On October 28, 2026, the Round Table of Education Ministers titled "Development of a Common Educational Space in Central Asia and International Cooperation" was convened in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan. The event was attended by the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Dzhumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, who delivered a keynote address.

During his speech, the Minister expressed gratitude to the Uzbek host for facilitating a constructive regional platform. He underscored that Central Asian nations share profound historical, cultural, and neighborly ties, united by a common objective: educating a competitive, forward-looking younger generation grounded in national values and equipped with advanced skills. Minister Gurbangeldiyev emphasized that modern technological transformations demand that demographic potential be effectively translated into human capital and innovation.

The participants were briefed on Turkmenistan’s strategic advancements in education, carried out under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and inspired by the initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Key milestones highlighted included:

Turkmenistan outlined actionable priorities for strengthening multilateral cooperation across Central Asia:

  • Academic Mobility & Dual Degrees: Expanding student, faculty, and research exchanges, along with developing joint master’s degree programs;
  • Recognition of Qualifications: Promoting trust and transparent qualification mechanisms, building on Turkmenistan’s accession to the Lisbon Recognition Convention in 2022;
  • Joint Research & Innovation: Fostering regional collaborative research in AI, digital technologies, efficient water resources management, clean energy, and sustainability, while empowering youth startup ecosystems;
  • Institutionalized Dialogue: Establishing regular consultation mechanisms among Central Asian education ministries and flagship universities.

Concluding his address, Minister Gurbangeldiyev reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s unwavering commitment—guided by its status of permanent neutrality and mutual respect—to educational diplomacy and constructive regional partnerships aimed at delivering tangible benefits for youth and sustainable development across Central Asia.

Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan