AGP Executive Report

Regional diplomacy with a cultural lens: Central Asian leaders (including Turkmenistan) will meet Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev in Cholpon-Ata (30 July–1 August), with talks spanning trade, energy, transport corridors, tourism, and cultural-humanitarian ties. Demographic policy workshop in Ashgabat: UNFPA hosted a 27–29 July workshop on Turkmenistan’s draft National Strategy for Demographic Resilience, bringing together ministries and national bodies to shape priorities around youth and women’s participation, health, labor, and statistics. Turkmen horse heritage goes international: An Akhal-Teke delegation story highlights Belgium’s Akhal-Teke breeders and the lead-up to the 4–6 September 2026 World Akhal-Teke Championship in the Netherlands, with a cultural program celebrating Turkmen traditions. UNESCO heritage milestone: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee wrapped up in Busan, with Turkmenistan represented; meanwhile, Mangystau Rock Mosques in Kazakhstan were newly inscribed—underscoring the region’s shared sacred landscape heritage. Culture exchange through contests: Tatarstan officials met Turkmenistan’s culture leadership to coordinate the “Tatar Kyzy” international contest finale in Turkmenistan in October, focusing on ensembles, venue readiness, and cultural narrative. Turkmen-Türkiye cooperation: Political consultations in Ankara reaffirmed expanding legal frameworks and consular cooperation, while migration-focused talks stressed continued experience-sharing.

UNESCO & Heritage: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture reports UNESCO has added the “Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites of Mangystau” to the World Heritage List, highlighting five Sufi-linked complexes on the Caspian shore and their pilgrimage landscape. Culture & Arts: The quarterly popular science journal “Miras” has released a new issue prepared by Turkmenistan’s Magtymguly Institute, featuring research on Turkmen manuscript heritage and a “Horse in Manuscript Sources” study. Film & Youth Culture: Russia’s Cultural Foundation opened applications for the “Creativity Unites” international film session for young filmmakers (Oct 19–Nov 13), focused on spiritual and moral traditions. Diplomacy with a cultural-humanitarian tone: Turkmenistan and Türkiye held political consultations in Ankara, while Turkmenistan’s MFA also hosted talks with Tatarstan officials on preparations for the international “Tatar Kyzy” contest finale in Turkmenistan. Libraries & learning: A report spotlights Turkmenistan’s active digital transformation of libraries, bringing books and services online. Sports & summer life: Children are enjoying summer programs at the Caspian “Gara Altyn” health center, with cultural performances, clubs, and sports activities.

Turkmen-Turkish Diplomacy: Political consultations in Ankara reaffirmed fast-growing ties, with both sides stressing high-level visits, inter-parliamentary cooperation, legal frameworks, and consular coordination. Cultural Exchange & Youth: Turkmen students joined an international summer energy camp in Malaysia, while a “Future of the Silk Road” youth exchange in China brought together young participants from 16 countries including Turkmenistan. Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO inscribed the Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites of Mangystau on the World Heritage List, highlighting Sufi traditions and pilgrimage landscapes along the Caspian. City-to-City Links: Ashgabat’s mayor took part in the First Sister Cities International Forum in Samarkand, focusing on urban governance, digitalization, and shared cultural projects. Women & Society: A global ranking on the Women, Peace and Security Index points to Northern Europe as the top region for women’s inclusion, justice, and security. Health & Summer Culture: Children enjoy summer programs at the Caspian “Gara Altyn” health center, mixing recreation with arts, sports, and learning.

UNESCO World Heritage: Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites were added to the World Heritage List, spotlighting five Sufi-linked complexes on the Caspian coast. City-to-city culture: Ashgabat’s mayor joined the First Sister Cities International Forum in Samarkand, focusing on urban governance, digitalization, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. Turkmen diplomacy for culture & peace: Turkmenistan’s MFA held its first political consultations with New Zealand via videoconference, with talks also covering sustainable transport, energy, and environmental security. Libraries go digital: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pushed modernization of Turkmenistan’s library system under a 2025–2029 program, expanding free access to digital editions through ekitap.gov.tm. Youth & music abroad: The “Mukam” Violin Ensemble represented Turkmenistan at an International Youth Orchestra Art Week in Beijing, while Turkmen students also took part in an international summer camp in Malaysia. Health tourism at home: The “Mollagara” sanatorium welcomed guests this summer season with expanded facilities and modern treatment methods.

UN Culture & Peace Agenda: Turkmenistan’s UN push scored a win as the UN General Assembly adopted the consensus resolution “International Year of International Law, 2028,” backing the country’s call for stronger respect for international law and a culture of peace. UN Diplomacy Priorities: In the run-up to the 81st UNGA session, Turkmenistan outlined plans for preventive diplomacy, a proposed UN Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy (2027–2037), and steps toward a University of Peace and Neutrality. World Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO inscribed the Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites of Mangystau on the World Heritage List, highlighting Sufi traditions and pilgrimage landscapes across five sacred complexes. Ashgabat’s Global City Links: The Mayor of Ashgabat joined the First International Sister Cities Forum in Samarkand, stressing city-to-city cooperation, digitalization, and cultural-humanitarian projects. Reading & Digital Culture: Work to modernize Turkmenistan’s library system is expanding free access to digital editions via ekitap.gov.tm under the 2025–2029 program. Youth & Learning Abroad: Turkmen students took part in international summer programs in Malaysia and Japan, mixing study with cultural exchange.

UNESCO & Heritage: Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, spotlighting Sufi traditions and nomadic sacred landscapes across five rock-cut complexes. City-to-City Culture: Ashgabat’s mayor took part in the First International Sister Cities Forum in Samarkand, stressing digitalization, transport links, and joint cultural-humanitarian projects with Tashkent. Turkmen Diplomacy & Peace Culture: Turkmenistan’s UN push moved forward as the UN General Assembly adopted, by consensus, the resolution “International Year of International Law, 2028,” while Cabinet outlined plans for dialogue and preventive diplomacy at the 81st session. Libraries & Reading Life: Work continues under Turkmenistan’s 2025–2029 library modernization program, expanding free digital access via ekitap.gov.tm. Youth & Learning Abroad: Turkmen students joined international summer programs in Malaysia and a year-long academic exchange in Japan, pairing study with language and cultural activities. Health & Lifestyle: The Mollagara sanatorium is welcoming guests with expanded modern facilities and treatments, from mud therapy to ozone and hot Garagum sand.

UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites on the World Heritage List, highlighting five Sufi-linked complexes on the Mangystau Peninsula and their living pilgrimage routes—an event that also underscores the wider Central Asian heritage spotlight at the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan. UN Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s UN-backed push moved forward as the UN General Assembly adopted, by consensus, the resolution “Year of International Law, 2028,” initiated by Ashgabat, while Cabinet-level briefings outlined priority positions for the 81st session, including dialogue and preventive diplomacy. Libraries & Reading Culture: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov set modernization priorities for Turkmenistan’s library system under a 2025–2029 program, expanding digital access via ekitap.gov.tm and growing free online collections for readers. Cultural Exchange: Turkmenistan’s cultural ecosystem also echoes abroad as UNESCO-style cultural cooperation grows—Turkey and Syria signed an agreement to run Yunus Emre cultural centres offering Turkish-language courses and cultural programs, including for Turkish-speaking communities. Education & Talent Abroad: Three Oguz Han University students completed a year-long exchange at Japan’s University of Tsukuba, mixing study, language learning, and cultural activities. Sports & Culture: Preparations continue for the Akhal-Teke World Championship outside Turkmenistan, with Turkmen-Dutch talks in The Hague ahead of the September 2026 event.

UNESCO & Heritage: Turkmenistan is represented at the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan, with officials highlighting heritage as a shared civilizational legacy and stressing coordinated action on climate and inequality. Libraries & Reading Culture: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s 2025–2029 program pushes digital modernization of Turkmenistan’s library system, expanding free access to e-books via ekitap.gov.tm. Cultural Diplomacy: Turkmen artists and conservatory staff performed at Korea’s “Arirang” Silk Road event, earning special distinctions and reinforcing Turkmen art’s international reach. Youth & Music Exchange: The “Mukam” Violin Ensemble represented Turkmenistan at Beijing’s International Youth Orchestra Art Week, impressing juries with classical repertoire. Education & Mobility: Three Oguz Han University students complete a year-long academic exchange at Japan’s University of Tsukuba, mixing lectures, language study, and cultural programs. International Relations (Culture-Humanitarian): Turkmenistan’s ambassador to the Maldives met officials to expand cooperation across political, trade, transport, tourism, communications, and cultural-humanitarian ties. Girls’ Education Debate: A new op-ed examines the future of girls’ education in Afghanistan and the role of regional countries.

Balkan Culture Spotlight: Winners of the Velayat round of the TV contest “Ýaňlan, Diýarym! – 2026” were announced in Balkan velayat, with the final held in Balkanabat and young performers showcasing national talent as part of the President’s “Türkmeniň Altyn asyry” initiative. Libraries Go Digital: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov backed a 2025–2029 program to modernize Turkmenistan’s library system, expand electronic collections, and grow free access to digital editions via ekitap.gov.tm. UNESCO World Heritage Role: Turkmenistan joined the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan, represented by national commission officials and the Turkmen ambassador to Korea, as heritage protection was framed as a shared civilizational duty. UN International Law Push: The UN General Assembly adopted, by consensus, Turkmenistan-initiated “International Year of International Law, 2028,” highlighting the country’s push for peace, trust, and multilateral cooperation. Turkmen Art Abroad: Musicians from the “Mukam” ensemble and other Turkmen artists performed internationally, earning special distinctions and reinforcing cultural ties. Women’s Progress at 35: A feature marks Turkmenistan’s independence anniversary by spotlighting expanding education and professional opportunities for women and girls. Youth Exchange: Three Oguz Han University students completed a year-long academic and cultural program at Japan’s University of Tsukuba.

UN & Culture Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s initiative helped the UN General Assembly adopt the consensus resolution “International Year of International Law, 2028,” with Ashgabat stressing peace, multilateral cooperation, and a stronger rule-of-law culture. UNESCO Heritage: Turkmenistan joined the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan, represented by the National Commission’s Executive Secretary and Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Korea. Library Modernization: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov backed the 2025–2029 program to modernize Turkmenistan’s library system, expand digital collections, and grow free access to e-books via ekitap.gov.tm. Cultural Exchange: Turkmenistan’s “Mukam” Violin Ensemble represented the country at an International Youth Orchestra Art Week in Beijing, showcasing a repertoire of about 100 works and earning jury praise. Education Abroad: Three Oguz Han University students are completing a year-long exchange at Japan’s University of Tsukuba, mixing study, language learning, and cultural programs. Sports & Culture: Turkmenistan also looks outward with plans for the first Akhal-Teke World Championship outside the country, with Dutch preparations underway. Diplomatic Ties: New meetings with Maldives officials highlighted cooperation in political, trade, transport, communications, tourism, and cultural-humanitarian areas.

SCO Security Push: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to take a stronger collective stance against terrorism linked to Afghanistan, while also pointing to regional connectivity projects like TAPI and CASA-1000. Diplomatic Greetings: Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev exchanged birthday calls, underscoring deepening bilateral ties. Turkmen Culture Abroad: The “Days of Culture of Turkmenistan” in Georgia wrapped up in Tbilisi with museum-to-museum cooperation and a festive concert. Music & Heritage: The “Mukam” Violin Ensemble represented Turkmenistan at Beijing’s International Youth Orchestra Art Week, impressing jurors with classical performances. Libraries Go Digital: Turkmenistan is modernizing its library system under a 2025–2029 program, expanding free access to digital editions via ekitap.gov.tm. Youth Exchange: Three Oguz Han University students completed a one-year study visit at Japan’s University of Tsukuba, mixing academics, language learning, and cultural programs. Women’s Progress: A feature marks Turkmenistan’s 35 years of independence by highlighting expanding education and opportunities for women and girls.

Cultural Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s “Mukam” Violin Ensemble impressed at Beijing’s International Youth Orchestra Art Week, representing the country with a repertoire of about 100 Turkmen and foreign works and earning high jury praise. Library & Reading Culture: Turkmenistan is pushing the modernization of its national library system under a 2025–2029 program, expanding free digital access via ekitap.gov.tm and building a unified electronic network. Arts on the Move: Turkmen artists took part in Korea’s “Arirang” Silk Road cultural event, with performers from the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory and Lebap’s cultural center recognized for promoting Turkmen art abroad. Education Exchange: Three Oguz Han University students are completing a one-year study internship at Japan’s University of Tsukuba, including language study and cultural programs. Sports & Community: The “Sports Leigh-Out” highlights local wrestling growth with new Olympic-sized mats and a takedown clinic welcoming youth and adults. International Ties: Turkmenistan’s ambassador to the Maldives presented credentials, signaling interest in expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a phone call, with birthday greetings and a focus on deepening bilateral cooperation. Library Digital Push: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s 2025–2029 program is modernizing Turkmenistan’s library system, expanding electronic collections and boosting free access via ekitap.gov.tm. Youth & Learning Abroad: Three Oguz Han University students are completing a one-year study/internship at Japan’s University of Tsukuba, mixing academic work with language and cultural programs. Cultural Links Regionwide: Türkiye and Syria signed an agreement to set up and run cultural centres, with Turkish-language courses and Yunus Emre activities planned across Syria, including for local Turkmen communities. UNESCO Coordination: Turkmenistan’s National Commission for UNESCO met to review progress and strengthen cooperation in education, science, culture, and heritage, including ICESCO ties. Young Talent Spotlight: The Cabinet discussed preparations for the final round of “Garaşsyzlygyň Merjen Däneleri,” highlighting performers and groups promoting national art.

Cultural Diplomacy: Türkiye and Syria signed an agreement to establish and run cultural centres in each other’s countries, with Turkish Yunus Emre centres able to operate across Syria—focused on Turkish-language courses and cultural programs. Digital Reading & Libraries: Turkmenistan is pushing library modernization under a 2025–2029 program, expanding digital access and growing use of the ekitap.gov.tm electronic library. Education Abroad: Three Oguz Han University students are completing a one-year internship/study at Japan’s University of Tsukuba through a Turkmen–Japan academic exchange, including language study and cultural activities. Turkmen Art on the Move: Turkmen artists performed at Korea’s “Arirang” Silk Road cultural event, with performers from Turkmenistan receiving commemorative honors. Science & Environment: Turkmen scientists are working on 586 research topics, including projects tied to pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and environmentally safer agriculture. Culture Through Sport: Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke world championship plans are advancing, with preparations for the first event outside Turkmenistan discussed with the Netherlands. Human Rights Watch: HRW urged Turkey to intensify its investigation into the disappearance of two Turkmen activists, as the first anniversary approaches.

Science & Industry: Turkmen scientists are working on 586 state-backed research topics spanning nanotech, biotech, ecotech, chemistry, smart technologies, electronics, and software—highlighting a wormwood-based “ýowşan melhemi” balm and new eco-friendly pesticide production. Women & Society: A reflective piece marks Turkmenistan’s 35 years of independence by focusing on how education and healthcare have steadily expanded opportunities for women and girls. Culture Abroad: Turkmen artists took part in Korea’s “Arirang” Silk Road cultural journey, earning commemorative distinctions and underscoring growing international promotion of Turkmen art. Diplomacy & Culture: Turkmenistan and the U.S. discussed cooperation across political, economic, educational, cultural, and humanitarian areas during independence anniversary events in Washington. Sports Heritage: Plans are underway for the first Akhal-Teke World Championship outside Turkmenistan, with preparations discussed between Turkmen and Dutch officials for September 2026 in the Netherlands. Human Rights Watch: HRW urges Turkey to reveal the fate of two missing Turkmen activists as the one-year mark approaches.

Akhal-Teke Culture Abroad: Turkmenistan and the Netherlands are preparing for the first-ever Akhal-Teke World Championship outside Turkmenistan, with talks in The Hague also pointing to a Turkmen-Dutch business forum and water-management cooperation. Diplomatic Chess, Soft Power: A chess tournament at the French Institute in Turkmenistan brought together diplomatic missions and families for International Chess Day, underlining culture-to-culture ties. Turkmen Art on the International Stage: Performers from Turkmenistan took part in Korea’s “Arirang” Silk Road cultural event, earning commemorative distinctions and spotlighting Turkmen music and conservatory talent. UN Priorities for Daily Life: The UN Country Team in Turkmenistan will focus on people-centered development, innovation and climate tech, and stronger data systems—explicitly including women and youth. UNESCO & Heritage Work: A regular National Commission meeting for UNESCO reviewed progress and pushed education, science, culture, and heritage preservation, including expanded cooperation with ICESCO. Human Rights Watch Call: HRW urged Turkey to intensify its investigation into the year-long disappearance of Turkmen activists Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov, raising fears of unlawful transfer. Cultural Exchange in Georgia: The Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Georgia wrapped up in Tbilisi with museum cooperation and a festive concert. Central Asia–China AI Tilt: Central Asian states are aligning with Beijing’s AI push, signing a plan for a Shanghai-based World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.