Society
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held a meeting with Japan’s Minister for Economic Security
30.03.2026On 26 March, a meeting took place in Tokyo between Atadurdy Bayramov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, and Kimi Onoda, Minister of State for Economic Security. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the negotiations, the Turkmen diplomat expressed his gratitude to the Japanese side for its contribution to the strengthening and development of Turkmen-Japanese relations. The interlocutors discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to areas such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation, scientific and innovative cooperation, ‘green’ technologies, the development of education and support for talented young people, the expansion of contacts between universities and relevant organisations, as well as issues of economic and cyber security. It is noted that K. Onoda also holds the post of Minister of State responsible for the ‘Cool Japan’ strategy, intellectual property policy and scientific and technological development. Furthermore, she is a member of the Japan–Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Ashgabat is preparing for the international exhibition ‘Cooperation and Development’
30.03.2026Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, delivered a report on preparations for the ‘Cooperation and Development’ International Universal Exhibition, due to be held in the capital this April. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to him, 80 companies from Turkmenistan and abroad, representing various sectors, have so far confirmed their participation in the exhibition. Registration of participants is ongoing. The exhibition will feature equipment and machinery, metal products and building materials, chemical products and other goods. The Deputy Prime Minister also submitted a proposal regarding the organisation of the event to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, for consideration. Having heard the report, the Head of State noted that international forums are regularly held in the country, contributing to the strengthening of trade and economic ties with other states. The President of Turkmenistan instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure a high standard of preparation and organisation for the Universal International Exhibition ‘Cooperation and Development’ in Ashgabat.
The fifth anniversary of the Charitable Foundation was celebrated in Turkmenistan
30.03.2026On 29 March, celebrations were held in Turkmenistan to mark the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The events took place in the festival square in the city of Arkadag, according to AsmanNews. At the start of the celebrations, a congratulatory address from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was read out. It noted that supporting children and safeguarding the health of mothers and children remain priorities of state policy. During the event, a Decree by the Head of State was read out awarding state honours to a number of individuals for their contribution to the development of charitable activities. The ‘Arkadag’ medals were presented to Narine Sahakyan, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Turkmenistan, and Jalpa Ratna, Head of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Office in Turkmenistan. Congratulatory speeches were delivered by the Speaker of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, the Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers, B. Seyidova, and other participants. They highlighted the importance of the Foundation’s work in supporting children. Representatives of international organisations emphasised the development of cooperation with Turkmenistan in the humanitarian sphere. In particular, they highlighted the implementation of joint projects with UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme. O. Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities at the Charitable Foundation, reported that since its establishment in 2021, the Foundation has been providing medical and social assistance to children. According to her, programmes for treatment, rehabilitation and prevention are being implemented. It was noted that the Foundation is expanding its international cooperation. Memoranda of Cooperation have been signed with UNICEF, the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of China and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. International conferences and meetings dedicated to child protection issues are being held. Following the official proceedings, a festive concert took place featuring artists, creative groups and pupils from children’s art schools. At the conclusion of the event, an Appeal to the President of Turkmenistan was adopted.
In Bucharest, Turkmenistan’s Achievements and the Importance of Neutrality Were Discussed
28.03.2026On March 26, a roundtable was held at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence and the year’s motto: “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. The event was attended by representatives of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania, the university’s administration and faculty, as well as student youth from Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries. In their speeches, participants highly praised the transformations carried out in Turkmenistan over the years of sovereign development in political, economic, and socio-humanitarian spheres. Special attention was given to the significance of the country’s policy of permanent neutrality. As part of the forum, a new book by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow, “Turkmenistan’s Neutrality – A Bright Path of Peace and Trust,” was presented. Delegates noted the relevance of the publication for strengthening a culture of peace and mutual respect on the international stage. The importance of promoting Turkmenistan’s national values was also highlighted: Akhal-Teke horses are regarded not only as a symbol of statehood but also as a unique contribution of the country to the world’s cultural heritage.
The Russian Film Festival will be held in Ashgabat from March 27 to 29
27.03.2026From March 27 to 29, the Russian Film Festival will take place in Ashgabat. The event is organized by ROSKINO with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, reports IIC. The program features new Russian films for family audiences, including both live-action and animated projects. The festival will open with a screen adaptation of Alexei Tolstoy’s fairy tale Buratino, directed by Igor Voloshin. Audiences will also be presented with the films Treasures of the Dwarfs, The Frog Princess, and the animated feature Doctor Dinosaurs. ROSKINO’s General Director, Elza Antonova, noted that the program is aimed at family viewing and combines traditional storylines with contemporary approaches. Alexander Zharov, General Director of Gazprom-Media Holding, emphasized that the projects share universal themes understandable to a wide audience. Svetlana Balanova, head of the National Media Group, highlighted the festival’s significance for fostering cultural dialogue between Russia and Turkmenistan. The festival is intended to strengthen humanitarian ties and expand cultural exchange.
Turkmen trade unions are strengthening their cooperation with the International Labour Organisation
26.03.2026A delegation from the National Trade Union Centre of Turkmenistan visited the headquarters of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva. The purpose of the visit was to align national labour mechanisms with international standards and to prepare joint projects, according to the news agency Orient. The Roadmap for 2026 was the focus of discussions. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its intention to strengthen cooperation with the ILO, including the modernisation of legislation in line with ratified conventions, the monitoring of working conditions and the creation of digital databases to analyse compliance with labour rights. Particular attention was paid to the principles of ‘Decent work’, expanding employment and social protection. The delegates examined the work of the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) and discussed reporting issues to align national practices with the organisation’s technical requirements. The visit also served as preparation for the International Labour Conference in Geneva in June 2026, where Turkmenistan will be able to exchange experiences and present its achievements in the protection of workers’ rights.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in a children’s creativity festival in Japan
25.03.2026Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Japan, took part in the children’s festival ‘Beautiful Land and Spirit of Harmony for Children’, organised by the Japanese non-profit organisation ‘FUJISAN Chidama Festa WA’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the event, the organisation’s Chairman, Masao Watanabe, congratulated the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship on its fifth anniversary and spoke highly of its humanitarian work, including aid to children in Iran, noting the principles of peace and humanism on which it is based. With a view to strengthening Turkmen-Japanese ties, A. Bayramov invited representatives of ‘FUJISAN Chidama Festa WA’ and Japanese children to visit Turkmenistan and learn about the Foundation’s work. ‘FUJISAN Chidama Festa WA’ is a Japanese organisation that promotes peace through children’s creativity, nature conservation and the promotion of Japanese culture, including through rice fields and origami paper cranes bearing messages of peace.
The website of the ‘Young Naturalist’ organisation has gone live in Turkmenistan
24.03.2026The non-governmental organisation ‘Young Naturalist’ (‘Ýaş tebigatçy’) has launched its official website. The platform aims to broaden access to information about environmental initiatives and projects, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The organisation focuses on environmental well-being, fostering an environmental culture among young people and promoting ‘green’ habits. Its work also includes participation in national environmental programmes and the development of volunteering. As noted by the organisation’s Chairperson Leyli Shyhmedova, the website will serve as a tool for open communication and interaction, as well as a platform for developing international cooperation in the field of ecology. The website features news and materials about the organisation’s activities in Turkmen, Russian and English. Users can apply for membership or join the volunteer movement. It is expected that the launch of the website will strengthen engagement with the public and international partners and support the implementation of the state’s environmental policy.
The ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace celebrated the spring festival with gifts for the children
23.03.2026Turkmenistan celebrated the National Spring Festival – International Nowruz Day – on a grand scale. The festive programme placed particular emphasis on children, according to the press office of the country’s Ministry of Education. Students at the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace received gifts on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The gift sets included fruit, sweets and other treats. The children’s joy was genuine: they responded to the festive initiative with songs, dances and poems. The presentation of gifts on Nowruz is a long-standing tradition that remains an important element of the holiday. The event took place in a warm and festive atmosphere. The children had the opportunity to experience the significance of the holiday and the joy of celebrating together.
Turkmen journalists visited the first capital of the Ottoman Empire
22.03.2026As part of the international ‘Ramadan Press Trip’, Turkmen journalists visited Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. The trip was organised by the Cultural Council of the Turkish Embassy in Turkmenistan, with the support of ‘Turkish Airlines’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In Bursa, the delegation visited Grand Mosque – one of Turkey’s main historic mosques – as well as the Grand Bazaar and Koza Han, known as a centre for the silk trade. The tour participants learnt about the city’s history, its architectural heritage and Ramadan traditions. The programme concluded with a festive iftar, where guests were treated to the famous ‘İskender kebab’ – a gastronomic symbol of Bursa. According to the participants, the trip helped them gain a deeper appreciation of the city’s historical significance and its role in the formation of the Ottoman Empire. The organisers noted that such press tours help to strengthen cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Turkey.
Ashgabat will serve as a forum for discussing reforms in the field of gender equality
20.03.2026On 26–27 March 2026, Ashgabat will host a meeting of parliamentarians from Eastern Europe and Central Asia dedicated to strengthening the legislative framework on gender equality and the eradication of violence against women, reports IIC. The event is organised by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Japan Trust Fund (JTF). During the discussions, parliamentarians will discuss practical legal reforms to eliminate structural inequality and discriminatory norms. The promotion of the rights of women and girls is seen as a key element of sustainable and inclusive development in Central Asia. Parliamentarians play a vital role in bringing national laws into line with international standards, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. They also oversee the allocation of budgetary resources and monitor compliance with gender equality principles at all levels of government. The programme for the two-day event includes interactive sessions with parliamentarians, experts and activists, as well as field visits to government bodies, civil society organisations and healthcare facilities. The event will be conducted in English, Turkmen and Russian with simultaneous interpretation.
The British Ambassador and a UNICEF representative praised inclusive education in Ashgabat
20.03.2026The British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon, and UNICEF representative Jalpa Ratna visited Pilot Inclusive School No. 74 in Ashgabat to learn about inclusive education practices and the adaptation of the school environment for children with disabilities. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the visit, they met with the school administration, representatives of the Ministry of Education and specialists, discussed progress and challenges, and visited classrooms where teachers demonstrated the pupils’ learning and social development outcomes. The guests were invited to lessons featuring interactive tasks, exercises and dancing, where the children actively involved them in the process. The visit took place as part of the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Schools for Children with Disabilities in Turkmenistan’ project, funded by the UK Department for International Development, and highlighted the importance of collaboration between teachers, families and partners in creating schools adapted to each child’s needs. UNICEF and international partners continue to support inclusive education in the country.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
