The Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan holds a special place in the country’s socio-political system as the highest representative body representing the interests of the people. Its work involves examining issues relating to state and public life, discussing strategic directions for development, and taking into account proposals from representatives of various regions and civil society organisations.

One of the key events in the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan’s calendar for 2026 will be its next session, which is to be held on 23 September in Ashgabat at the ‘Maslahat köşgi’ Palace in the run-up to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, a fact which lends the event a special significance.

Preparations for this session began in July. On 10 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, issued instructions on organising preparations for the Halk Maslahaty session and the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. On 15 July, a meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty was held, chaired by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

At this meeting, issues relating to the convening of the nationwide forum were discussed, the date and venue were determined, an Organising Committee was established and its membership approved. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of materials, the coordination of actions by state bodies and public organisations, media coverage, public outreach and the consideration of proposals from citizens.

The Mejlis, the Cabinet of Ministers, ministries and departments, administrations, political parties and civil society organisations are all involved in preparing for the meeting. Work is also being carried out at regional level. Meetings and conferences are being held in the velayat, etrap and city Halk Maslahaty, where issues relating to the forthcoming forum are being discussed, and work is underway on proposals and appeals from the public.

The international dimension of the preparations for the session has been reflected in a series of events organised abroad. Turkmenistan’s diplomatic missions in foreign countries are holding conferences and round-table discussions dedicated to the forthcoming session.

Participants in these meetings included representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, students, lecturers, academics, parliamentarians, journalists and public figures.

Furthermore, preparations for the session include the work of state and civil society organisations within the country, collaboration with the regions, gathering proposals from citizens, preparing materials and, at the same time, informing an international audience about the forthcoming forum and the related areas of state policy.

From an institutional perspective, this highlights several distinctive features of the Halk Maslahaty’s current activities. On the one hand, this nationwide forum brings together representatives from various levels of the state and civil society. On the other hand, its activities involve considering long-term development issues and proposals received from regional and civil society levels.

It is precisely this combination of elements that defines the significance of the forthcoming session. It is taking place in a commemorative year for the country, when the achievements of 35 years of independence are being assessed, current socio-economic indicators are being reviewed, and objectives for the future are being formulated.

The meeting on 23 September can therefore be regarded as one stage in a broader process of defining the future direction of Turkmenistan’s development. Its substantive agenda will centre on the issues put forward for discussion, the proposals received, and the decisions that will determine the future direction of work.

The forthcoming session of the People’s Council will not only form part of the events marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, but will also serve as an important forum for discussing the country’s development.