Society
A veteran from Turkmenistan shared the secrets to a long and happy life
14.01.2026The newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’ reported on 107-year-old Great Patriotic War veteran Aydogdy Amadyev. He confidently states that he lives a happy life, considering true wealth to be not years, but the goodness and meaning invested in them, according to the news website Asmannews. ‘I have lived through different times. I have seen years of deprivation and hardship, survived the war, and worked honestly, sparing no effort. All this has strengthened my character and taught me to appreciate peace, tranquillity and human warmth. Today, I feel particularly keenly the value of a peaceful sky and confidence in the future,’ the veteran shared. He noted that Turkmenistan is becoming stronger every year: the economy is developing, schools and kindergartens are being built, families' well-being is growing, and young people are receiving an education. All this fills him with pride and joy. A special joy for Aydogdy Amadyev is his large and friendly family. He is the father of four daughters and two sons, the grandfather of 34 grandchildren, the great-grandfather of 94 great-grandchildren and the great-great-grandfather of 42 great-great-grandchildren. Their successes, laughter and family celebrations give him strength and inspiration. As he enters a new year of his life, he believes that true happiness lies in peace, harmony, honest work and love for one's country and family, and that every day should be filled with good deeds and joy.
FAO conference on climate and nutrition to be held in Ashgabat
13.01.2026On 22 January, Ashgabat will host an International Conference on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change entitled ‘Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate’, organised with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by IIC. The forum will bring together experts and government officials to discuss measures to protect agri-food systems from climate risks. The conference will be a continuation of international initiatives presented at the Nutrition for Growth Summit held in London and the Climate Conference in Brazil. The key theme will be the concept of ‘One Health,’ which examines the interrelationship between human, animal, plant and environmental health. Participants will discuss food security, supply chain sustainability and adaptation to extreme weather conditions. The programme includes a ministerial segment and specialised technical sessions. The meeting is expected to result in practical recommendations and strengthened international cooperation in the field of sustainable development and nutrition.
‘Kids Expo 2026’: the future of the children’s industry in Turkmenistan
12.01.2026From 19 to 22 August 2026, the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ International Universal Exhibition and Fair will be held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event promises to be an important milestone in the development of the children's goods and services industry, providing companies with a unique opportunity to strengthen their position in the market and contribute to its development. ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ serves as a platform for companies working in the field of children's goods and services, allowing them to present innovative products and new solutions that expand market opportunities. The exhibition will not only be a business platform for companies, but also an effective window into the Turkmenistan market, attracting the attention of international partners, investors and professionals in the children's industry from around the world.
Ashgabat celebrated World Hindi Day
10.01.2026On the eve of World Hindi Day, the Indian Embassy in Ashgabat held a festive event dedicated to one of the world's oldest languages. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The date coincides with the first World Hindi Conference, held in Nagpur in 1975. Today, Hindi is spoken by more than 600 million people and ranks third in the world in terms of prevalence. The programme was opened by students of the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Dovletmammet Azadi, who demonstrated their high level of language proficiency through poetic recitations and vocal performances. The audience also enjoyed dance and music performances inspired by Indian cultural traditions and classical cinema. Special attention was paid to the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Indian heritage: participants from the Ashgabat Yoga Centre presented a demonstration programme, emphasising the profound meaning of this practice. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, delivered a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that Hindi is an important cultural and emotional link that promotes dialogue between peoples and the development of cooperation. The evening concluded with the awarding of active students and a tasting of Indian vegetarian cuisine. The event was a vivid example of how language and culture strengthen humanitarian ties between India and Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan presented an updated strategy for nature conservation
09.01.2026Ashgabat has completed the development of an updated National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation, taking into account the experience of previous programmes and Turkmenistan's commitments under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This was reported by IIC. The main innovation will be the electronic reporting format: The seventh national report will be presented via a digital platform for the first time. The strategy adapts the 23 global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Framework to national conditions. The priorities are combating desertification, biological protection of plants, control of invasive species and conservation of the genetic diversity of cultivated flora. There are plans to expand the network of specially protected natural areas (currently 4.38% of the country's territory), including the opening of the Greater Balkan Nature Reserve and several wildlife sanctuaries in the Koytendag, Gaplangyr and Amudarya regions. The BIOFIN project, in collaboration with the GEF and UNDP, analysed the financing of environmental protection measures: currently, 99% of the costs are covered by the state budget, which is allocated to laboratories, equipment for inspectors and the infrastructure of nature reserves. In the future, it is planned to involve business, young people and science in environmental initiatives. Work on the strategy was carried out throughout 2025 under the coordination of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and takes into account the link with the National Adaptation Programme and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A comprehensive approach will strengthen legislation and balance economic growth with the protection of natural ecosystems.
A book by the President of Turkmenistan was presented in Bucharest
08.01.2026On 7 January, at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania, a presentation of the book by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust,’ was held. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Participants emphasised that the publication is dedicated to the history and contemporary significance of the policy of permanent neutrality, its legal and political foundations, as well as Turkmenistan's role in strengthening regional and global stability. The event featured an exhibition of books by Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, reflecting the country's achievements during the years of independence. Turkmen students and representatives of the diaspora in Romania took part in the presentation. The organisers noted that the meeting contributed to the promotion of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and the strengthening of ties with compatriots abroad.
The ‘Dokma’ online platform brings together products from national textile brands
08.01.2026The ‘Dokma’ trading platform offers a range of textile products from Turkmen manufacturers. The online catalogue includes clothing for men, women and children, as well as footwear and accessories, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The catalogue features products from the ‘Bedew’, ‘Nusaý’, ‘Goza’, ‘Gala’, ‘Mäne’, ‘Jeýtun’, ‘Bürgüt’ and ‘Ýeňiş’ brands, as well as products from the country's largest enterprises under the ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ brand. The website is adapted for use on various devices. The navigation allows you to quickly find products and place orders online. Each item is accompanied by photos, including a zoom function, and a description indicating the materials, sizes and characteristics. The range also includes bedding, towels and bathrobes. The information in the catalogue is regularly updated. Placing an order takes a few minutes. Delivery in Ashgabat is free of charge, and goods can be shipped to all velayats of the country. The development of the ‘Dokma’ platform is aimed at expanding online sales of domestic textile products and reflects the transition of enterprises in the industry to digital formats of trade.
Official online resource launched for the Fund to Help Children in Need of Care
08.01.2026The official website of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship has been launched. The online resource was launched to increase the transparency of the Foundation's activities and expand access to information about its humanitarian initiatives, according to IIC. The official website contains information about the Fund's mission and priorities, ongoing programmes, charitable events and achievements. Users can access news, reports and information about current initiatives. The resource is available in Turkmen, Russian and English. The launch of the website is seen as an additional tool for interacting with the public, partners and international organisations, as well as a step towards the further development of charitable activities in the field of child protection.
Turkmen students win prizes at snow sculpture competition in Harbin
08.01.2026Turkmen students from Harbin Engineering University won prizes at the 18th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest, which took place in 2026 in Harbin (PRC). The team took second place with their entry, ‘Pride of Turkmenistan,’ representing the country's national culture and artistic traditions on an international level. This was reported by IIC. The sculpture was created by Serdarov Didar, Rejepov Ilmyrat, Jorayev Yusupjan, and Amanov Bagtyyar. The central image of the composition was an Ahal-Teke horse, one of the key symbols of Turkmenistan. Made of snow and ice, the work was distinguished by its expressive plasticity, dynamics and accurate conveyance of the strength and nobility of the legendary horse breed. The achievement was given additional symbolism by the fact that the competition was held in the Year of the Horse, whose motto reflects the ideas of fidelity to traditions, spiritual stability and harmony. It is these qualities, according to the authors' concept, that are embodied by the Ahal-Teke horse, which became the artistic and semantic centre of the sculpture. The Turkmen team's second place was marked with a certificate presented by the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Organizing Committee with the support of the National Institute of Industrial Design in China. The award confirmed the high level of professional training and creative approach of the young authors. The performance of Turkmen students in Harbin contributed to the promotion of Turkmenistan's cultural image abroad, demonstrating the possibilities of a modern artistic interpretation of national heritage on an international stage.
Turkmenistan discusses new National Forest Programme until 2030
07.01.2026A round table discussion on the draft National Forest Programme of Turkmenistan for 2026–2030 was held in Ashgabat, organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in conjunction with UNDP and the Aral Project. Scientists, members of the Mejlis and relevant experts took part in the discussion, according to IIC. The project, which is the third stage of the national greening strategy, includes 13 sections and a specific action plan. It places greater emphasis on the restoration of natural forests and, for the first time, provides for state forest management to create a forest cadastre. The programme also provides for public-private partnership mechanisms, measures to combat desertification and adapt to climate change, and the introduction of GIS, satellite monitoring and AI. The prospects for the development of ecotourism, job creation and the country's participation in international carbon credit markets are highlighted separately.
Turkmenistan and China pool expertise in protecting desert routes
05.01.2026Turkmen and Chinese scientists have strengthened cooperation in the study of desert areas as part of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan and the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences are focusing on China's experience in protecting transport infrastructure in extreme climatic conditions. Particular attention is paid to the motorway through the Taklamakan Desert, which is over 560 km long and protected by an artificial forest belt covering an area of over 3,000 hectares. The ecosystem of 20 million drought-resistant plants prevents sand drift and is supported by electrified wells with mineralised water. The project is recognised by the international community and contributes to the restoration of biodiversity and the application of technologies for growing cistanche on saxaul. The similarity of desert conditions with the Karakum Desert makes the exchange of experience particularly useful for Turkmenistan, which sees cooperation as a contribution to the development of sustainable ecosystems and the creation of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Technology in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan's capital discusses motto for 2026
05.01.2026A solemn event dedicated to the motto of 2026, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ was held at the Centre for Public Organisations in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan.’ It is noted that the image of the ‘winged horse’ symbolises the country’s striving for new achievements and is associated with the Year of the Horse in the Eastern calendar, as well as the special role of Ahal-Teke horses in national culture. Within the framework of the event, an exhibition of decorative and applied arts with samples of horse equipment and jewellery was held, emphasising the continuity of traditions and the country's modern development. Participants also highlighted the social orientation of state policy in the areas of improving living standards, science and education.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
