is carried out. During the growing season, along with insecticides and fungicides, organo-mineral fertilisers are used to increase the resistance of plants to diseases. All plant protection products are registered with the State Commission and tested for effectiveness, taking into account the soil and climatic conditions of Turkmenistan.
Turkmen television strengthens cultural exchange with Japan
27.01.2026A meeting on the development of humanitarian and media cooperation with Japan was held at the International Information Centre (IIC) of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. Annasahet Kakayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, discussed prospects for cooperation with Nobuhiro Sudo, Second Secretary of the Culture and Information Department. The main focus was on expanding cooperation in the media sphere and cultural exchange, including interaction with the Nippon Foundation, which provides free rights to show animated and educational programmes. Turkmen specialists adapt Japanese content by translating and dubbing it. Japanese films and programmes are already being broadcast on national television channels: the ‘Yaşlyk’ channel broadcasts animation, while ‘Miras’ broadcasts programmes on Japanese culture and traditions. The parties confirmed their readiness to continue joint projects in film and television.
Ashgabat hosted a formal reception in honour of Republic Day in India
27.01.2026A formal reception was held in Ashgabat to mark India's national holiday, Republic Day. Welcoming speeches were delivered by Bandaru Wilsonbabu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan, and Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The participants of the event emphasised the high level of Turkmen-Indian relations and expressed interest in their further development. Particular attention was paid to the expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as the strengthening of trade and economic partnership. The Indian Ambassador confirmed his readiness to deepen cooperation in the fields of security, energy, chemical industry, healthcare and digital technologies, expressing confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between the two countries. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, conveyed congratulations to the Indian side on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He emphasised that high-level contacts remain a key factor in the development of relations, noting the significance of mutual visits in 2010, 2015 and 2022. The reception concluded with a cultural programme featuring national music, Indian dances and performances by representatives of the Yoga Centre in the capital.
Service building for customs service put into operation in Balkan velayat
27.01.2026A new residential building for servicemen of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan has been put into operation in the Etrek etrap of the Balkan velayat. The facility was opened as part of the events dedicated to Defenders of the Fatherland Day, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The four-storey building has 24 flats. The accommodation includes two- and three-room flats with modern finishes and a full range of utilities. The building has centralised water, gas and energy supply systems, as well as sewerage. The surrounding area has been landscaped and equipped with children's playgrounds and recreation areas. The design took into account the conditions for children's education and development, including opportunities for learning foreign languages and computer skills. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of local authorities, military personnel and residents of the etrap. During the event, commemorative gifts were presented to the builders who participated in the construction of the facility. The celebration was accompanied by a cultural programme.
The capital of Turkmenistan has commissioned new housing for Ministry of Internal Affairs employees
27.01.2026A new phase of the modern cottage complex named after Malikguly Berdimuhamedov, built for the families of employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has been commissioned in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. The housing stock includes 56 five-room apartments designed for large families. All rooms are fully equipped with modern furniture and household appliances, allowing new residents to move in immediately without additional costs or organisational difficulties. Elements of traditional Turkmen culture were presented as part of the ceremony. In the courtyards of the complex, women prepared national dishes — chelpeks and pishmes — and baked bread in tamdyrs. The festive atmosphere was complemented by performances by children's dance groups and musical numbers accompanied by the dutar and tar. During the symbolic ribbon cutting, balloons were released into the sky. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the new residents were presented with commemorative gifts. The event concluded with a cultural programme at the yurts, featuring an exhibition of folk crafts, including carpets and jewellery. The final chord was the dance ‘Kushtdepdi’ performed by the folk ensemble ‘Miras’.
Turkmenistan was represented at the ‘Maison & Objet’ and ‘Who's Next’ exhibitions in Paris
26.01.2026A group of Turkmen women entrepreneurs presented national products at the ‘Maison & Objet’ and ‘Who's Next’ international exhibitions in Paris. This was reported by the IIC. The visit was organised by the International Trade Centre with the support of the EU as part of a project to increase the sustainability of trade in Turkmenistan, which gave brands the chance to promote themselves at leading creative industry venues. The delegation included representatives from the ‘Binaym’, ‘Shekil Studio/Ensi’, ‘AYM’ sewing workshops and studios and the ‘Unique Camel Wool’ brand. The participants showed their collections and studied international export standards, including packaging and certification, and held negotiations with potential partners and experts to assess their competitiveness in the European market. The brand founders noted that participating in exhibitions provided valuable experience in marketing and product presentation, allowing them to better adapt their products to global standards. The project continues to support small and medium-sized businesses in Turkmenistan, opening up new opportunities for entering the global market.
Winners of the ‘Green Energy – Bright Future’ competition were awarded in Ashgabat
26.01.2026On 23 January, a round table discussion and award ceremony for the winners of the ‘Green Energy – Bright Future’ competition, organised by the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, the newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the online newspaper ‘Ussatnews’. This was reported by the online newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’. The competition, which started in May 2025, was dedicated to promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and ‘green’ projects in Turkmenistan. Participants sent dozens of articles from different regions of the country, discussing the rational use of resources, the introduction of modern technologies and sustainable development, based on the ideas of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on scientific and technical reforms and progress. The authors who took first place received certificates for an introductory trip to Europe as part of the EU project on the ‘green’ development of Turkmenistan; the winners of second and third places received commemorative gifts. Dr. Karolina Milov (GIZ) noted the active participation of young people and specialists and emphasised the importance of the competition for the exchange of experience and support for the country's environmental strategy.
Ashgabat discusses updating reproductive health measures
25.01.2026From 21 to 23 January, a national seminar on crisis preparedness was held in Ashgabat. It was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative Office. The topic was the updating of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) on reproductive health, according to AsmanNews. The seminar was a practical step in the implementation of the UNFPA Country Programme for 2026-2030. Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, defence and law enforcement agencies, as well as the National Red Crescent Society participated in the seminar, which was led by UNFPA international expert Heather Lorenzen. Participants assessed national capacity and finalised the MISP plan. It includes coordination and financing mechanisms. The discussion focused on public access to medical care and the protection of women's and young people's rights in crisis situations. Following the meeting, a unified strategy for the application of the MISP was formed. The national action plan defines the roles of all parties and provides for monitoring and rapid response systems.
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