On 24–25 May, the Turkmen capital will host the 25th Multi-sector International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat”, held under the theme “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development.”

The upcoming forum is set to become one of the major international events in the region, bringing together representatives of international organisations, financial institutions, the diplomatic community, as well as leading construction, energy, engineering and technology companies to discuss modern approaches to the development of future cities, the implementation of innovative technologies, and the strengthening of international cooperation.

Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Francesco La Camera, will personally participate in the forum. The participation of the head of one of the world’s leading international energy organisations highlights the high international standing of the event and the growing attention of the international community towards Turkmenistan as a platform for promoting sustainable development, modern urban infrastructure and the energy systems of the future.

The international agenda of the forum is closely aligned with current global trends in sustainable urban development. In this context, the high-level roundtable to be held in Ashgabat under the auspices of the United Nations will serve as a logical continuation of the international dialogue on urban development and sustainability, including discussions connected with the World Urban Forum to be held in Baku.

Against this backdrop, discussions on the development of modern, sustainable and comfortable urban environments will receive further momentum in the Turkmen capital.

One of the key events of the first day of the forum will be the high-level roundtable titled “From Global Dialogue to Local Action: Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive and Smart Cities.” The session will bring together representatives of the UN system, international organisations, diplomatic missions and specialised agencies.

Confirmed participants include UN-Habitat Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Erfan Ali, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan Narine Sahakyan, as well as representatives of the OSCE, the International Labour Organization and the European Union.

The roundtable agenda will focus on sustainable urban planning, modern infrastructure development, energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies, urban digitalisation, intelligent management systems and enhancing the resilience of urban infrastructure.

Such an integrated approach reflects contemporary international standards, where urban development is viewed as an interconnected system combining architecture, energy, industry, environmental sustainability and social development.

The strategic plenary session of the forum will focus on shaping a modern, sustainable and internationally integrated capital city. Discussions will address the long-term development prospects of Ashgabat, the modernisation of urban infrastructure, the implementation of digital solutions, environmentally responsible urban planning approaches and the expansion of international cooperation.

Particular attention within the forum programme will be given to the participation of executives from leading international construction, engineering and industrial companies. Confirmed participants include Chairman of Çalık Holding Ahmet Çalık, Chairman of Rönesans Holding Erman Ilıcak, as well as representatives of CAI Interbudmontazh GmbH, Zaha Hadid Architects, Inros Lackner SE, Todini Costruzioni Generali S.p.A., MARINI Makina A.Ş., Changsha Zoomlion Environmental Industry Co. Ltd. and other international companies.

Their participation underscores the practical orientation of the forum, which is focused not only on discussing forward-looking initiatives, but also on promoting international investment, industrial cooperation and technological partnerships.

On the second day of the conference, thematic sessions will focus on modern approaches to urban infrastructure development, the construction industry and industrial production. Key discussions will cover the implementation of major infrastructure projects, the development of construction materials manufacturing, digital technologies in construction, industrialisation of the construction sector and resource-efficient architectural solutions.

A dedicated session will address the development of future energy systems. Participants will include Director-General of IRENA Francesco La Camera, representatives of international financial institutions, and executives from leading international energy and technology companies, including Siemens Energy, Pietro Fiorentini, Çalık Energy and others.

Particular interest is also attached to the participation of Bitdeer Technologies Group. Discussions are expected to focus on advanced computing systems, digital infrastructure and the development of high-performance data centres essential for the operation of modern cities.

A practical component of the forum will include meetings between representatives of the international business community and leaders of Turkmenistan’s construction, industrial, chemical and energy sectors. This format will provide participants with opportunities to discuss promising areas of cooperation, infrastructure and industrial projects, as well as technology partnerships.

An important feature of the forum will be the combination of a comprehensive business programme with an international exhibition, professional networking meetings and cultural events, creating additional opportunities for strengthening international ties and exchanging experience.

More than 450 delegates from 45 countries have already registered to participate in the 25th Multi-sector International Exhibition and Conference “WCA 2026”, demonstrating strong international interest in the forum and its growing role as a platform for professional dialogue, knowledge exchange and international cooperation in architecture, construction, energy, industry and sustainable development.

Participant registration remains open until 17 May.

Thus, the 25th Multi-sector International Exhibition and Conference “WCA 2026” is evolving into a major international platform bringing together architecture, sustainable development, energy, industry, advanced technologies and investment cooperation.

The participation of international organisations, representatives of the UN system, leading global companies and international financial institutions confirms the growing international significance of the forum and its expanding role within the global sustainable development agenda and the shaping of cities of the future.

Detailed information is available on the official event website.