Society
The Libyan Embassy presented Turkmenistan with a gift of 100 olive tree seedlings
10.11.2025The Libyan Embassy in Ashgabat, as a sign of friendship and mutual respect between Turkmenistan and the State of Libya, donated 100 olive tree seedlings to Turkmenistan. This was reported by AsmanNews. A symbolic planting ceremony was held at the Agricultural Research Institute in Anau. The event was attended by Mahmoud Hassan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Libya to Turkmenistan, staff of the diplomatic mission, as well as the Institute's management and specialists. The participants emphasised that this gesture reflects the friendly relations between the two countries and the desire to develop cooperation in the fields of agriculture, ecology and the exchange of experience. The Libyan Ambassador noted that the olive tree is a symbol of peace, longevity and fertility, and its planting on Turkmen soil will be further evidence of the strengthening of bilateral ties.
Turkmenistan delivered humanitarian cargo to Afghanistan
09.11.2025Humanitarian aid, including medicines, food and essential goods, has been delivered to Afghanistan, which was hit by a powerful earthquake, according to the news website Asmannews. Turkmenistan has completed the operation to send the cargo, providing support to the population of the neighbouring state. The decision to provide emergency aid was made by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The shipment was a rapid response to the widespread destruction and human casualties, emphasising the importance of the values of humanity and solidarity traditionally inherent in Turkmen society. The natural disaster has significantly complicated the already difficult humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Children and other vulnerable groups of the population have suffered the most damage, for whom the aid received is critically important.
Victory Day and Azerbaijan National Flag Day celebrated in Ashgabat
09.11.2025The Azerbaijani Embassy in Turkmenistan organised a reception to mark Victory Day and Azerbaijan's National Flag Day. The event was attended by Turkmenistan's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, according to the online news resource TerraNews. In his speech, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Turkmenistan Gismat Gozalov noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the construction of a mosque in the city of Fizuli and expressed gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for supporting the initiative. In turn, Ahmet Gurbanov congratulated the leadership and people of Azerbaijan on their national holidays, emphasising the long-standing friendly relations and positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan provided support to Afghanistan after the earthquake
07.11.2025On behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship sent humanitarian aid to Afghanistan for those affected by the earthquake. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The decision was made after discussions at a meeting of the Fund's Board, where it was noted that Turkmenistan had reacted with sympathy to the news of numerous casualties and destruction in the neighbouring country. The humanitarian aid, including medicines, medical supplies, textiles and food, was sent in accordance with the traditions of mutual assistance and good neighbourliness. The ceremony was attended by representatives of state and public organisations, as well as diplomatic representatives of Afghanistan. Support for the Afghan people is seen as a continuation of Turkmenistan's foreign policy aimed at strengthening cooperation with neighbouring states and developing humanitarian initiatives. The dispatch of aid underscores the desire to support those affected and to reinforce the principles of humanism and mutual support.
Turkmenistan was represented at the Central Asian sessions on the integration of new disciplines into universities
06.11.2025Universities in Central Asia held a series of meetings on the introduction of the subjects ‘Circular Economy and Sustainable Development’ into their curricula, according to the news website Asmannews. The events were held as part of an international project to develop innovative educational modules. The Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management (TSIEM) and the Turkmen State Institute of Finance (TSIF) participated in the work. The sessions were held at partner universities in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The universities presented interim results, discussed achievements and ways to improve the modules. Turkmenistan was represented at the meetings by lecturers from the TSIEM and TSIF, as well as an employee of the Academy of Sciences. The final stage was devoted to exchanging proposals and developing recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the project and developing circular economy programmes in the region.
Turkmen entrepreneurs held a meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator
05.11.2025In Mary velayat, a meeting was held of Dmitry Shlapachenko, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, with local business representatives as part of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the UN and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, according to the online publication Arzuw News. The meeting discussed the implementation of sustainable business practices, innovation and the role of the private sector in sustainable development. Shlapachenko emphasised the importance of UN cooperation with business for job creation and the implementation of the SDGs. With the support of the state, entrepreneurs in the region are expanding production and entering new markets, contributing to the fulfilment of the country's international obligations.
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.
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