In the modern era of dynamic change, the main resource of the state is becoming not simply material assets, but human capital. In this regard, the decisions and program documents of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council of Turkmenistan) clearly define education as the main engine of Turkmenistan’s socio-economic and cultural progress.
As noted in the program documents of the Halk Maslahaty sessions that have been held, education is regarded not simply as an isolated social sphere, but as a strategic sector shaping the economy of the future. Quality education is the foundation for the industrialization, digitalization and diversification of the country. And investments in the education of young people are the most reliable and long-term state investments. A real confirmation of this in practice is the widespread introduction throughout the country of modern electronic systems and interactive platforms, as well as the in-depth study of exact sciences, engineering and IT. It is also important that the training of specialists who are fluent in several foreign languages opens the way to international integration. The construction of “smart” schools, kindergartens and higher educational institutions equipped with the latest technology, for example, in the city of Arkadag, is also a vivid example of the above.
It should be noted that issues concerning the improvement of education are inseparable from national values. Therefore, education is regarded not simply as a set of skills, but as the comprehensive upbringing of a harmoniously developed individual. In this regard, the documents of the Halk Maslahaty emphasize the combination of advanced global methodologies with the richness of the national cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as the development among the younger generation of patriotism, diligence, high moral and ethical principles, and respect for the history of the country.
The view of young people as a driver of science and innovation is a correct guideline in terms of continuity between generations. Today, in Turkmenistan, all conditions are being created for young people to engage in research activities, while support is being provided for youth startups, innovative ideas and academic initiatives. Higher educational institutions and educational establishments in the country are training specialists of a new type for high-tech sectors of industry and management.
It is no coincidence that the documents of the Halk Maslahaty particularly emphasize that “our main wealth is an erudite, highly educated, physically and spiritually healthy young generation, while the modernization of the education system and the introduction of advanced technologies and world standards are our strategic priority.”
It is also necessary to note that in the fundamental materials of the Halk Maslahaty, the most important areas for improving the education system are outlined in the concept of its development, which provides for the following in the near future:
– a transition from the traditional transmission of knowledge to the development among young people of critical thinking, professional competencies and innovative potential;
– large-scale introduction of digital technologies into the educational process, the creation of electronic libraries and distance-learning platforms, and the development of IT education;
– linking theoretical education with the practical needs of the national economy (energy, industry, the agro-industrial complex and the digital sector);
– promotion of multilingualism (the study of the national heritage alongside the active acquisition of foreign languages) for the successful integration of Turkmenistan into the global scientific and economic space;
– construction of modern educational institutions, research centers and laboratories meeting international standards.
The changes taking place daily and continuously throughout real life in these areas merely confirm the correctness of the chosen path. And the strategic course set out in the documents of the Halk Maslahaty is turning the education system into a reliable bridge to the future. Reliance on knowledge, innovation and patriotism guarantees Turkmenistan stable development and a high level of competitiveness on the world stage.
