Today, the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan hosted the International Scientific-Practical Conference titled "Smart City: Management Technologies, Digital, Smart and AI Technologies, Security, Economy."
Thanks to the successful implementation of large-scale reforms initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and now consistently carried out under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, digital systems, "smart" and "green" technologies, as well as the capabilities of artificial intelligence, are being introduced into all spheres and sectors of the national economy in the era of Revival of a new epoch of a powerful state. As a result of digitalization, all conditions are being created for the happy life of our people. A vivid example of this is the city of Arkadag, which has no equivalent in the region.
As is known, at the international exhibition "World Smart City Expo" held in September this year in Seoul (Republic of Korea), the city of Arkadag received three awards: "For Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Smart Cities," as well as in the categories "Foreign Smart City" and "For Significant Contribution to the World Smart City Expo 2024."
The exemplary city of Arkadag is a source of pride for the Turkmen people. This "smart" city, located in a picturesque area at the foothills of Kopetdag, represents a national model of urban development that embodies advanced trends in global architecture and technological achievements. The comprehensive infrastructure created here meets international standards, including in environmental protection, ensuring optimal comfort and convenience for residents. Special attention has been given to such an important aspect as ecology. For instance, environmentally friendly materials were used during construction.
The current international scientific-practical conference was organized to disseminate national experience and consistently implement the "smart city" concept.
The forum both in person and online was attended by professors and lecturers from prestigious universities, renowned scientists from research institutes, and specialists from Austria, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, the United Kingdom, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, China, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Romania, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, South Korea, Japan, as well as leaders and representatives of leading foreign companies.
The conference began with an official opening ceremony accompanied by a musical performance by the university's creative ensemble "Oguzlar". Foreign guests were particularly impressed by a performance of students who sang a patriotic song titled "Arkadagyň iň ajaýyp şäheri". The performance was accompanied by video clips showcasing the "smart" city of Arkadag, a city that reflects both the finest traditions of national architecture and modern trends in design and construction. 
At the plenary session, issues related to the development of various fields of science and education were discussed, and information about scientific research was presented. Priority areas for international scientific and technological cooperation were reviewed, including the exchange of experience in creating high-tech industries and addressing scientific and technical challenges at regional and global levels. Foreign scientists highly praised the research activities conducted in the field of smart technologies at the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan.
At the meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan held on October 3 this year, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, emphasized that "in accordance with the ‘Concept for the Development of Arkadag City for 2024–2052,’ it is necessary to achieve harmonious and sustainable development of all systems in Arkadag City. By widely introducing digital technologies into the city’s management system and regularly improving them, conditions should be created for residents’ living, working and leisure, while also increasing employment." Moving forward, it is planned to effectively utilize the smart technologies implemented in Arkadag City in urban development projects across other regions of the country.
In this context, it is noted in speeches that significant efforts are currently being made to achieve greater success in organizing smart cities. At the Oguz Han Scientific and Technological Center of the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan, modern practices aligned with global standards are being studied in collaboration with international IT specialists, engineers, scientists, professors, and educators. These efforts focus on developing technologies for smart homes, cities, and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as their management and cybersecurity.
During the plenary session, a ceremony was held to award Arkadag City certificates recognizing its achievements in developing IoT-based infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, energy efficiency solutions, and environmental monitoring and management. These awards were presented by companies from South Korea "Data Science Technology International Co., Ltd." and "Sawwave Co., LTD", Chitkara University (India), the Nanotechnology Research Center at Bilkent University (Turkey), the National Research Nuclear University “Moscow Engineering Physics Institute” (Russia), as well as environmental cleanliness certificates from South Korean companies "Data Science Technology International Co., Ltd." and "Sawwave Co., LTD", the Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, Izmir Institute of Technology (Turkey), and Samarkand State University (Uzbekistan).
The conference continued with thematic sections, where participants discussed international research results in developing innovative technologies, priority areas in science, production, and industry; advancements in nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, digital and smart technologies; cybersecurity technologies; artificial intelligence; information and communication technologies; computer and mobile applications; ensuring competitiveness in scientific achievements; and engaging youth in developing innovative technologies within Turkmenistan.
As part of the forum, the following events were organized: a technology exhibition showcasing a "smart" home project and urban technologies, a concert by the university's creative ensemble "Oguzlar," the "FoodTech" festival-fair of eco-friendly food products, the "CraftTech" industrial exhibition, the "SportTech" competitions in various types of e-sports held among students, and a tour of the university.
At the conclusion of the international scientific-practical conference, bilateral memorandums of understanding were signed between the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan and higher educational institutions from foreign countries.
The participants of the conference expressed their deep gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as Hero Arkadag, for their comprehensive support of scientific research and for creating all necessary conditions for conducting research activities.
