With less than a week remaining before the opening of White City Ashgabat, final preparations are entering their concluding stage for one of Turkmenistan’s leading international platforms dedicated to architecture, infrastructure, urban development and investment cooperation.

The XXV Multi-sector International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026” will take place on 24–25 May in the Turkmen capital under the central theme “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development.” Marking the 25th anniversary edition of the forum, the event will bring together senior representatives of government institutions, international organisations, financial institutions, diplomatic missions, development agencies, investors, architects, engineers, developers and leading international companies operating across the construction, energy, infrastructure and technology sectors.

According to the latest registration figures, the forum is expected to welcome more than 650 delegates from 55 countries, reflecting broad international participation across both public and private sectors. More than 100 international companies will participate in the conference and exhibition programme, representing a wide range of industries connected to urban development, infrastructure modernisation, energy systems, advanced construction technologies and international investment cooperation.

WCA 2026 is taking place during a period of significant transformation in global urban development. Cities worldwide are increasingly focused on how infrastructure, industrial growth, digital technologies, energy systems and environmental sustainability can be integrated into long-term urban development strategies capable of supporting economic resilience, sustainable growth and improved quality of urban life.

Against this backdrop, WCA 2026 is positioned not simply as a conference and exhibition platform, but as a practical platform for translating international dialogue into implementation, investment cooperation and project development.

The programme will open with a High-Level United Nations Roundtable titled “From Global Dialogue to Local Action: Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive and Smart Cities.” The session will examine how international urban development priorities can be translated into locally applicable solutions, with discussions focusing on resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, digital transformation, energy efficiency, environmental responsibility and inclusive urban development.

Particular attention will be given to the growing importance of cooperation between governments, international organisations and private-sector stakeholders in accelerating sustainable urban transformation. Participants will discuss integrated planning approaches that combine economic development objectives with environmental sustainability and technological modernisation.

A central strategic discussion of the forum will be the plenary session “Building a Resilient, Smart and Globally Connected Capital.” The session will present long-term perspectives on the future development of Ashgabat, with emphasis on infrastructure modernisation, industrial expansion, advanced energy systems, digital governance, smart-city technologies and sustainable urban ecosystems.

The plenary session will also explore the role of international partnerships, investment mechanisms and technology transfer in supporting the development of future-ready cities capable of responding to evolving economic and environmental challenges. Discussions will focus on how modern infrastructure and urban-planning frameworks can contribute to improved connectivity, economic diversification and improved quality of urban life.

The second day of WCA 2026 will focus on the practical and commercial dimensions of urban transformation. Industry sessions and specialised discussions will address finance and investment, construction ecosystems, industrial development, sustainable building technologies, modern urban energy systems, engineering solutions, innovation, workforce development and the creation of modern urban environments.

These discussions are intended to strengthen cooperation between public institutions, international financial organisations, development partners and private-sector participants while supporting new investment opportunities and long-term infrastructure partnerships.

Alongside the conference programme, international participants will take part in a series of bilateral meetings and business discussions aimed at strengthening investment dialogue, expanding international cooperation and supporting the development of long-term infrastructure partnerships.

Over the years, WCA 2026 has established itself as a results-oriented international platform supporting high-level dialogue, bilateral engagement and infrastructure-related cooperation. Previous editions have facilitated meetings between government institutions, investors and international companies, contributing to the advancement of construction, transport, energy and urban-development initiatives.

The forum continues to strengthen Ashgabat’s role as a regional platform for strategic discussions on sustainable urban development and infrastructure cooperation while promoting practical engagement between decision-makers, investors and industry stakeholders.

In the final stage of preparations, organisers are completing conference operations, exhibition infrastructure, media coordination, protocol arrangements, hospitality programmes and business networking formats. International delegates will participate in structured B2B and B2G meetings, sector-focused networking sessions and official cultural programmes designed to support strategic cooperation and institutional engagement.

The exhibition component of the forum will showcase projects, technologies and solutions related to modern construction, architecture, engineering, energy infrastructure, industrial systems, urban services and digital technologies. Participating companies and institutions will present initiatives reflecting current international trends in sustainable and smart urban development.

As Ashgabat prepares to welcome international participants next week, White City Ashgabat 2026 is expected to further reinforce the Turkmen capital’s strengthening role as a regional platform for investment dialogue, infrastructure cooperation and the exchange of advanced technologies and expertise in sustainable urban development.

Detailed information about the conference agenda, exhibition participation and sponsorship opportunities is available on the official event website: White City Ashgabat 2026 Official Website.