On 7 October 2026, a plenary session of the Second International Conference on ‘Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals’ took place at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan.

The event was dedicated to improving healthcare systems, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing the latest advances in medical science and practice.

The plenary session was opened and chaired by Myratberdi Gayipov, Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.

The conference was attended by Valentina Matvienko, Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation; D. Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan; representatives of the World Health Organisation, the CIS, and the International Committee of the Red Cross; as well as heads and representatives of health authorities and parliaments from countries in the region.

In her address at the conference, D. Gulmanova noted that public health is one of the priority areas of Turkmenistan’s state policy. According to her, programmes are being implemented in the country to develop the healthcare system, prevent diseases and improve medical infrastructure.

During the conference, it was noted that, as part of the President of Turkmenistan’s ‘Saglyk’ State Programme, the sector’s material, technical and legislative foundations are being strengthened. Medical and healthcare facilities, sanatoriums, pharmaceutical enterprises and other facilities are being built in all regions of the country.

The conference also highlighted the importance of international cooperation. Turkmenistan collaborates with leading medical centres, educational institutions and international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund.

During the conference, key areas of focus included the digitalisation of healthcare, the introduction of telemedicine and artificial intelligence, and the further development of preventive and sanatorium-based medicine.

Conference participants discussed improving the legal framework for modern medicine, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and developing international cooperation in the field of healthcare.

At the close of the conference, participants expressed their support for the further development of regional and international cooperation and thanked the Turkmenistan authorities for creating the conditions necessary to host the event.