A new settlement, Bitaraplyk, and road bridges were opened in the Taze Yol geneshlik of Koneurgench etrap of Dashoguz velayat. The event was timed to coincide with the 34th anniversary of independence and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, according to the state news agency TDH. The settlement was built as part of the National Rural Development Programme and includes 400 residential buildings, a school with 420 places, a kindergarten, a health centre, a cultural centre, administrative and residential facilities, as well as a park and a shopping centre. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the authorities, public organisations and residents of the region. Participants were read an address by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who emphasised that the construction of new settlements and infrastructure reflects the rapid development of the country. The first cars have already crossed the new bridges, and the first families celebrated their housewarming in the village. Residents expressed their gratitude for the comfortable living conditions that have been created. The opening of Bitaraplyk is part of the implementation of Turkmenistan's long-term socio-economic development programmes aimed at improving living standards and strengthening social infrastructure in the regions.
The Central Asian Youth Forum ‘Health and Sustainable Development as a Path to Peace’ has kicked off in Ashgabat at the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum, organised by the EU Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP 7) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, brought together young leaders, experts and representatives of government agencies from Central Asia, EU countries and other states. It was emphasised that the forum is timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust. The aim of the event is to strengthen dialogue, leadership and cooperation among young people in the region. The forum is held in the format of thematic sessions devoted to addiction prevention, mental health, environmental culture, educational innovations and the development of youth well-being. Reports on foreign experience were presented, and interactive question-and-answer sessions were held. The following day, discussions are planned on the application of digital technologies and AI, support for youth start-ups, and the adoption of a final document and roadmap for strengthening cooperation with the EU. Guests are also offered a cultural programme, including a visit to the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets.
The Fourth Forum on Vocational Excellence, organised by the European Training Foundation in cooperation with Danish partners, is taking place in Denmark from 8 to 11 September. More than 400 representatives from 43 countries are participating in the forum, including a Turkmen delegation demonstrating the country's commitment to the development of vocational education. This was reported by IIC. The forum serves as a platform for discussing digitalisation, sustainable development and the role of Centres of Vocational Excellence in modernising education systems. The programme includes studying Danish experience in ‘green’ technologies, agriculture and digital innovation through visits to educational institutions and enterprises. Key events included study visits in the field of offshore energy and responsible agriculture, as well as a planned visit to the EuroSkills 2025 championship. The participation of the Turkmen delegation underscores the country's desire to integrate into the international educational space and use best practices to develop the national vocational education system.
From 18 to 20 September, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan will host an exhibition dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the country's independence. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event will be attended by government agencies, foreign companies, local entrepreneurs and members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. The exhibition will cover achievements in industry, agriculture, energy, construction, transport and other areas, and will also serve as a platform for developing business relations between Turkmen and foreign partners. The aim of the event is to demonstrate the country's economic potential, highlight its international cooperation and strengthen Turkmenistan's image as a dynamically developing state.
On 8 September, a consultation meeting was held in Ashgabat to discuss the draft of the new National Action Plan on Gender Equality. The event, dedicated to the development of the document for 2026-2030, was initiated by the UNFPA Representative Office in partnership with the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The working meeting was attended by members of the Working Group of the Interdepartmental Commission on Human Rights, as well as representatives of key ministries and government agencies. The draft document was developed with the expert support of national specialists and international consultants. The plan is based on the provisions of the national gender strategy, the country's socio-economic development goals and Turkmenistan's international commitments, including the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and data from the Universal Periodic Review. During the consultations, participants analysed in detail the structural elements of the document, key policy areas and specific implementation measures. Based on the results of the professional discussion, key conclusions were drawn for further improvement of the draft document.
An important meeting was held at the Turkmenistan pavilion at the EXPO-2025 World Exhibition in Osaka. It was attended by renowned Japanese actress Norika Fujiwara, honorary director of the Japanese pavilion, according to IIC. Her visit was a significant event for both countries, emphasising the strengthening of friendship and the development of cultural exchange. The meeting took place in a friendly and open atmosphere, demonstrating the readiness of Turkmenistan and Japan for dialogue and the expansion of international cooperation.
In honour of the 34th anniversary of Independence and the 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan, the Makul English-Turkmen Dictionary has been published in the United States and is now available for purchase on the global platform Amazon. This was reported by IIC. The new dictionary contains 16,500 English words with their translations into Turkmen. In addition to everyday vocabulary, it includes highly specialised terminology from the fields of law, economics, medicine, the IT industry, artificial intelligence and sport. The team of authors, led by Doctor of Law Dovran Orazgylyjov, has created a universal reference book intended for a wide audience, from schoolchildren and students to professional translators, diplomats, scientists and businesspeople working in the field of international relations. The global expert community has highly praised the dictionary's significance. Johns Hopkins University professor S. Frederick Starr called it a ‘bridge between languages and cultures’ that strengthens the position of the Turkmen language in the world. Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the American-Turkmen Business Council, noted that the publication will serve as a catalyst for the development of trade and economic partnership between the countries. In addition to the printed version, the dictionary is available as a mobile app and on the specialised website makulsozluk.com. Users are offered additional services: audio pronunciation of words, games and illustrated modules for children, dialogues, as well as a collection of proverbs, idioms and grammatical structures.
Ashgabat celebrated International Amu Darya Day. Festive events were held at the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The main goal was to draw attention to issues of rational water use and ecology. The programme began with the ‘Amu Darya’ flash mob, in which children, scientists, cultural figures, bloggers and entrepreneurs took part. The celebration was part of a regional project on water resource management in Central Asia, supported by Germany and Switzerland. The event featured competitions for drawings, photographs and crafts made from recycled materials, with more than 200 young participants presenting their work. The best exhibits were included in the exhibition, and the authors were awarded commemorative prizes. Special attention was paid to master classes on environmental topics — residents of the capital learned how to paint bags and ceramics, as well as how to sculpt with clay. Representatives of various social groups, including pensioners and people with disabilities, took part in these classes. The celebration highlighted the importance of international cooperation for the conservation of water resources in the Amu Darya and the region in the context of climate change.
A two-day seminar on the application of advanced international standards to ensure sustainable energy transition and renewable energy development in Turkmenistan was held at the UN building in the Turkmen capital on 4–5 September 2025. The event was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in coordination with the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the country. This was reported by IIC. During the seminar, which brought together representatives of government agencies, academia and energy companies, the main directions for the development of ‘green’ energy were discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on the prospects for the use of hydrogen and the importance of reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas complex. Experts highlighted the high potential of the Turkmen region for solar energy generation, given that it receives up to 3,000 hours of sunlight per year. Discussions focused on advanced technological solutions, methods for assessing the potential of renewable energy sources, and financing mechanisms. At the end of the seminar, participants received certificates and sets of materials that will be used for educational purposes and for further work on the implementation of the national energy strategy.
A meeting of the Heads of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the CIS countries, with the participation of the International Federation and the International Committee of the Red Cross, has concluded in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Following the event, Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan and organisations from Qatar and Russia, aimed at strengthening cooperation. Vice-President of the Qatar Red Crescent Society Ebrahim Hashim Al-Sada noted that the Memorandum will enable the development of joint projects in the field of volunteering and humanitarian activities. Pavel Savchuk, Chairman of the Russian Red Cross, emphasised the importance of exchanging experience in responding to emergencies and training specialists to work with mobile stations and tents. The two-day meeting was held under the motto ‘International Year of Peace and Trust – Humanism and Neutrality’. Participants discussed the development of National Societies, volunteer activities, humanitarian diplomacy and legislative regulation. The event coincided with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and highlighted the significance of the agreements reached.
On 2 September, representatives of the State Veterinary Service of Turkmenistan met with Viktoras Zabolotnas, a consultant to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The parties discussed the conduct of a national assessment of trade barriers, initiated at the official request of the government as part of its support for economic reforms and digitalisation processes. The study, which is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025, aims to improve trade procedures and develop quality infrastructure, from standards and regulation to metrology. The results of the assessment are expected to contribute to the creation of a more favourable business environment, the expansion of foreign economic activity and the strengthening of Turkmenistan's position in international markets, ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Humanitarian aid was sent from Ashgabat to Kabul for the people of Afghanistan affected by the earthquake. The decision to provide assistance was made by order of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, according to the state news agency TDH. The shipment included food, clothing, textiles and essential goods. The aid was provided by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. A ceremony to hand over the humanitarian aid was held in Kabul, where representatives of the Afghan side expressed their gratitude to the Turkmen leadership and people for their support. This action was yet another confirmation of Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of humanism, good neighbourliness and mutual assistance, as well as to strengthening ties between the two countries.