Society
Turkey has proposed a model for developing tourism to Turkmenistan
16.04.2026On April 14, Turkish Tourism Week opened at the Turkish Cultural Centre in Ashgabat. The ceremony was attended by diplomats, representatives of the tourism industry, cultural figures and members of the media. The guest of honour was Nadir Alpaslan, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In his speech, he noted the shared historical and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan and Turkey, and emphasised the importance of the ‘One Nation, Two States’ concept for the development of tourism. The Deputy Minister proposed using the ‘Turkish model’ for the sector’s development. According to him, combining Turkey’s tourism potential with Turkmenistan’s attractions, including Ancient Merv, Nisa, Kunya-Urgench and the Karakum ecosystem, could contribute to the development of routes along the Great Silk Road. Nadir Alpaslan expressed interest in expanding investment and making more effective use of transport infrastructure with the participation of the public and private sectors. He expressed confidence that the holding of Turkish Tourism Week would create additional opportunities for cooperation.
Uganda showcased its tourism potential at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ exhibition
15.04.2026Uganda showcased its tourism potential for the first time at the international exhibition ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ in Ashgabat. The country invited tourists from Turkmenistan to go on safaris, visit the source of the Nile and discover the culture of more than 52 ethnic groups, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Herman Olimi, a representative of the Uganda Tourism Board, highlighted the country’s rich natural and ethnocultural heritage, emphasising the opportunity to see gorillas, chimpanzees, giraffes and rare birds, as well as to visit the source of the Nile and one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. He added that participation in the exhibition is aimed at developing partnerships with the Turkmen side and expanding mutual tourism exchanges. ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ is taking place in Ashgabat from 14 to 16 April and brings together companies from various countries presenting tourism opportunities and international cooperation projects.
Ashgabat hosted an event to mark Turkish Tourism Week
15.04.2026On 14 April, an event marking Turkish Tourism Week was held at the Turkish Cultural Centre in Ashgabat. It was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the tourism industry, cultural circles and the media, as well as Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Nadir Alpaslan, according to the Orient news agency. In his speech, he emphasised the role of tourism as a tool for strengthening international ties and noted the importance of cultural dialogue between Turkey and Turkmenistan. According to him, cooperation between the two countries is based on historical and cultural proximity and opens up opportunities for the development of the Great Silk Road routes. He also stated that Turkey is developing a multi-faceted tourism sector — ranging from archaeology and gastronomy to medical and religious tourism — and is interested in expanding investment and transport accessibility. Ahmet Demirok, Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan, in turn, highlighted the country’s significance on the global tourism map and described tourism as a ‘bridge between cultures’, emphasising Turkey’s popularity among Turkmenistan’s citizens and the diplomatic mission’s readiness to facilitate travel. As part of the programme, a photo exhibition showcasing Turkey’s natural and cultural attractions was presented, along with a display of historical artefacts. Guests at the event sampled dishes from the national cuisine and traditional sweets.
Young people from Turkmenistan discussed climate and security as part of the ‘Model OSCE’
15.04.2026A two-day ‘OSCE Model’ event was held in Ashgabat, during which students from the country’s leading universities discussed global environmental challenges and their impact on regional security. From 13 to 14 April, lecture theatres became venues for diplomatic discussions on the climate and its consequences, according to the news agency Orient. Participants from relevant universities practised the OSCE’s key principle – consensus-building – whilst learning to seek compromises at the intersection of economics, the environment and international interests. An international expert, joining remotely, emphasised that environmental degradation requires a combination of political experience and the energy of young people. William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, noted that climate change affects the political, economic-environmental and humanitarian dimensions of security. According to him, such initiatives help to shape a new generation of leaders focused on dialogue and practical solutions. Under the guidance of trainers, the students simulated the decision-making process on climate-related case studies. The outcome of the discussions was the need for innovative and inclusive approaches to ensure sustainable environmental solutions. For the 25 participants, the project proved to be a valuable experience in the field of climate diplomacy.
Turkmenistan took part in the opening of the ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York
15.04.2026On 14 April, a delegation from the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan took part in the opening of the Youth Forum organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The event is being held under the theme of the role of innovation and youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and brings together representatives from countries, UN bodies and partner organisations. Turkmenistan is represented at the forum by Gulnabat Gurdova, Head of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, and Wepa Gutlyev, Head of the Youth Policy Department. The first day is dedicated to the theme of engaging with young people to develop inclusive and sustainable solutions. The programme began with an official opening ceremony and speeches by high-ranking UN representatives, followed by a discussion on the role of youth initiatives in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants discussed the contribution of young leaders to addressing global challenges, including issues of social justice, climate and inclusive development, emphasising the need to expand youth participation in decision-making. The forum also features sessions on clean water, affordable energy and innovative development, addressing issues of sustainable infrastructure, digital transformation and entrepreneurship. Turkmenistan’s participation confirms the country’s commitment to developing international cooperation in the fields of youth policy, education and sustainable development, whilst the forum itself serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and promoting the role of young people in addressing global challenges.
The UNWTO has assessed the prospects for tourism development in Turkmenistan
15.04.2026Turkmenistan has the potential to become a competitive tourist destination, said Cordula Wohlmuther, Regional Director for Europe at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ conference. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to her, Central Asia is emerging as a promising tourist region due to its shared heritage, favourable geographical location and growing connectivity. She also highlighted the region’s stability and security, noting Turkmenistan’s important role. The country’s cooperation with the UNWTO focuses on sustainable development, diversification of tourism products, digitalisation and attracting investment. The organisation intends to continue supporting the realisation of the country’s tourism potential.
The ‘TurkmenTourist’ app brings together travel services
15.04.2026The ‘Syýahatçy’ company unveiled an updated version of the ‘TurkmenTourist’ mobile app at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ exhibition in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. A key new feature is the ability to purchase ‘Belavia’ airline tickets online. Users can book international flights directly through the app. The service is integrated with the ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’ (Turkmenistan Airlines) system, allowing users to manage routes within a single interface. Payment functionality has been expanded. The app supports Altyn Asyr cards, as well as the international Visa and MasterCard systems. In addition to ticket purchases, the service offers hotel bookings, customised tour selection, visa support and medical tourism services. The platform is being developed as a comprehensive digital solution for travel planning. Visitors to the exhibition can test the app’s updated features in real time.
A project to empower women has been implemented in Ashgabat
15.04.2026From 1 March to 10 April, a training course for women, organised with the support of the OSCE, took place in Ashgabat. The programme was aimed at developing practical skills and enhancing the economic independence of the participants, reports AsmanNews. The sessions took place at the ‘Binayim’ sewing workshop. Ten women from vulnerable groups took part in the course. They learnt national patchwork techniques and the basics of running a business. The programme included practical sewing sessions as well as consultations on legal and economic issues. The practical sessions were led by national trainer Umida Kadyrova. Ayjeren Orazberdiyeva, a representative of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, spoke on economic rights. Particular attention was paid to the use of recycled materials. The participants learnt methods of creating products at minimal cost whilst preserving traditional techniques. The organisers noted that the project aims to support women’s economic participation and the development of sustainable sources of income.
A forum in Turkmenistan discussed the development of tourist routes
15.04.2026Nadir Alpaslan, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ international forum, highlighting the importance of the partnership between Turkey and Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. He emphasised that relations between the two countries are based on cultural ties, shared history and language. According to him, Turkmenistan holds special significance for the Turkish people as their ‘ancestral homeland’ and a place of enduring friendly ties. Alpaslan highlighted the role of tourism as a tool of ‘soft power’ and a form of inter-state dialogue. He added that Turkey is among the world leaders in the tourism sector and is ready to share its experience, technologies and approaches to infrastructure development. He also highlighted projects within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States. These included the development of modern Silk Road routes and the creation of integrated tourist itineraries linking cities across the region — from Merv to Konya and from Ashgabat to Istanbul.
Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan are strengthening their partnership in the tourism sector
15.04.2026Erdenet Kasymov, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ International Forum in Turkmenistan. Representatives of relevant government departments and industry organisations are taking part in the event, reports IIC. During his speech, he highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between countries in the region, including Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. The prospects for growth in mutual tourist flows and joint initiatives to promote the tourism potential of Central Asia were discussed. The issue of creating combined tourist routes featuring the natural and cultural attractions of both countries was raised separately. The exchange of experience in infrastructure development and improving the quality of tourist services was also discussed. Cooperation in tourism is seen as one of the areas for expanding bilateral ties and strengthening regional interaction.
The potential for tourism in relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan was highlighted
15.04.2026Kanan Firovsi oglu Aliyev, Chief of Staff at the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ International Forum in Turkmenistan. The event brings together representatives of the tourism industry from various countries, reports IIC. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of expanding regional cooperation and the potential for collaboration between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the field of tourism. Joint itineraries, the exchange of expertise and the strengthening of ties between relevant organisations were discussed. It was also noted that both countries possess significant opportunities for the development of tourism thanks to their cultural heritage, infrastructure projects and geographical location. The development of partnership in this sphere is seen as a factor in strengthening bilateral relations.
Turkmenistan has joined the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the 2027–2030 term
14.04.2026At the headquarters of the United Nations in New York City, Turkmenistan was elected to the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) for the 2027–2030 term. The country will begin its work in the commission on January 1, 2027, according to the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. The election is seen as recognition of Turkmenistan’s contribution to the development of scientific and technological cooperation and opens additional opportunities for participation in the international agenda in the fields of science, innovation, and digitalization. The CSTD is a functional body of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), established in 1992. It serves as a key intergovernmental platform for discussing issues of science, technology, and innovation and their impact on sustainable development. The commission consists of 43 member states, elected for four-year terms with consideration of regional balance. International organizations, the scientific community, and business representatives also participate in its work. The main tasks of the CSTD include analyzing technological trends, supporting innovation, reducing the digital divide, developing the scientific and technological capacities of developing countries, and promoting international cooperation. The commission holds annual sessions in Geneva, where recommendations are developed for ECOSOC and priorities in science and technology are discussed in the context of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For participating countries, membership in the commission provides access to expert analysis, the opportunity to influence the global science and technology agenda, and to strengthen international ties in the field of innovation.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
