The International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development’ has begun in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants are discussing initiatives to empower women and promote sustainable development. Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, emphasised the importance of women's active participation in social and economic processes, noting that international cooperation and exchange of experience contribute to the achievement of goals in healthcare, education and social support. It was also noted that Turkmenistan is implementing measures to enhance the role of women, including access to health services, support for motherhood and childhood, and the promotion of women's leadership. The conference will continue with thematic sessions on partnership, innovation in social policy and international cooperation.
Zhanna Chefranova, First Deputy Chairwoman of the Committee on Social Policy of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, has arrived in Turkmenistan. She is participating in the international conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals,’ according to IIC. The conference will feature discussions on modern methods of social support, the exchange of experience and the presentation of practices used in different countries. Zhanna Chefranova's visit highlights the active cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the social sphere and creates opportunities for new joint projects.
Turkmen athlete Muhammetoraz Gulov won a silver medal at the International World Series tournament ‘The Karate 1-Youth League’, which took place in the city of Jesolo (Italy). This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The competition, held under the auspices of the World Karate Federation (WKF), attracted 3,378 participants from 83 countries. Turkmenistan was represented by 17 athletes. Gulov came second in the kumite competition among boys under 14 years of age in the weight category up to 40 kg. In the final, he lost to Norik Makaryan from Armenia 1:4.
A delegation from Azerbaijan has arrived at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The delegation includes Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Centre. This was reported by the IIC. The guests are participating in an international conference dedicated to the role of women in modern society and international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The visit of the Azerbaijani delegation underscores the importance of cultural and social interaction between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Discussions at the conference create opportunities for the implementation of joint educational, cultural and media projects, as well as for strengthening bilateral partnership.
The President of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Celmira de Almeida do Sacramento dos Santos Lourenço, has arrived at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. She is participating in the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals,’ according to IIC. The forum will feature a plenary session and panel discussions. Participants will discuss gender equality, women's access to education and professions, the development of digital skills, and sustainable development topics. The visit by the Head of the Legislative Body of São Tomé and Príncipe reflects interest in international dialogue in the field of women's empowerment. Turkmenistan and São Tomé and Príncipe continue to develop cooperation in politics, education and culture, as well as strengthening trade, economic and humanitarian ties.
Lyudmila Kondrashova, Director of the Republican Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Disabilities and Chairwoman of the Children's Fund of Belarus, has arrived at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. She is participating in the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals,’ according to IIC. The conference will discuss approaches to social support for children, exchange of experience and implementation of rehabilitation practices. Lyudmila Kondrashova's participation opens up additional opportunities for cooperation between Belarus and Turkmenistan in the field of social protection.
A branch of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship has been opened in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The new centre expands the Foundation's activities in the field of social support and rehabilitation of children, according to IIC. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the international media, official delegations and participants of the international conference taking place in Awaza. Such a composition of guests demonstrates interest in humanitarian projects implemented in Turkmenistan. The symbolic ribbon was cut by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Foundation, and Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. After that, the flags of Turkmenistan and the Foundation were raised, marking the start of the new institution's work. The programme was complemented by a performance by the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Group, which presented elements of national acrobatics. Guests were shown the facilities of the branch: medical and health, psychological and rehabilitation rooms, as well as rooms for the creative development of children. All areas are equipped to international standards. The opening of the new branch confirms Turkmenistan's attention to humanitarian initiatives and the protection of children's interests.
An exhibition of Turkmenistan's economic achievements will be held in Ashgabat from 11 to 12 December, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent Neutrality. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will showcase the opportunities offered by national industries, which will contribute to the development of entrepreneurship and the expansion of international cooperation. Specialists from ministries and departments, members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, as well as foreign companies have been invited to participate.
The 116th session of the Council of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) opened in Geneva on 8 December. Participants are discussing issues of international migration, the development of global migration processes and the priorities of the Organisation's activities. This was reported by the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office in Geneva. Turkmenistan is represented at the session by a delegation headed by Deputy Chairman of the State Migration Service Dovran Bayramov. Speaking at the meeting, Dovran Bayramov outlined Turkmenistan's approach to key areas of migration policy. He stressed the need for international coordination and comprehensive management of migration processes. In his speech, he also noted the importance of integrating global documents — the 2030 Agenda, the Global Compact for Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees — into national development strategies. In addition, the delegation presented measures to modernise the migration system, expand legal migration channels, improve entry and exit procedures, and ensure equal social and labour rights for migrants.
On 8 December, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Turkmenistan (residing in Tashkent) Girts Jaunzems. At the beginning of the meeting, the Ambassador presented copies of his credentials, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side congratulated the Diplomat on his appointment and noted its readiness to facilitate his work. The negotiations focused on the current state of relations and possible areas for further cooperation. The parties confirmed their intention to continue cooperation in international organisations, including within the framework of the UN. They separately emphasised the importance of regular contacts between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries. At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador thanked the Turkmen side for the reception and stated that he would work to develop friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Latvia.
A Turkmen delegation led by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, paid a working visit to the State of Qatar. The programme of the visit included participation in the Doha Forum, a number of bilateral meetings and visits to social and cultural sites, according to AsmanNews. Oguljahan Atabayeva participated in the opening ceremony of the Doha Forum, held under the motto ‘Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity’. As part of the forum, the Vice-President of the Foundation spoke at a thematic session dedicated to the protection of children, emphasising the importance of international cooperation in the humanitarian sphere and Turkmenistan's priorities in matters of maternal and child health. During the visit, meetings were held with Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, and President of the Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. The parties discussed expanding cooperation in the humanitarian, educational and social spheres, issues of child support and the exchange of experience. The Qatari partners highly appreciated the activities of the Charitable Foundation of Turkmenistan and its international initiatives. The Turkmen side invited their interlocutors to the international conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society’, which will be held on 10 December in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. As part of the programme, the delegation also visited the Museum of Islamic Art and the Sidra Medical Centre. The visit was a significant step in the development of Turkmen-Qatari cooperation and confirmed the parties' desire to strengthen cooperation in the humanitarian agenda.
On 8 December, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kakha Imnadze. This was reported by TDH. Kakha Imnadze conveyed greetings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and noted his support for Turkmenistan's initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and sustainable development in the region. He also highlighted the country's contribution to the work of the Regional Centre, established on the initiative of Hero Arkadag. The National Leader of the Turkmen people thanked him for his words of support and recalled that the meeting was taking place on the eve of International Neutrality Day. Hero Arkadag noted that 2025 has been declared the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust,’ and its significance is enhanced by the coincidence with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN. According to the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, many events have already been held in Turkmenistan and abroad to mark these dates. An international forum with the participation of representatives from different countries will be held in Ashgabat in the near future. It is expected to become a platform for discussing issues on the global agenda, sustainable development and humanitarian cooperation. The Head of the UN Regional Centre noted that the holding of such a forum reflects consistent support for Turkmenistan's initiatives in the field of peace and stability. As noted at the meeting, Turkmenistan's cooperation with the UN is long-term and strategic in nature. The country supports the UN's leading role in addressing global challenges and promotes initiatives in the areas of peace, preventive diplomacy, energy security, transport and the environment. These proposals receive broad international support. The role of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in maintaining stability and good neighbourliness in the region was noted separately. Kakha Imnadze expressed his gratitude to Turkmenistan for its support for the Centre's work and confirmed his readiness to develop the partnership.