On 24 September 2026, representative of Turkmenistan participated in a high-level side event dedicated to demographic resilience. The Turkmen side emphasized the strong interconnection between reliable demographic data, skills development, productive employment, and expanding opportunities for young people. The Turkmen side also highlighted the importance of youth … [Read more...]
Industrialization, energy, science, education and youth: Key takeaways from the speech by National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the Halk Maslahaty meeting
At the Halk Maslahaty meeting on 23 September, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, outlined the key directions for Turkmenistan’s future development, placing special emphasis on industrialization, energy, technological progress, workforce training, and youth support. In his keynote address, Berdimuhamedov … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 17 – Growing Up in a Different Turkmenistan
Tamir Shakirov Perhaps the fairest way to judge 35 years of change is to ask a child. Not a government official. Not an economist. Not an industrialist. A child. What does the world look like to someone growing up in Turkmenistan today? The answer would be almost unrecognizable to someone who was a child in the early 1990s. Start with something as simple … [Read more...]
Sweet Romania: Ashgabat hosts workshop on traditional Romanian desserts
Elvira Kadyrova, Tamir Shakirov A culinary workshop dedicated to traditional Romanian pastries and desserts was held at the Ynamly Kepil coworking centre in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the youth initiative Creative Corner Turkmenistan, Astra Consulting and La Crema café, with the support of the Embassy of Romania in Turkmenistan. The event brought together young … [Read more...]
Smart City Diplomacy and Digital Education: Turkmenistan Outlines Strategic Initiatives at Inaugural Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit
On Wednesday, 16 September, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit and the inaugural six-party Business Summit in Seoul. During the summit, Turkmenistan presented the "Smart City Diplomacy" initiative, proposed expanding cooperation in education and digital skills for youth, stepping up joint scientific … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan holds a general lesson for youth
On 2 September, in honor of the start of the new academic year, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a traditional general lesson for university and school students at the Ruhyet Palace in Arkadag City. In his address, the National Leader of the Turkmen people provided guidance to the … [Read more...]
UNICEF Youth Climate Summer School Concludes with Draft National Youth Statement for COP31
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 28 August 2026 — The second edition of the UNICEF Youth Climate Summer School has concluded with 33 young people from every region of Turkmenistan strengthening their knowledge and practical skills in climate action and developing a draft National Youth Statement for COP31. Implemented under the 2026 Joint Work Plan between the Ministry of … [Read more...]
To the young people of Central Asia – Choosing a Future You Can’t Yet See
Elvira Kadyrova and Liliya Zhirnova There is a question every teenager in Central Asia has been asked at least once, usually by a relative at a wedding, over a table too full of food to finish: What do you want to become? It used to be a fair question. There was an answer, and the answer meant something. Doctor. Engineer. Teacher. Diplomat. You picked a word, you followed … [Read more...]
UNICEF launches the second Youth Climate Summer School in Turkmenistan
UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, has launched the second Youth Climate Summer School, bringing together 35 young people aged 16–25 from all regions of the country. Participants were selected through a competitive nationwide call, with around 150 applications received this year, … [Read more...]
UNODC Programme Office in Turkmenistan Launches Youth Awareness Week for World Drug Day, Empowering Youth for a Drug-Free Future
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 26 June 2026 – The UNODC Programme Office in Turkmenistan together with the Regional Youth Network for Central Asia (RYNCA) Members in Turkmenistan, have launched an engaging “Youth Awareness & Healthy Lifestyle Week” titled “Prevention Starts with Me,” in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked annually … [Read more...]
Young people lead the conversation on a smoke-free future in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 13 -14 May 2026 — Young people gathered in Ashgabat for the workshop “Generation Smoke-Free: Youth Leading the Change”, an interactive initiative aimed at strengthening tobacco prevention efforts and promoting healthy lifestyles among youth. Organized in the lead-up to World No Tobacco Day, the workshop aligned with the 2026 global theme, “Unmasking … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan participates in the Asian Partner Roundtable in Bonn
Bonn, Germany— A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Shirin Abidova, Adviser to the Director of the Youth Affairs Agency, met with UNV’s Executive Coordinator, Toily Kurbanov, during the Asian Partner Roundtable at the United Nations Campus in Bonn on 12–13 May 2026. Held during International Volunteer Year 2026, the Roundtable will focus on how volunteer action can … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan participates in the UNV Asian Partner Roundtable in Bonn
Bonn, Germany— A delegation from Kazakhstan, led by Gulbara Sultanova from the Ministry of Culture and Information, met with UNV’s Executive Coordinator Toily Kurbanov during the Asian Partner Roundtable at the United Nations Campus in Bonn on 12–13 May 2026. Held during International Volunteer Year 2026, the Roundtable will focus on how volunteer action can strengthen … [Read more...]
UNFPA held in Ashgabat technical meeting on adolescent reproductive health and healthy lifestyle promotion
Ashgabat, 14 May 2026 — A technical meeting was held today at the UN Building in Ashgabat, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkmenistan in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. The meeting was organized as part of the 2026 joint Work Plan between UNFPA and the Ministry of Education. … [Read more...]
UNESCO: Number of students in higher education more than doubled in 20 years, but inequalities remain
UNESCO’s first Higher Education Global Trends Report shows that the number of students enrolled in higher education worldwide has more than doubled over the past two decades, reaching 269 million in 2024. International mobility has tripled over the same period, with nearly 7.3 million students studying abroad, half of them hosted in European and North American countries. Women … [Read more...]
Eco-quest “Ecological well-being – the beauty of the earth” held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted an eco-quest environmental campaign titled “Ecological Well-being – The Beauty of the Earth”. The event was jointly organized by the UNESCO Club “Culture of Peace” of the Institute and the Public organization “Young Naturalist”. This is reported on the official website of the … [Read more...]
The Untapped Tech Talent of Central Asia’s Steppes
Tariq Saeedi Every morning across rural Central Asia, a teenager might wake before dawn to track down a wandering camel across miles of steppe, calculate which sections of cropland can be irrigated with the day's limited water supply, or improvise a repair on broken farm machinery using whatever materials are at hand. These aren't the activities we typically associate … [Read more...]
Initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan at the Tokyo Summit: From “Green Diplomacy” to Youth Exchanges
The address by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the historic first "Central Asia + Japan" leaders' summit was dedicated to strengthening the multifaceted partnership between the regions. The President emphasized that this meeting in Tokyo, chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, was a milestone event laying the foundation for long-term relations … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Awards Young Prize Winners of International Olympiads and Competitions
On 15 December 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in an awarding ceremony for Turkmen students, athletes and schoolchildren, who won prize places at international subject olympiads and sports tournaments, as well as their teachers and coaches. The event took place at the Martial Arts Sports Complex in the Olympic Village of Ashgabat, as reported by the state … [Read more...]
Aysoltan Annamamedova: Turkmenistan’s Rising Talent in Digital Innovation
Always passionate about technology and innovation, Aysoltan Annamamedova, a fourth-year student at the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan, recently took a bold step toward the future by participating in the international educational initiative Future Skills Sprint in Istanbul, Turkiye. This intensive programme is designed to cultivate digital skills, … [Read more...]
UNRCCA Preventive Diplomacy Academy Engages Youth on Climate Diplomacy with UK Perspective
UNRCCA, in collaboration with the British Embassy in Turkmenistan, hosted an online training session for the 2025 cohort of the Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) on “The Role of Diplomacy in Tackling Climate Change - A UK Perspective.” The session was led by Ms. Clare Allbless, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Ashgabat, who shared her extensive experience in … [Read more...]
Young Naturalist’s Third Anniversary: Turkmenistan’s Youth Driving Climate Solutions
On 3 October 2025, the non-governmental environmental organization Young Naturalist (Ýaş Tebigatçy) celebrated its third anniversary in Ashgabat, marking a milestone in its mission to tackle climate challenges. Co-organized with TMT Consulting Group, the bright event drew foreign diplomats, public figures, and journalists. Leyli Shyhmadova, the organization’s inspiring head, … [Read more...]
CADAP 7 and the Government of Turkmenistan host the Central Asian Youth Forum on Health and Sustainable Development in Ashgabat
On September 10, 2025, the Central Asia Drug Action Programme, Phase 7 (CADAP 7), together with the Government of Turkmenistan are pleased to launch the Central Asian Youth Forum 2025, an event dedicated to "Health and Sustainable Development as a Path to Peace". The two-day forum will take place from September 10-11, 2025, at the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics … [Read more...]
UNRCCA joins OSCE Central Asian heads of mission regional meeting on cooperation on youth
On September 5, 2025, UNRCCA participated in an online session on youth as part of the OSCE Central Asian Heads of Mission regional conference in Tashkent. The high-level meeting convened OSCE Heads of Missions, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE Mari Neuvonen, and … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Congratulates Schoolchildren, Students, and Teachers on the Day of Knowledge and the Beginning of the New Academic Year
Today, Turkmenistan celebrates the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth, marking the beginning of the 2025–2026 academic year. On this occasion, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov extended his congratulations to schoolchildren, students, teachers, and all workers of the country’s education system. The Head of State emphasized that this holiday symbolizes the dynamic development … [Read more...]
UNICEF and Partners Place Children and Youth in the Focus of the Next Nationally Determined Contributions of Turkmenistan
27 August 2025, Ashgabat — UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment Protection of Turkmenistan, convened a round table on the development of Turkmenistan’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) with a special focus on children and youth. The event brought together representatives of key government ministries and institutions, civil society … [Read more...]
Young Artists of the Turkic World Shine at Award Ceremony in Aktau
On August 16, 2025, Aktau, the cultural capital of the Turkic world, hosted a vibrant award ceremony honoring the winners of the Young Artists of the Turkic World competition, themed "Traditional Children's Games of the Turkic World." The event celebrated the creativity of over 40 talented young artists from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and … [Read more...]
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium welcomed a group of Chinese schoolchildren and students
A productive and engaging meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Kingdom of Belgium with a group of students from the People's Republic of China. The students were in Brussels as part of a summer educational program organized by the company NMSG BV. The group of 27 people represented nine different provinces of China, including Yunnan, Jiangsu, Chongqing, and … [Read more...]
Moscow to Host International Youth Forum “Generation of Unity”
On September 19, Moscow—the capital of the Russian Federation—will serve as the venue for the International Youth Forum "Generation of Unity," held as part of the World Public Summit. The forum is expected to welcome young leaders, public figures, entrepreneurs, volunteers, students, and representatives of youth organizations from over 15 countries. The event aims to … [Read more...]
Youth Forum in Awaza: Empowering Young Voices for the Future of Landlocked Developing Countries
Elvira Kadyrova and Ravilya Kadyrova, Awaza, Turkmenistan On 4 August 2025, the Youth Forum, one of the events of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) started in the National Tourist Zone of Awaza, Turkmenistan. The event hosted under the theme “Building Bridges for LLDC Futures,” brought together young leaders, policymakers, … [Read more...]
Turkmen Youth Meets Shaanxi Leadership: Strengthening Ties in Xi’an
Elvira Kadyrova, Xi'an, China, 1 August 2025 A delegation of Turkmen youth met with the leadership of Shaanxi Province in Xi'an, the province’s vibrant administrative center, to foster deeper mutual understanding and strengthen bonds between the peoples of Turkmenistan and China. The meeting, marked by warmth and shared aspirations, underscored the growing ties between the … [Read more...]
Visit to Xi’an: Turkmen Delegation Meets with Secretary General of the “Central Asia – China” Format
Elvira Kadyrova, Xi'an, China, 1 August 2025 A meeting between a Turkmenistan youth delegation and Sun Weidong, Secretary General of the "Central Asia – China" Secretariat, along with Secretariat representatives, took place at the Secretariat’s headquarters. The event was marked by mutual understanding and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two … [Read more...]
OSCE promotes youth engagement in climate change issues in Turkmenistan
Some thirty-five students from Turkmenistan’s institutions of higher education participated in an OSCE organized workshop entitled “Youth Negotiation on Climate, Security and Co-operation: OSCE Best Practices” that took place in Ashgabat on 29 July 2025. The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized this event to build practical negotiation and diplomacy skills of youth … [Read more...]
Turkmen Youth in China: Discovering Yulin – A City of Energy, Knowledge, and Ancient Wonders
Elvira Kadyrova, 30 July, Yulin, Shaanxi Province, China On July 30, a youth delegation from Turkmenistan, comprising representatives of public organizations, bloggers, and leading private news agencies, arrived in Yulin, Shaanxi Province, as part of their visit to China. The delegation was led by Velimyrad Ovezov, Head of the Media Department of the Makhtumkuli Youth … [Read more...]
Warmth, dialogue, cooperation: Turkmen youth visits the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China
Elvira Kadyrova, Beijing, China, 29 July 2025 On July 29, 2025, a meeting of the Turkmen youth delegation was held in Beijing with Ms. Wang Min, Director of the Eurasia Department of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee). The meeting highlighted the desire of both sides to deepen cultural, educational … [Read more...]
Global South Youth Speak Up in Beijing: A Unified Call for Peace
Elvira Kadyrova, Beijing, China, July 28, 2025 On 28 July 2025, the Dialogue of Youth Leaders for Peace "Consensus for Peace: The Voices of Global South Youth Amid Protracted and Escalating Geopolitical Conflicts", organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), took place in Beijing. The event brought together … [Read more...]
Turkmen Oil and Gas Students Explore Advanced Technologies in China
As part of the actively developing academic exchange between Turkmenistan and China, a group of students from the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas (IUOG) is currently undergoing intensive academic and industrial training at China University of Petroleum (CUP) in Beijing, reports Neutral Turkmenistan. This initiative is part of broader cooperation … [Read more...]
Children of the CIS countries in Minsk: Belarus Unites Youth for Shared History and Future
On 7 July 2025, the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War in Minsk hosted the grand opening of the 10th International Cultural and Educational Forum "Children of the Commonwealth of Independent States." The event brought together schoolchildren from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as … [Read more...]
Building the Future of Social Work: Students Participate in the Family Needs Assessment in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, July 4, 2025 – UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, supported the academic practice of second-year Social Work students from Magtymguly Turkmen State University and Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute as part of UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen social … [Read more...]
UNFPA Turkmenistan trains youth and sports professionals to promote gender equality and volunteerism
From 23 to 27 June 2025, within the framework of the program “Development of Volunteering and Involvement of Men in Promotion of Gender Equality and Physical Education and Sports”, UNFPA Turkmenistan in cooperation with the State Committee on P{hysical Culture and Sports conducted Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions for the trainers and newly selected volunteers from … [Read more...]
UNDP Supports Turkmenistan’s Youth Through Mentorship Trainings
As part of the Turkmenistan component of the regional project “Promoting Resilient Communities to Prevent Violent Extremism in Central Asia,” implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the support of the Government of Japan, a series of one-day mentorship trainings for youth were conducted across Turkmenistan from 28 May to 18 June 2025. The training … [Read more...]
UNDP Celebrates World Environment Day with Youth Event and Climate Photo Exhibition
Ashgabat, 5 June 2025 – In celebration of World Environment Day, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hosted an interactive youth session at the UN House in Ashgabat on 5 June 2025, focusing on the intersection of climate action, gender equality, and youth leadership. The event brought together students from the International University for the Humanities and … [Read more...]
Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Engages with UNRCCA Preventive Diplomacy Academy on Youth, Peace, and Security
Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier visited UNRCCA premises and met with the Deputy Head of the Centre and the Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) team. He was informed about the Centre’s mandate and activities in Central Asia touching upon the main pillars of peace and security, such as counter-terrorism, transboundary water issues and climate, as well … [Read more...]
OSCE-supported seminar discusses the role of youth and women in responding to climate change risks in Turkmenistan and Central Asia
An OSCE-organized seminar on strengthening the role of youth and women in responding to climate change risks in Turkmenistan and Central Asia took place on 12 May 2025 in Ashgabat. The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat initiated this event within the framework of the 7th Central Asian Conference on Climate Change (CACCC-2025), which will take place from 13 to 15 May 2025 in Ashgabat. … [Read more...]
UNDP Turkmenistan Highlights the Role of Women in Climate Action on Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day, on 22 April 2025, UNDP Turkmenistan welcomed a group of students to the UN House for a dynamic educational session as part of its year-round campaign, “Gender Equality – Path to Peace and Trust.” This session focused on the vital link between gender equality and climate action. Students from the International University for the Humanities and … [Read more...]
“The Whole World as One Family”: Student Oratory Competition in Chinese Held in Ashgabat
The Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages hosted an oratory competition among students studying Chinese. The event was timed to coincide with the International Chinese Language Day and was organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China with the support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of … [Read more...]
UNFPA: Turkmenistan’s Model can service as an Example for Youth Policy Worldwide
On April 16, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York, during the ECOSOC Youth Forum and the second meeting of the Central Asian Youth Dialogue, the Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan held a bilateral meeting with UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Ms.Diene Keita, the education ministry reports. The Turkmen delegation emphasized that President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's … [Read more...]
Youth Innovations: New prospects for Youth Dialogue in Central Asian countries discussed at the UN Headquarters
On 16 April 2025, the second meeting of the Central Asian Youth Dialogue, organized within the framework of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event, chaired by Turkmenistan, brought together youth representatives, representatives and heads of authorized executive authorities on youth … [Read more...]
International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Climate Held in Turkmenistan with Support from UNDP and the EU
On April 4, 2025, the International Conference titled “Status of Neutrality – a Guarantee of Sustainable Energy Development. Systems Thinking for Comprehensive Analysis of Energy and Climate" was held at the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan in Mary city. The event was organized jointly within the framework of the United Nations development Programme (UNDP) project … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan expands cooperation with the UN on youth policy issues
Turkmenistan has outlined a number of steps to develop cooperation with the United Nations in the field of youth policy. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov at a government meeting on Thursday, 20 March. Guided by the goals and objectives of the UN Youth 2030 Strategy, the Law of Turkmenistan "On State Youth Policy", the … [Read more...]