Today, on the instructions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, a meeting of the National commission of Turkmenistan on the United Nations Educational, scientific and cultural Organisation (UNESCO) was held at the Ministry of foreign affairs, which was attended by some deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads and representatives of relevant ministries and departments, public organisations, and the media.
The meeting discussed issues of developing cooperation within the framework of this specialised UN agency, and outlined plans for interaction, in particular, in the context of proposals of our country to include national values in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In addition, information was heard on the results of the work of the National commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO over the past year in accordance with the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan, as well as on the tasks outlined in the Plan for 2026.
It was also noted that dozens of online meetings and consultations with representatives of UNESCO and its regional offices were held in 2025, during which promising areas for fruitful partnership in the fields of science, education, culture, and the environment were considered. Foreign visits took place to participate in international and regional conferences and seminars organized by UNESCO and its regional office in Almaty.
It should be noted that in Turkmenistan great importance is attached to the popularisation of national heritage, handicraft traditions, arts and crafts, and the development of various forms of art in the world. Thanks to the policy initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and consistently implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at strengthening and increasing the spiritual and intellectual potential of Turkmen society, effective measures are being taken to improve the cultural sphere, thoroughly study, protect and carefully preserve historical, cultural and natural monuments.
An integral system of unique material and spiritual values, passed down from generation to generation, is the richest original heritage of the Turkmen people. This is why our country is expanding its contacts with United Nations structures, in particular with UNESCO, having become a full member in 1993. This specialised UN agency plays a vital role in international efforts to preserve cultural monuments and natural landscapes, and works to create conditions for open dialogue based on respect for universal human values. The great importance attached to long-term cooperation is clearly demonstrated by the National commission for UNESCO operating in our country.
Over the years of cooperation in our country, great strides have been made in implementing mandate of UNESCO, as well as in enhancing cultural, educational and scientific potential. This concerns issues related to the international recognition of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Turkmenistan. With its accession to the UNESCO Conventions «on the protection of the intangible cultural heritage», «on the Protection of the world cultural and natural heritage», and other documents of this Organisation, Turkmenistan is actively participating in international efforts to implement their provisions, and is carrying out large-scale activities to preserve historical, cultural and natural monuments for future generations, which are an integral part of world civilisation. This is evidenced by the inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of a number of unique sites in Turkmenistan – Ancient Merv, Koneurgench and the Parthian fortresses of Nisa.
In 2025, work was carried out on the creation of geoparks, including natural and cultural sites, as well as landscapes of international geological importance, as part of the UNESCO geoparks program, which aims to form a global network of territories in accordance with the specifics of local development, to promote geological heritage, which has become one of the promising aspects of nature–sparing non-industrial development of territories. The preservation of geological and non-geological heritage with the possibility of using it as facilities for the popularisation of science and tourism is the main task of geoparks.
There are unique geological sites in our country. Of particular interest are the canyons on the southeastern shore of Garabogaz bay, mud volcanoes, which are natural attractions of international importance. The creation of geoparks in these areas can contribute to their integrated development – not only to the protection of natural resources, but also to support the local economy, create jobs, develop eco-tourism and raise public awareness of the value of the geological heritage of the region.
The creation of two UNESCO departments and six UNESCO clubs in higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan, as well as the inclusion of six secondary schools in the UNESCO network of Associated schools, is of great importance, first of all, from the perspective of comprehensive formation and development of creative and search activities, knowledge about cultural values, traditions and customs of their country among young people. Schoolchildren, students, master students, teachers of schools and universities deeply study and promote the humanistic principles and ideals of UNESCO, the ideas of peace and mutual understanding between people. The main tasks include intercultural communication, fostering mutual respect for other cultures, preserving cultural and historical heritage, and protecting the environment.
As emphasised by the speakers, in December last year, Ashgabat, which has achieved high results in the science and education system of the country and created the necessary conditions for learning and knowledge acquisition for citizens of all ages throughout their lives, was accepted into the UNESCO Global network of learning cities. This is an important step in the international recognition of efforts of Turkmenistan to develop human capital and create a knowledge and innovation oriented society.
It was also noted that during the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental committee for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage, held from the 8th to 13th of December in New Delhi (Republic of India), a decision was made to include the national nomination «The Art of breeding the Turkmen alabay» in the Representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In honour of this, a certificate presentation ceremony was held on 16th of December 16, 2025, at the Centre of the International Ahal-Teke horse breeding association and the International association «Türkmen alabaý itleri».
The Turkmen alabay is a national treasure and an integral part of the historical and cultural heritage of our people, and therefore today, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who successfully implements the noble undertakings of the Hero-Arkadag, special attention is being paid to breeding, preserving the purity of the breed, and a comprehensive and deeply scientific approach to its research is being applied in the country.
On the occasion of the announcement of the year 2026 «Independent neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses» and the 35th anniversary of the sacred independence of the Motherland, issues of high-level preparation of a number of events planned to be held during the year in our country and abroad were discussed.
In addition, the meeting of the National commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO addressed such topical issues as strengthening the role of our Motherland in major UNESCO structural units, expanding international scientific cooperation, opportunities for cooperation in digital projects and information exchange, as well as organisational and other issues.
