Turkmenistan maintains fruitful cooperation with authoritative international organizations, among which UNESCO holds a special place. As the UN specialized agency for education, science, and culture, UNESCO has, since its establishment in 1945, played a vital role in strengthening peace and promoting international cooperation
In the year marking the 30th anniversary of our Permanent Neutrality and the 80th anniversary of UNESCO, the consistent development of Turkmenistan—UNESCO cooperation is especially evident. Turkmenistan became a full member of UNESCO in 1993, establishing the National Commission for UNESCO affairs and the Permanent Delegation to UNESCO.
UNESCO carries out its activities through several key programs, including “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB), “World Heritage”, “Intangible Cultural Heritage”, and “Memory of the World”. These programs provide member states with broad opportunities to advance their national interests in the fields of education, science, culture, and cultural diplomacy.
A significant area of cooperation concerns the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Turkmenistan was among the first countries to begin implementing the 2030 Agenda at the national level. Sustainable Development Goal 4 — quality, inclusive, and equitable education — plays a central role in joint efforts with UNESCO. The organization’s long-standing initiatives in universal education and global literacy form a solid foundation for this cooperation.
Turkmenistan has joined key UNESCO instruments, including the Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas, and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific, as well as the World Declaration on Education for All, and consistently fulfills its obligations. In 2002–2003, specialized centers for preparing UNESCO materials and for training in modern teaching methods were established.
Today, 14 higher education institutions in Turkmenistan are members of the International Association of Universities. Six secondary schools participate in the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet). UNESCO Clubs have been established at six higher education institutions, and UNESCO Chairs operate at two universities.
The first UNESCO Club in Turkmenistan — “Languages of Peace” — operates at the Dovletmammed Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. Its activities focus on strengthening intercultural dialogue, enhancing communication skills, and supporting the scientific and creative development of students and teachers. Events organized jointly with the National Commission, as well as UNESCO Clubs and Chairs, contribute to improving the educational competencies of young people.
Favorable conditions have been created in Turkmenistan for youth to obtain quality education, engage in research, and contribute to national development through innovative initiatives. As a permanently neutral state, Turkmenistan actively supports the expansion of international cooperation in science and education and contributes to strengthening mutual trust and dialogue among nations.
We express deep gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, and the Esteemed President, Arkadagly Hero Serdar, for their efforts aimed at strengthening the foundations of education, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing international cooperation.
