In Turkmenistan, ceremonial events, conferences, and exhibitions are being held to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. Commemorative activities have been organized in the capital and across the country’s regions, according to AsmanNews. Under a decree of the President of Turkmenistan, war veterans and home front workers will receive monetary and valuable gifts on behalf of the head of state. The authorities emphasize the contribution of the older generation to the defense of the Motherland, the strengthening of social unity, and the patriotic education of youth. To mark the commemorative date, the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan has opened an exhibition titled “Hakyda ýazylan ýatlamalar” (“Memories Written in Memory”). The display includes archival photographs, frontline letters, orders and medals, documents of war participants, as well as materials dedicated to the labor heroism of women on the home front. A special place in the exhibition is given to a carpet portrait of Berdimuhamed Annayev, the grandfather of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the great-grandfather of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Works by Hero-Arkadag and materials about war heroes are also presented. A festive exhibition titled “Gahrymanlarymyza hormat” (“Respect to Our Heroes”) has also been organized at the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan. It features works by Turkmen painters and sculptors dedicated to the heroism of the people during the war years. Ahead of Victory Day, the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management hosted a scientific-practical conference titled “Beýik Ýeňiş – baky şöhrata beslenen gahrymançylygyň, watansöýüjiligiň öçmez nusgasy” (“The Great Victory – an Immortal Example of Heroism and Patriotism Embellished with Eternal Glory”). Participants discussed the importance of historical memory, patriotic education, and Turkmenistan’s peace-oriented policy. Speakers emphasized that the feats of frontline soldiers and home front workers remain an example for current and future generations, and that preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War is regarded as an important part of national traditions.
The British architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects will take part in the 25th International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026.” The forum will be held on May 24–25 in the capital of Turkmenistan, Turkmenportal reports. More than 100 companies from 25 countries are expected to participate. The program will focus on issues of sustainable urban development, infrastructure digitalization, and the long-term development of Ashgabat up to 2045. Zaha Hadid Architects was founded by the architect Zaha Hadid. The firm’s portfolio includes projects in the Middle East and Central Asia, such as the mixed-use complex The Opus and the BEEAH Headquarters in the UAE, as well as projects in Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. As part of the forum, a roundtable discussion is planned with participation from UN agencies and international development institutions.
On May 21, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction will host an International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “The White City of Ashgabat — a Masterpiece of Architectural Art, a Center of Scientific Innovation.” The event is dedicated to Ashgabat City Day, according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The conference will be held online in Turkmen, Russian, and English. It will bring together scientists, lecturers, postgraduate researchers, students, and staff from research institutions, as well as engineers and specialists from Turkmenistan and other countries. The program includes four thematic areas: architectural and construction innovations; architecture, design, and urban planning; digital technologies and the construction economy; ecology, safety, and alternative energy. Applications for participation are accepted until May 15. Participants are required to submit an application form, abstracts, and a summary to the organizing committee via email. The aim of the conference is to exchange scientific experience and develop international cooperation.
The “GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026” forum in Almaty has become the largest technology event in the region, bringing together global experts and industry leaders. The Turkmenistan-based “StartUp Academy” served as the information partner of the event, and its CEO Daniil Mayakovsky summarized the results of the participation, according to the news agency Orient. The main theme of the forum was artificial intelligence, with discussions focusing on AI implementation, cybersecurity, and public policy. The exhibition featured international companies including Dell, Intel, Huawei, Lenovo, and Salesforce. Speakers included representatives from Europe, China, the United States, and the Middle East. Special attention at the forum was given to startups and the development of the venture ecosystem in Central Asia. According to D. Mayakovsky, young technology companies are now becoming key drivers of innovation due to their flexibility and ability to quickly respond to market demands. For “StartUp Academy,” participation in “GITEX AI Kazakhstan” became an opportunity to strengthen international ties and discuss joint initiatives aimed at developing the region’s startup ecosystem. Forum participants noted the high level of organization and called the exhibition the most large-scale technology platform in Central Asia.
At the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, a meeting was held with experts from Finland representing the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation. Researchers from the university’s Center for Strategic Studies also took part. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The parties discussed issues of cooperation and prospects for future collaboration. Interest from European expert circles in the Central Asian region was noted, including topics related to energy, transport, and security. The guests also met with the leadership of the foreign ministry and visited landmarks in Ashgabat. The director of the Center for Strategic Studies, Shiri Shiriev, presented the main areas of the institution’s work and spoke about its international contacts. The meeting was attended by Center staff members Bekdurdy Amansaryev, Allaberdy Niyazov, and Orazmukhamed Annabaev. Following the talks, the parties are preparing to sign a memorandum of cooperation.
From May 6 to 8, 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum in Leipzig. The theme of the forum is “Financing Sustainable Transport.” This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The summit brings together transport ministers from 69 countries, as well as representatives of companies, academia, and international organizations. The Turkmen delegation is headed by Suleyman Durdyev, Deputy Chairman of the State Service “Turkmenhowayollary.” The delegation also includes representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Railway Transport. Participants are discussing investment attraction and financing strategies for sustainable transport systems, taking into account climate risks, pandemics, and other factors. Turkmenistan’s participation is linked to the development of transport infrastructure and international corridors. The country is implementing projects aimed at modernizing the sector and building a transit and logistics system. The development of digital solutions and environmentally friendly modes of transport was also highlighted.
On May 5, during exchange trading on the foreign market, new export agreements were concluded between foreign and Turkmen entrepreneurs. This was reported by the press service of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. Representatives of Turkey agreed to purchase first-grade wheat flour and textile products from Turkmen producers. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs from the UAE concluded deals with Turkmen businesspeople to purchase Portland cement. As a result of the trading session, four deals were signed for a total amount of 3 million US dollars.
Lenovo sees potential for developing artificial intelligence projects in Turkmenistan. This was stated by Fuad Talibov, a representative of “Relationship EECA Lenovo Azerbaijan,” on the sidelines of the “GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026” forum, according to the Orient news agency. He emphasized that in recent years there has been a noticeable increase in interest in IT infrastructure solutions, computer hardware, and peripheral equipment across Central Asian countries. According to him, Lenovo has already implemented major projects in Turkmenistan. Talibov also noted that Lenovo offers comprehensive solutions for the public sector — from server equipment and data storage systems to the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. As an example, he referred to the company’s experience in implementing AI projects within government institutions in Azerbaijan, which, in his view, could also be adapted in other countries in the region, including Turkmenistan. Forum experts note that international technology companies are increasingly viewing Central Asia as a developing market for digital transformation and the deployment of IT infrastructure solutions.
The Turkmenistan youth national team (under-20) will take part in the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) championship, which will be held in Tajikistan from May 10 to May 20, Asmannews reports. In addition to the Turkmen team, the tournament will feature the national teams of Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The competition will be played in a round-robin format, with the winner determined by the highest number of points earned. Live broadcasts of the matches will be available on the official YouTube channel of the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA). The organizers say the match schedule will be published at a later date.
Turkmen weightlifter Didarbek Dzhumabayev won a bronze medal in the total (combined lift) and a silver medal in the clean and jerk at the Junior World Championships held in Ismailia, Egypt. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. He competed in the under-79 kg category, recording 148 kg in the snatch and 187 kg in the clean and jerk, for a combined total of 335 kg. The gold medal went to Egyptian lifter Abdulrahman Hamouda (341 kg), while silver was claimed by Armenian athlete Narek Mkrtchyan (336 kg). The Junior World Championships are taking place from May 2 to May 8. Turkmenistan is represented by nine athletes. Previously, Turkmen female athletes in other weight categories did not manage to reach the podium: Ogulshat Amanova placed fourth, Shabnam Kerimbaeva finished eighth, and Medine Amanova completed her performance without any successful attempts.
Turkmen company “Aýdyň Gijeler” is launching a large-scale hot-dip galvanizing project for metal. The facility is planned to be commissioned by the end of the year and could become one of the largest in the region, according to the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. Initial investments amount to around $5 million, with a production capacity of over 2,000 tons of metal per month. The products are expected to be in demand in the oil and gas sector, industry, and mechanical engineering, including projects in the Caspian region. The company is also preparing to launch a full-cycle stainless steel production facility and is expanding its metallurgy plans, focusing on both the domestic market and exports. Additionally, it is considering the production of next-generation radio terminals for the oil and gas sector.
A three-day workshop on modern content creation methods and the use of artificial intelligence in the media sector is taking place at the “Buig” company building (Carbon Center). The event is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan. This is reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event brings together representatives of the media, government institutions, and the creative industries. The program is aimed at enhancing the professional skills of journalists and content creators. The sessions are held in an interactive format, including practical assignments, teamwork, and case study analysis. International experts are working with the participants.