Society
A ceremony marking the launch of direct flights between Ashgabat and Seoul took place
16.07.2025On 14 July 2025, a ceremony was held at Incheon Airport (Republic of Korea) to mark the launch of regular flights between Turkmenistan and South Korea. The event was attended by representatives of the two countries' leadership, including Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Lee Hak-yong and representatives of the Turkmen delegation headed by Deputy Chairman of ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’ N. Kakabayev. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In their speeches, the participants emphasised that the launch of direct air service reflects the dynamic development of Turkmen-Korean cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea B. Durdyev presented a programme of events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. The ceremony concluded with the traditional ribbon-cutting and a commemorative photo, symbolising the beginning of a new stage in relations between the two countries. Direct flights between Ashgabat and Seoul will contribute to strengthening business and tourist ties, as well as the development of cultural exchanges.
Turkmenistan delegation took part in the ‘Children of the Commonwealth’ forum in Belarus
15.07.2025On 13 July, the 10th International Cultural and Educational Forum ‘Children of the Commonwealth’ was held in Minsk at the ‘Zubrenok’ National Children's Educational and Health Centre, with the participation of a delegation from Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The forum was organised by the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS and the Council of the Republic of Belarus with the support of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS countries. Among the participants were representatives of the Embassy of Turkmenistan, headed by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belarus, Nazarguly Shaguliyev, schoolchildren from CIS countries, as well as the director of the centre, Tatyana Osmolovskaya. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the symbolism of the fact that 2025 is the International Year of Peace and Trust, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. The Head of the diplomatic mission emphasised the importance of cultural exchange and educating young people in the spirit of friendship. The Turkmen delegation presented the country's culture through crafts, music and dance, and also organised a photo exhibition and video presentation dedicated to the historical and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan.
Concept of new regional UNDP project presented in Turkmenistan
14.07.2025On 10–11 July, a seminar was held in Ashgabat to present the concept of a new UNDP regional project, ‘Enhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risks and Climate Change in Central Asia.’ This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The initiative is being implemented with the support of the Government of Japan in partnership with the Ashgabat City Administration and the Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan. The event brought together a wide range of participants, including representatives of government agencies, international and scientific institutions involved in urban planning, sustainable development, climate and disaster risk reduction. Tomica Paovic, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, emphasised the importance of the project for the region, which is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, and noted the need to build sustainable cities. Participants discussed the framework for a roadmap for the sustainable development of Ashgabat, the formation of a working group and the stages of project implementation. The project covers five countries in the region and will run until 2027, focusing on sustainable urban development and climate adaptation in the face of growing environmental threats.
‘Awaza AI’ virtual assistant created for UN forum participants in Turkmenistan
13.07.2025The ‘Awaza AI’ virtual assistant was presented for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This innovative tool was developed with the support of the country's government and will help participants quickly obtain information about the forum. ‘Awaza AI’ provides data on the programme, speakers, logistics and other organisational details, supporting participants in real time. The programme includes plenary sessions, round tables and events with the participation of UN member states, NGOs and businesses. There will also be exhibitions on sustainable development, trade, transport, technology and climate. Separate sessions will be dedicated to youth, women leaders and civil society. Advance accreditation is required to participate.
An international project to improve the resilience of cities to climate risks has been launched in Ashgabat
12.07.2025On 10-11 July 2025, Ashgabat hosted a seminar of the regional project ‘Enhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risks and Climate Change in Central Asia’, organised by the United Nations Development Programme in cooperation with the Turkmen authorities and with financial support from Japan. This was reported by IIC. The event brought together more than 100 participants, including representatives of government agencies, diplomatic missions, the scientific community and international organisations. The discussions focused on the development of comprehensive approaches to urban planning that take into account the climate risks and natural hazards characteristic of the region. As noted by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Tomica Paovic, Turkmenistan, like other countries in Central Asia, is facing an increase in extreme weather events. The project will help Ashgabat become a model of sustainable development for the entire region. During the workshop, experts presented methodologies for integrating climate adaptation into urban planning, including risk assessment tools and a roadmap for sustainable development of the capital of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to seismic safety, combating desertification and water resource management. The project provides for the creation of an interdepartmental working group and the development of specific measures to improve the sustainability of urban infrastructure. The solutions obtained can subsequently be scaled up to other cities in Turkmenistan and Central Asia.
‘Turkmenistan Airlines’ launches new international route
11.07.2025From 14 July 2025, Turkmenistan's national carrier will expand its route network by adding a new regular flight between Incheon (South Korea) – Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) – Istanbul (Turkey). Flights will be operated once a week, on Mondays, on Boeing 777 aircraft. This was reported by the IIC. This route connects three key transport hubs: Incheon, the largest air hub in East Asia; Ashgabat, the strategic centre of Central Asia; and Istanbul, one of the most important transfer points between Europe and Asia. The launch of the route was made possible by the deepening of the partnership between Turkmenistan and South Korea, which was officially taken to a new level last year. Experts expect that the new flight will not only increase passenger traffic but also open up additional opportunities for business, tourism and cargo transportation. Turkmen Airlines continues to expand its international presence, strengthening Ashgabat's position as a transit hub on the global air transport map.
Turkmenistan celebrates World Horse Day
11.07.202511 July 2025 marks World Horse Day, proclaimed by the United Nations in recognition of the role of these animals in human history. In Turkmenistan, the holiday has special significance — the country is rightly proud of the Ahal-Teke breed, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. This was reported by the IIC. Ahal-Tekes, known for their graceful build, endurance and noble temperament, have been loyal companions of the Turkmen people for centuries. Their golden coat and graceful movements have delighted travellers, rulers and artists, and today these horses continue to conquer international exhibitions and sports arenas. In Turkmenistan, the holiday is marked by horse shows, races and traditional ceremonies that emphasise the connection between generations. The authorities and public organisations also use this day to remind people of the importance of preserving the unique gene pool of the Ahal-Teke breed. World Horse Day is another opportunity to show the world the cultural heritage of Turkmenistan and the country's contribution to the development of global horse breeding.
Turkmenistan participates in the ‘Children of the Commonwealth’ Forum
10.07.2025Representatives of Turkmenistan are participating in the 10th International Cultural and Educational Forum ‘Children of the Commonwealth,’ which began on 7 July in Belarus. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event is dedicated to the theme ‘80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War: Memory and Unity of Generations.’ Schoolchildren from nine CIS countries are participating in the event. The programme opened at the National Children's Technopark and includes master classes, excursions and introductions to the culture of the Commonwealth countries. The forum has been held since 2013 on the initiative of the Supreme Council of the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly. The event has already been held in Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan. The current forum will last until 16 July.
Turkmen chefs invited to the International Festival ‘Samarqand oshi’
10.07.2025Representatives of Turkmenistan have been invited to participate in the International Festival ‘Samarqand oshi’ (‘Samarkand dish’), which will be held from 1 to 3 August in Samarkand. This was reported by the news website TerraNews. This large-scale event is dedicated to the art of cooking palav (pilaf), one of the main symbols of the cultural heritage of Central Asia. The festival organisers invite not only professional chefs and restaurateurs, but also all lovers of Eastern cuisine to exchange experiences and learn about the traditions of the region. The main event will be the preparation of 7.5 tonnes of ‘Samarkand palav’ under the guidance of leading chefs. For Turkmen culinary masters, this is a unique opportunity to showcase their national cuisine on the international stage and strengthen cultural ties with neighbouring countries.
The UNRCCA in Ashgabat held an interactive session for young leaders
10.07.2025An interactive online session organised by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) took place in Ashgabat. The event, held as part of the 2025 Academy of Preventive Diplomacy, brought together young leaders from Central Asia and Afghanistan to discuss the role of youth and women in peacebuilding processes. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The session took place in a landmark year – the 25th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. Participants examined practical aspects of implementing the global agendas ‘Women, Peace and Security’ and ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ in a regional context. Particular attention was paid to the activities of the Central Asian Women Leaders' Dialogue under the UNRCCA, an important platform for strengthening the role of women in decision-making and promoting inclusive approaches to ensuring stability.
Students and high school students from Turkmenistan took part in the forum in Taganrog
09.07.2025HEI and high school students from Turkmenistan took part in the XXIII All-Russian ‘Chekhov Cup’ Forum in Taganrog. The event, which brought together 124 participants from different countries, provided an opportunity to improve debating and argumentation skills, according to IIC Turkmenistan. In addition to representatives from Turkmenistan, students from China, the Central African Republic, Russia, Colombia and Nigeria attended the forum. The event was organised by the Institute of Management of the Southern Federal University, ‘Global-NPD’ and the IT company ‘Logovo’, with the support of the Territorial Electoral Commission of the city of Taganrog. The debates were held in the Karl Popper, World Schools Debate and British Parliamentary formats in Russian, English and Chinese. An oratory competition was also held as part of the forum. Representatives from Turkmenistan actively participated in master classes and debates in three languages, and also visited the Sambek Heights memorial. The forum concluded with an award ceremony for the winners.
Logistics specialists in Turkmenistan are learning about digital trade technologies
08.07.2025Representatives of the ‘Türkmen logistika’ association took part in a regional training course on the digitisation of trade procedures held in Tashkent. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The event brought together experts from five Central Asian countries: Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Participants studied the basics of digital trade facilitation and UN/CEFACT standards as part of a project supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The implementation of UN/CEFACT standards aimed at standardising data and processes should contribute to the development of paperless trade and improve the efficiency of cross-border operations in the region. During the training, pilot projects were developed, which are planned to be presented in December 2025. By 2027, the countries intend to implement digital tools — eTIR and eCMR.
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