AGP Executive Report

Digital Economy & AI Forums: Turkmenistan’s Cabinet approved a September conference on “Innovation and digital technologies – driving forces of economic development,” covering e-government, AI, fintech, and digital services, and also set October digital scientific forums on innovative construction tech and “National artificial intelligence technologies” for smart, safe, green cities, industrial automation, and robotics. Korea-Central Asia Summit Prep: Turkmenistan is preparing for the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit in Seoul, with a planned package of agreements spanning economics, investment, transport, chemical industry, infrastructure, environmental protection, water management, science, and education. Energy Tech & International Trade: Ashgabat is ramping up for OGT 2026 (“Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan”), with 400+ registered participants from ~40 countries and a sold-out expo as new companies explore gas and value-added processing opportunities. Water & Irrigation Software: UNDP trained Turkmen specialists on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 to improve irrigation planning and crop water calculations for Aral Sea Basin land and water management. Social Dialogue & Worker Protection: Turkmenistan’s trade union center signed an MoU with Kazakhstan to strengthen labor cooperation, including wage regulation, occupational safety, labor law, and digital tools for worker protection amid AI integration.

Korea-Central Asia Summit Prep: South Korea will host the first Korea–Central Asia summit in Seoul on Sept. 16, with leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Seoul says it will push a “Seoul Declaration” on innovation, prosperity and connectivity, linking Central Asia’s critical minerals and energy with Korean exploration, processing, AI and digital tech, plus cooperation on customs, regulations and intellectual property. Turkmen-Japan Tech Talks: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s Minister of State for Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, with both sides highlighting advanced Japanese technologies, digitalization and circular economy in energy, industry, transport and chemicals. OGT 2026 Energy Momentum: Ashgabat’s “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026” (Oct. 21–23) is drawing 400+ registered participants from 40 countries, including 100+ first-time companies; expo space is sold out. Aral Sea Water Mechanism: Turkmenistan hosted a second regional consultative meeting on setting up an implementation mechanism for the UN Aral Sea Basin program in Avaza, supported by UNDP/GEF and Blue Peace Central Asia. AMR Surveillance Drafting: Turkmenistan is developing a guideline for antimicrobial resistance epidemiological surveillance, aiming to strengthen national monitoring roles across health institutions. Space Summit in Paris: Turkmenistan’s delegation attended the International Space Summit in Paris, focused on space infrastructure, AI, Earth and ocean observation, and specialist training.

Aral Sea Water Diplomacy: Turkmenistan hosted the Second Regional Consultative Meeting on an implementation mechanism for the UN Special Program for the Aral Sea Basin at Avaza, bringing together Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan with UNDP/GEF support and a water-diplomacy seminar. Japan Tech & Trade Talks: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s Minister of State for Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, while Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Yamada too—both sides pushing advanced Japanese technologies, digitalization and circular economy cooperation across energy, industry, transport and chemicals. Energy Forum Momentum: Registration is building for OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (21–23 Oct), with 400+ participants from ~40 countries and a sold-out expo, including 100+ first-time companies. Space & Earth Observation: Turkmenistan’s delegation attended the International Space Summit in Paris, focused on space infrastructure, AI and advanced tech, and Earth/ocean observation. Health Systems Upgrade: Turkmenistan is drafting a national guideline for antimicrobial resistance epidemiological surveillance, aiming to strengthen coordination across public health institutions. Education & Learning Data: OECD PISA 2025 results were published for Central Asia; Turkmenistan did not participate, while Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan showed varied science, math, reading and computational problem-solving outcomes. Fashion & Craft Tech: Turkmen designers showcased at Paris trade fairs (including EU-supported support), highlighting modern materials and production approaches alongside traditional identity.

BRICS Energy & Minerals: Kazakhstan is lining up priorities for the Sept. 12-13 BRICS summit in New Delhi, pushing cooperation in energy, critical minerals, transport links and water security. Korea-Central Asia Tech Push: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung will host the first Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul on Sept. 16, aiming to connect Korean energy exploration and mineral processing tech with Central Asia’s resources, with a “Seoul Declaration” focused on innovation, connectivity and future industries. Turkmen-Japan Modernization: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met Japan’s Kenji Yamada, discussing trade and expanding cooperation in energy, industry, transport, chemicals, plus digitalization and circular economy. AMR Surveillance Upgrade: Turkmenistan is drafting a national guideline for antimicrobial resistance epidemiological surveillance, bringing together health institutions to refine roles and methods. Water-Smart Farming: UNDP trained Turkmen irrigation engineers on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 to improve irrigation planning using local data. CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat: The 111th CIS Economic Council meeting approved programmes to strengthen practical economic cooperation, with transport high on the agenda. Caspian Sea Pressure: A new report highlights accelerating Caspian Sea shrinkage, stressing navigation and shipping impacts and the need for littoral cooperation.

Turkmen-Japan Tech & Trade Talks: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, focusing on expanding business ties and joint projects, with interest in Japanese know-how for energy, industry, transport, chemicals, plus digitalization and a circular economy. Korea-Central Asia Summit (Tech-Ready Agenda): South Korea will host the first Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul on Sept. 16, with President Lee Jae-myung presiding; leaders from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will discuss innovation, connectivity, critical minerals, energy, supply chains, and cooperation in AI, digital tech, science and technology. Education Benchmarking: A new OECD PISA 2025 release highlights regional learning gaps; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan posted published results, while Turkmenistan did not participate. Ashgabat Heritage Under Pressure: Reporting warns that parts of Ashgabat’s modern architecture are being demolished, making future study harder once buildings are gone. Water-Efficient Farming Training: UNDP trained Turkmen irrigation specialists on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 to improve crop water planning under the Aral Sea Basin land and ecosystem project. Health System Upgrade (AMR): Turkmenistan is drafting a national guideline to strengthen antimicrobial resistance epidemiological surveillance across multiple health institutions.

Digital Water & Farming: UNDP trained Turkmen irrigation engineers on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 to improve crop water planning under a GEF-backed Aral Sea Basin project. Public Health Tech: Turkmenistan is drafting national antimicrobial resistance surveillance guidelines, with multiple health institutions working on roles and procedures. Energy & Climate: Turkmenistan is pushing to plug major methane leaks, aligning with the Global Methane Pledge’s goal of cutting emissions by at least 30% by 2030. Space & AI Skills: Turkmenistan’s delegation attended the International Space Summit in Paris, focusing on space infrastructure, Earth observation, and AI-enabled tech. Trade Corridor Digitalization: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan tested cross-Caspian eTIR, using one electronic transit process to speed customs across borders. Caspian Sea Pressure: UN officials stressed sustainable Caspian management as water levels fall, affecting ports, transport, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Akhal-Teke Science & DNA: Turkmen leaders highlighted DNA testing and a unified electronic database for breed monitoring, plus plans for a gene bank and Olympic-focused training. Diplomacy for Tech Links: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met the EU and France ambassadors, flagging cooperation in digital technologies, energy, transport, and environmental protection.

Water-Efficient Farming Training: UNDP, Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the SIC ICWC trained irrigation specialists on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 to improve crop water calculations and irrigation planning, using locally adapted data. Health Policy & Lab Readiness: Turkmenistan is drafting a national guideline for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) epidemiological surveillance, bringing together multiple health institutions to define roles and strengthen monitoring. Digital Agriculture & AI: The Academy of Sciences’ International Scientific and Technological Park highlights AI for crop-yield forecasting, smart irrigation, and soil monitoring—aiming to cut water use and support cotton and vegetables. Caspian Sustainability Focus: UN Resident Coordinator Xiaojun Grace Wang opened a training on Caspian Sea sustainable development, stressing economic, social, and environmental balance for policy and cooperation. Transport Tech on the Middle Corridor: A cross-Caspian pilot used the eTIR electronic transit system for a single digital process across Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan, signaling faster, simpler customs movement. Akhal-Teke Science & Breeding: Turkmenistan showcased breed health monitoring with DNA testing and a unified electronic database, plus plans for a gene bank and expanded veterinary research tied to international equestrian events. Diplomatic Tech Links: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met new EU and French ambassadors, with talks including digital technologies, transport connectivity, and energy cooperation.

AMR Surveillance: Turkmenistan is drafting a national guideline to strengthen epidemiological monitoring of antimicrobial resistance, with health institutions and research centers in Ashgabat reviewing roles, responsibilities, and technical provisions. Digital Trade Logistics: A cross-Caspian customs pilot used eTIR for an electronic transit process linking Azerbaijan, Turkmenbashi, and Uzbekistan—an early step toward smoother multimodal corridor operations. Caspian Water Pressure: UN-backed reporting highlights how the Caspian Sea’s retreat is already cutting shipping capacity and raising costs for the Middle Corridor, with ports facing dredging limits. AI for the Economy: Turkmenistan’s science park is pushing AI into practical projects, including crop-yield forecasting, smart irrigation, and automated soil monitoring to reduce water use and support agriculture. Agro-Industry Tech: A Balkanabat private producer is expanding greenhouse and food processing with modern equipment, supplying packaged products to domestic and foreign markets. Energy/Offshore Engineering: ABS issued Basic Design Review certification for Hanwha Ocean’s standardized FPSO design for deepwater markets in South America and West Africa. Horse Science & Diplomacy: Turkmenistan showcased Akhal-Teke breeding science abroad, including proposals for a unified gene bank and international cooperation tied to major Netherlands events.

Oncology & Tech in Healthcare: Turkmenistan’s Main Academic Drama Theatre premiered «Howandar», spotlighting how the new Oncology Centre’s advanced technology can’t help without donor stem cells—turning a family’s crisis into a real-world lesson about medical capacity. Equine Science & Data: At the World Championship in the Netherlands, Turkmen officials said Akhal-Teke breeding now uses DNA testing and a unified electronic database, with modern equestrian complexes and international scientific cooperation. Gene Bank Push: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov outlined plans for an ahal-teke gene bank, an international foundation, and expanded veterinary research, aiming to align training with Olympic show-jumping standards. Climate & Caspian Risk: UN training in Ashgabat stressed sustainable Caspian management as water levels fall and climate pressures grow, linking environmental protection with ports, transport corridors, and livelihoods. AI for Water & Logistics: Turkmenistan’s Academy of Sciences park highlighted AI-driven smart irrigation, soil monitoring, and freight optimization to cut water use and improve economic efficiency. Digital Trade Corridor: A cross-Caspian customs pilot used eTIR to move a shipment Azerbaijan–Turkmenbashi–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan in one electronic transit process, a step toward smoother Middle Corridor logistics. Biodiversity Reporting: UNDP and GEF supported Turkmenistan’s update of its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and preparation of multiple CBD reports. Agro-Industry Tech: A Balkanabat enterprise «Altyn nur zamany» showcased modern greenhouse and processing equipment producing jams and juices for domestic and foreign markets.

Middle Corridor Digital Trade: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan ran a cross-Caspian customs pilot using eTIR, moving one eastbound shipment from Azerbaijan to Turkmenbashi by ferry and then to Uzbekistan at Farap under a single electronic transit process—an efficiency boost for the rail-sea route. Caspian Sea Logistics Pressure: The Caspian’s falling water level is already cutting ferry cargo capacity (one vessel now carries about 80% load), forcing costly dredging and raising the risk of berth changes if the retreat continues. Turkmen-Korea Tech Transfer: Balkan Shipyard on Turkmenistan’s Caspian coast is building a 6,100-ton multipurpose cargo vessel with KSIT, with Korean specialists on site and further plans for shipyard modernization. AI for Water and Logistics: Turkmenistan’s Academy of Sciences park is pushing applied AI—smart irrigation, soil monitoring, and digital logistics—aimed at reducing water use and improving freight efficiency. Biodiversity Strategy Update: UNDP and GEF support a national workshop in Ashgabat to update Turkmenistan’s biodiversity strategy and action plan for 2026–2035 and prepare key CBD reporting. Methane Leak Repairs: UN-linked monitoring reports Turkmenistan is repairing major methane leaks detected by satellite alerts, as part of infrastructure upgrades to cut emissions. Turkmenistan–Netherlands Cooperation: In The Hague, Turkmen and Dutch officials discussed shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane emissions reduction. Construction Education Upgrade: Ashgabat opened a new campus for the Turkmen state institute of architecture and construction, designed for 5,000 students and positioned as a scientific and practical training base.

Tech & Industry: Pexar, powered by Lexar, launched the PexarBolt Ultra TBT5 dock with a 5-inch touch dashboard, Thunderbolt 5 connectivity up to 80–120Gbps, and a 22-port mix including 10GbE plus NVMe and CFexpress slots. Agro-Industry Reform: A Balkanabat private producer, «Altyn nur zamany», is expanding greenhouse-based fruit and vegetable processing using modern equipment to supply high-quality, eco-friendly goods. Caspian Transport Pressure: The Caspian Sea’s shrinking level is already cutting cargo capacity on the Middle Corridor, raising dredging and berth-rebuild costs and forcing ships to carry less. Digital Trade Corridor: TRACECA and UNECE wrapped up a Baku seminar on the multimodal digital Trans-Caspian Corridor, focusing on data exchange and pilot projects for rail, sea, road, and air. AI for Water & Logistics: Turkmenistan’s Academy of Sciences park highlights AI-driven smart irrigation, soil monitoring, and freight optimization as practical research priorities. Biodiversity Planning: UNDP and GEF supported Ashgabat workshops to update Turkmenistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035 and prepare key UN reports. Energy & Methane: UN-linked monitoring says Turkmenistan is repairing major methane leaks, while broader upgrades aim to strengthen gas infrastructure. Education & Construction Science: With Serdar Berdimuhamedov present, a new TSACI architecture and construction campus opened for 5,000 students, boosting the country’s engineering training base. International Cooperation: Turkmenistan and the Netherlands discussed shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane-emissions reduction during talks in The Hague.

Digital Economy Reality Check: A new analysis argues Central Asia’s “digital revolution” should not distract from low-tech, labor-heavy foundations that actually sustain livelihoods and stability. AI for Water and Logistics: Turkmenistan’s Academy of Sciences park is pushing practical AI—crop forecasting, smart irrigation, soil monitoring, and smarter freight—to cut water use and improve transport efficiency. Caspian Sustainability Training: UN Resident Coordinator Xiaojun Grace Wang says Caspian policy must balance economic, social, and environmental goals, with science and international law guiding cooperation. Biodiversity Reporting Update: UNDP and GEF workshops in Ashgabat are advancing Turkmenistan’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) plus key CBD reporting milestones. Broadband Cost Snapshot: A global study ranks the UK 46th for average mobile broadband data cost ($0.27 per 1GB), highlighting how pricing comparisons depend on plan rules and assumptions. Methane Leak Repairs: UN-linked monitoring reports Turkmenistan has been repairing major methane leaks after satellite alerts, as part of broader gas-infrastructure upgrades. Turkmen–Netherlands Tech and Industry Talks: Meetings in The Hague focus on shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane-emissions reduction, with interest in Dutch business visits to Turkmenistan. Education and Construction Science: UNDP/GEF-backed energy-efficiency seminars at TSACI promote near-zero energy building design and green certification skills for Turkmen students and faculty.

Akhal-Teke Horse Diplomacy in the Netherlands: Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov joined the World Equestrian Games and the Akhal-Teke beauty contest in Kronenberg, where 100+ horses from 25 countries showcased the “heavenly” breed alongside a scientific conference and international breeding talks. Science Exchange in Minsk: Faculty from the Oguz han Engineering and Technology University presented biotechnology projects at Belarus’s Science Festival 2026, meeting researchers on genetics, plant breeding, microbiology and food biotech. Water Stress Watch: A new regional analysis highlights growing water stress across Central Asia and the challenge of agreeing rules for shared rivers Amu Darya and Syr Darya as climate impacts intensify. Energy-Efficient Building Push: UNDP/GEF seminars at TSACI focus on near-zero energy buildings and green certification, aiming to modernize Turkmenistan’s construction sector. Methane Leak Repairs: UN satellite monitoring reports Turkmenistan has been repairing major methane leaks after alerts, as global scrutiny grows. Early Warning Tech: An OSCE seminar in Ashgabat trained hydrometeorology specialists on modern information technologies for drought monitoring and multi-hazard early warning systems. Turkmen–Dutch Tech Cooperation: In The Hague, Turkmen and Dutch officials discussed expanding business ties in shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative technologies and methane emissions reduction. Education & Science Link with Georgia: Ashgabat hosted the first Turkmen–Georgian working group meeting to launch joint education and science initiatives, youth camps and university exchanges.

Climate Warning: A new UNEP assessment says the world will likely cross 1.5°C soon, with Central Asia urged to prepare for harsher, harder-to-avoid impacts. Turkmen-Dutch Tech Talks: In The Hague, Turkmenistan and the Netherlands discussed cooperation in shipbuilding, port infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane emissions reduction. Education & Engineering Upgrade: Ashgabat opened a new Turkmen state institute of architecture and construction campus for 5,000 students, positioning it as a scientific and practical base for future engineers. Energy-Efficiency Training: UNDP/GEF seminars at TSACI focused on near-zero energy building design and green certification for Turkmenistan’s construction sector. Methane Leak Repairs: UN-linked monitoring reports Turkmenistan has been repairing major methane leaks, with satellite alerts driving fixes. Early Warning Systems: An OSCE seminar in Ashgabat trained hydrometeorology staff on using measurement data, satellite inputs, and forecast tools for drought monitoring. Akhal-Teke Horse Science & Culture: Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke championship and related scientific conference in the Netherlands highlighted breeding research and international cooperation. Ancient Site Excavations: Excavations in Türkiye aim to locate Hadrianoi, a Roman city tied to Emperor Hadrian’s 123 A.D. travels.

Archaeology in the Region: Excavations in Türkiye’s Bursa province are uncovering traces of Hadrianoi, a city believed founded by Roman Emperor Hadrian in A.D. 123, with researchers aiming to pinpoint its exact location and map the area’s Roman-era history. Turkmenistan Tech & Environment: UN-linked monitoring says Turkmenistan is repairing major methane leaks after satellite alerts, with officials addressing dozens of cases and plugging at least eight significant leaks—part of broader infrastructure upgrades. Energy-Efficient Buildings: UNDP and GEF supported seminars in Ashgabat on near-zero energy and sustainable construction, training architects and students at the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute. Smart Society Push: Turkmenistan’s leadership urged youth to drive innovation and digitalization, framing “Smart Society” as the next step after smart-city projects. Bilateral Science Cooperation: A new Turkmen-Georgian working group in Ashgabat targets joint education and science initiatives, youth camps, and closer university ties. Tech Diplomacy with the Netherlands: In The Hague, Turkmen and Dutch officials discussed expanding cooperation in innovative technologies and methane emissions reduction, plus visits by Dutch company leaders.

Energy Efficiency & Buildings: UNDP/GEF seminars in Ashgabat (2–4 Sept) trained Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute staff and students on near-zero energy building design, green standards, and certification pathways. Methane Leak Response: UN satellite monitoring via MARS says Turkmenistan has been repairing major methane leaks after 192 alerts, with at least eight significant fixes reported—part of broader gas-infrastructure upgrades. Smart Society & Youth Tech: Arkadag’s “public lesson” pushed innovation and digitalization, urging students to help build the “Smart Society” concept. Education & Science Cooperation: A Turkmen-Georgian working group launched in Ashgabat to expand joint education and research, youth camps, and university exchanges. Early Warning Systems: An OSCE seminar in Ashgabat trained hydrometeorology specialists on using measurement data, satellite inputs, and extended-range forecasts for drought monitoring and multi-hazard early warning. International Tech Business Links: In The Hague, Turkmen and Dutch officials discussed boosting Dutch company involvement in shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane-emissions reduction. Caspian Gas Expansion: Petronas secured new offshore blocks in Turkmenistan’s Caspian sector, alongside planned surveys for additional blocks. New University Campuses: A modern architecture-and-construction institute complex (5,000 students) opened in Ashgabat with labs and advanced equipment.