AGP Executive Report

Ethnography & Heritage: An international “Greater Altai: Turkic Heritage 2026” expedition has wrapped up in Russia’s Altai Krai, with Turkmen researchers comparing Altai peoples’ everyday traditions and language parallels to Turkmen heritage, including visits to Kumandin communities and rituals like fire worship plus talkan-making. Film & Youth Culture: The VII International Lendoc Film Festival in St. Petersburg crowned “Kara Kyzyl Sary” as best feature, highlighting cinema as a bridge across cultures. Media & Cultural Diplomacy: A Turkmenistan delegation joined Uzbekistan’s international media forum “Islamic Civilization: New Perspectives, New Discoveries,” focusing on documentary history, digital publishing, and presenting heritage to modern audiences. Science for Lifestyle & Environment: Turkmen scientists say they’ve developed a next-generation soil biopreparation that neutralises methane using locally adapted bacteria—aimed at industrial zones and designed to be safe and non-toxic. Music & National Arts: Winners of the “Çalsana bagşy!” competition were announced, and the final round took place at Ashgabat’s Mukam Palace, with an exhibition of instruments, photos, and museum treasures. Sports & Community Energy: Turkmenistan’s U23 3x3 teams opened their Singapore campaign with wins over Qatar, while chess continues to draw attention through youth events like Kids Expo.

Science & Environment: Turkmen researchers say they’ve developed a next-generation bio-product that neutralises methane emissions directly in soil, using local methane-oxidising bacteria and a protective microenvironment—aimed at industrial zones with claims of high efficiency and non-toxicity. Culture & Heritage: Ashgabat’s State Museum is showcasing “Historical Treasures — Mysterious Pages of Antiquity,” featuring archaeological finds and everyday objects from ancient Turkmen sites, while the museum also offers new online art exhibitions celebrating Ahal-Teke horses and artist Nyyazmyrat Dovodov. Arts & Music: The “Çalsana, bagşy!” dutar and bagshy competition wrapped up at the Mukam Palace, with winners receiving the President’s gold chain—highlighting youth talent and the wider national push to preserve folk music. Sports (Youth): Turkmenistan’s U23 3x3 teams kicked off in Singapore with wins over Qatar, setting up more matches through Aug. 26 and a shot at the U23 World Cup berth. Diplomacy (Culture ties): Turkmenistan and Tajikistan held foreign-minister consultations and signed a 2027–2028 cooperation program, with cultural and humanitarian cooperation explicitly on the agenda. Regional Media: A Turkmen delegation joined an international media forum in Uzbekistan focused on Islamic civilization and documentary filmmaking.

Methane-Cutting Biotech: Turkmen scientists say they’ve finished a next-generation soil biopreparation that neutralizes methane using locally adapted methane-oxidizing bacteria, aiming to curb industrial emissions with a non-toxic, cost-effective approach. Cultural Diplomacy in the Region: A Turkmen delegation is taking part in Uzbekistan’s international media forum on Islamic civilization, while Turkmenistan and Tajikistan keep deepening ties through foreign-minister consultations and a 2027–2028 cooperation program that also highlights cultural and humanitarian plans. Heritage on Display in Ashgabat: An exhibition in the capital spotlights Turkmenistan’s past through archaeological finds and everyday objects, from pottery and coins to medieval site materials. Folk Music Spotlight: Winners of the “Çalsana bagşy!” competition among dutar players and bagshy musicians were announced, with the final round held at the Mukam Palace. Sports & Youth Culture: Turkmenistan’s U23 3x3 teams opened their Singapore campaign with wins over Qatar, and Turkmen chess player Lala Shohradova won gold and silver at the Asian Juniors Chess Championships. Kids Expo Connections: “Kids Expo: Everything for Children” in Ashgabat continues, featuring international partners like Soyuzmultfilm bringing new proposals for Turkmen producers.

Turkmenistan Youth Sports: Turkmenistan’s U23 men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams kicked off the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League 2026 in Singapore with wins over Qatar (men 15–9, women 21–6), setting up more matches through Aug. 26 and a shot at the U23 World Cup berth. Kids Expo Culture & Learning: Ashgabat’s “Kids Expo: Everything for Children” keeps rolling, spotlighting intellectual sports and chess; Sri Lanka’s grandmaster Luxman Wijesuriya praised Turkmen chess culture, while the Kids Expo Chess Cup 2026 began with young players from across the region. Art Online: The State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan opened virtual exhibitions, including works celebrating the Akhal-Teke horses and a tribute to artist Nyyazmyrat Dovodov, using 3D viewing for art lovers worldwide. Diplomacy with Tajikistan: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan held foreign-minister consultations and signed a 2027–2028 cooperation program, with trade, energy/transport, and cultural-humanitarian ties on the agenda. Cultural Exchange: At Kids Expo, the Cultural Center of the Iranian Embassy in Ashgabat showcased Persian language, calligraphy, fine arts, and translated literature, strengthening Turkmen-Iranian humanitarian links.

Cultural Diplomacy in Ashgabat: The “Kids Expo: Everything for Children” fair is in full swing, with a strong focus on intellectual sports and youth development. Chess expert Luxman Wijesuriya praised Turkmenistan’s chess school and players’ distinctive style, while the event also features major international participation, including animation studio “Soyuzmultfilm,” bringing licensing and new character-based product ideas for Turkmen manufacturers. Virtual Art & Heritage: The State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan launched online exhibitions, including one dedicated to the Ahal-Teke horses and another marking the 105th birth anniversary of artist Nyyazmyrat Dovodov, using 3D viewing and zoomable displays. Sports Spotlight: Turkmenistan’s U23 men’s and women’s 3x3 teams kicked off the FIBA Nations League in Singapore with wins over Qatar (men 15–9, women 21–6), keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive. Turkmen-Tajik Cultural Ties: Foreign ministers in Ashgabat signed a 2027–2028 cooperation program covering political, trade, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, building on growing bilateral momentum.

Sports & Youth: Turkmenistan’s U23 men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams kicked off the FIBA 3x3 U23 Nations League 2026 in Singapore with big wins over Qatar (men 15–9, women 21–6). The tournament runs until Aug. 26, with the Asia West/Pacific conference winner earning a direct berth to the U23 World Cup in China. Chess & Talent: Lala Shohradova won both gold and silver at the Asian Juniors Chess Championships in Mumbai, adding another milestone for Turkmen chess. Kids Expo Culture: Ashgabat’s “Kids Expo: Everything for Children” keeps rolling, spotlighting children’s education and intellectual sports; the fair also features international partners like Russia’s Soyuzmultfilm and virtual museum exhibitions celebrating Turkmen art and heritage. Diplomacy & Culture Links: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan held foreign-minister talks in Ashgabat and signed a 2027–2028 cooperation program, with cultural and humanitarian cooperation on the agenda. Heritage on Display: The Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan launched online virtual exhibitions on Ahal-Teke horses and artist Nyyazmyrat Dovodov, using 3D viewing for art lovers.

Kids Expo in Ashgabat: The international “Kids Expo: Everything for Children” keeps running at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spotlighting education, upbringing and children’s leisure, with special focus on intellectual sports; Sri Lankan grandmaster Luxman Wijesuriya praised Turkmen chess culture and the country’s strong training tradition. Chess for the next generation: The Kids Expo Chess Cup 2026 kicked off with rapid and blitz events for under-8, under-10 and under-12 players from eight countries, turning the fair into a regional talent hub. Turkmen art online: The State Museum of Fine Arts opened virtual exhibitions, including one dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses and another marking the 105th birth anniversary of artist Nyyazmyrat Dovodov, using 3D viewing and detailed exhibit notes. Cultural diplomacy with Iran: Iran’s embassy cultural center showcased Persian language, calligraphy and fine arts at Kids Expo, featuring a library of translated works and Persian-Turkmen learning materials. Turkmen–Tajik cooperation: Foreign ministers held talks in Ashgabat and signed a 2027–2028 cooperation program, with trade, energy, transport and cultural-humanitarian plans on the agenda. Gender-responsive healthcare training: UNDP and UNFPA launched a three-day training in Ashgabat for healthcare professionals on gender-responsive approaches, aiming to reduce barriers in access to services. Sporting pride: Turkmen chess player Lala Shohradova won gold and silver at the Asian Juniors Chess Championships in Mumbai, adding another milestone to the national chess story.

Kids Expo in Ashgabat: The international “Kids Expo: Everything for Children” is in full swing, spotlighting education, upbringing and children’s leisure, with special focus on intellectual sports like chess; Sri Lankan grandmaster Luxman Wijesuriya praised Turkmen chess culture and top-level preparation. Cultural Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan keep deepening ties: foreign ministers met in Ashgabat and signed a 2027–2028 cooperation program, with talks covering trade, energy, transport, communications—and cultural and humanitarian joint activities. Youth & Sports: The “Kids Expo Chess Cup 2026” kicked off in Ashgabat, bringing together young players from eight countries for rapid and blitz categories. Healthcare & Gender-Responsive Care: UNDP and UNFPA launched a three-day training in Ashgabat for 30 healthcare professionals on gender-responsive approaches in healthcare delivery. Heritage on the Move: Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke horse culture is set for an international showcase in the Netherlands, blending equestrian sport with heritage, science and arts.

Kids Expo in Ashgabat: The international “Kids Expo: Everything for Children” is underway, spotlighting education, upbringing and intellectual sports, with chess drawing major attention as Turkmenistan’s strong chess culture is praised by visiting grandmaster Luxman Wijesuriya. Chess for the next generation: The Kids Expo Chess Cup 2026 has kicked off at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, featuring rapid and blitz categories for young players from eight countries, with results updated in real time. Animation and children’s goods: Russia’s “Soyuzmultfilm” animation studio presented cooperation proposals to Turkmen manufacturers at the expo, aiming to expand licensing and bring beloved characters into new children’s products. Diplomacy with a cultural thread: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan held foreign-minister consultations in Ashgabat, agreeing to deepen political, trade and humanitarian ties, and signing a 2027–2028 cooperation program that also covers cultural cooperation. Trade integration support: A GIZ-backed project is helping Turkmenistan streamline customs and boost connectivity for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, including digital tools and faster border procedures. Healthcare training: UNDP and UNFPA launched a three-day “Gender-Responsive Approach in Healthcare” training in Ashgabat for 30 health professionals. Cultural outreach abroad: At the Turkmenistan consulate in Mashhad, a round table highlighted the upcoming Halk Maslahaty meeting and the UN resolution “Year of International Law, 2028,” alongside an exhibition of Turkmen books and arts. Sport and heritage: Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke horse traditions continue to be promoted internationally, with a major Netherlands event scheduled for early September.

Kids Expo in Ashgabat: The international exhibition-fair “Kids Expo: Everything for Children” is underway at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, bringing together child-focused manufacturers, education and leisure providers, and international partners; highlights include the opening ceremony with children’s performances and a message from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, plus a major cultural showcase from the Iranian Embassy’s cultural center featuring Persian language courses, calligraphy, fine arts, and a library of Persian-translated works and fairy tales. Animation & licensing ties: Russian animation studio “Soyuzmultfilm” presented cooperation proposals at the expo, offering Turkmen partners opportunities to integrate beloved characters from its “Golden Collection” and new projects into children’s goods. Diplomacy with a cultural lens: A round table at Turkmenistan’s Consulate General in Mashhad linked the upcoming Halk Maslahaty meeting to UN resolutions, featuring books, arts, and photos on Turkmen cultural heritage. Regional cooperation: Turkmen-Tajik foreign minister-level consultations in Ashgabat emphasized expanding energy, transport, agriculture, trade—and also joint cultural and humanitarian events, with a 2027–2028 cooperation program signed. Gender & healthcare training: UNDP and UNFPA launched a three-day “Gender-Responsive Approach in Healthcare” training in Ashgabat for 30 healthcare professionals across Turkmenistan. Sport & youth culture: The Kids Expo Chess Cup 2026 began in Ashgabat, with young players from eight countries competing in rapid and blitz categories.

Kids Expo in Ashgabat: The International exhibition-fair «Kids Expo: Everything for children» opened in the capital, bringing together education centers and child-focused services, with performances by children’s creative groups and a message from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Iranian cultural corner: At the fair, the Cultural centre at the Embassy of Iran in Ashgabat showcased Persian language courses, calligraphy, fine arts, and a library featuring Persian translations of Magtymguly Fragi and Hero-Arkadag, plus a Persian-Turkmen dictionary and traditional cuisine recipes. Gender in healthcare training: UNDP and UNFPA launched a three-day “Gender-Responsive Approach in Healthcare” training for 30 healthcare professionals across Turkmenistan, aiming to strengthen practical skills for gender- and human-rights sensitive care. Diplomacy with Japan: Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Japan met a new Japanese special representative for Central Asia and the Caucasus, discussing future political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, including a December 2026 Tokyo meeting of economic committees. Sport for youth: Turkmenistan is listed among teams taking part in the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League 2026 in Singapore, with the event serving as qualification for the U23 World Cup. Akhal-Teke spotlight abroad: Plans were shared for major international Akhal-Teke horse events in the Netherlands in early September, blending equestrian sport with cultural heritage and scientific exchange.

Youth & Sport: Bahrain’s U23 3x3 teams kick off the FIBA Youth Nations League 2026 in Singapore today, with Turkmenistan in Pool B—an event that also serves as qualification for the U23 World Cup in China (Sept 15–19). Kids Expo & Culture: Ashgabat’s “Kids Expo: Everything for children” drew major educational and creative stands, including the Cultural Centre at the Iranian Embassy, highlighting Persian language, calligraphy, fine arts, and a library of Persian-translated classics and fairy tales. Diplomacy & Culture-Humanitarian Links: Turkmenistan’s Deputy FM met Japan’s new Central Asia and Caucasus special representative to plan high-level committee talks in Tokyo (Dec 2026), while Turkmenistan also discussed expanding cultural-humanitarian cooperation with the UAE ambassador. Gender & Healthcare Training: UNDP and UNFPA launched a three-day “Gender-Responsive Approach in Healthcare” training in Ashgabat for 30 health professionals from across all velayats. Heritage on the Move: International attention continues to build around the Akhal-Teke—this year’s global showcase in the Netherlands (Sept 4–6) blends sport, science, and cultural tradition around Turkmenistan’s “Heavenly Horse.”

Turkmen-Japanese Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan A. Bayramov met newly appointed Japan’s Special Representative for Central Asia and the Caucasus T. Ishigaki, highlighting fast-growing ties after two Turkmen President visits in 2025 and discussing future political, trade, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, including a high-level Turkmen-Japanese Economic Cooperation Committee meeting in Tokyo in Dec 2026. Bangladesh Partnership: Political consultations in Ashgabat between Turkmen Deputy FM Ahmet Gurbanov and Bangladesh FM Secretary Nazrul Islam focused on expanding trade, investment, energy security, and fertiliser supplies, with Bangladesh seeking more access for jute, ceramics, light engineering, and semiconductors. UAE Cooperation: Deputy FM Myahri Byashimova met UAE Ambassador Ahmed Alhay Hamad Khamis Alhameli to push practical collaboration, including cultural and humanitarian joint events. Akhal-Teke Spotlight Abroad: The Akhal-Teke horse takes center stage in the Netherlands (Sept 4–6) with the World Beauty Championship and equestrian events celebrating Turkmen heritage. Kids Expo Chess: Ashgabat’s “KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children” (Aug 19–22) will feature international masterclasses and the Kids Expo Chess Cup 2026 (Aug 19–20).

Akhal-Teke Heritage in Europe: Turkmenistan’s iconic Akhal-Teke horse takes center stage in the Netherlands, with a Sept. 4–6 World Beauty Championship and equestrian showcase planned in Kronenberg, blending sport, science, and art around the “Heavenly Horse.” Diplomacy & Culture: Turkmenistan and Bangladesh kick off their first foreign-ministry political consultations in Ashgabat, agreeing on regular contacts and expanding cooperation across trade, investment, energy security, and cultural-humanitarian ties. Regional Partnerships: Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova meets UAE Ambassador Ahmed Alhay Hamad Khamis Alhameli, prioritizing deeper trade and new cultural and humanitarian joint events. Turkmen Neutrality at the UN: Turkmenistan outlines its priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly session, stressing neutrality, peacebuilding, and regional cooperation. Youth & Learning: International chess masterclasses are set for Turkmenistan’s national teams during “KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children” (19–22 Aug) in Ashgabat, alongside the Kids Expo Chess Cup. Sports Diplomacy: Turkmenistan is listed among teams for the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League 2026, with the wider Asia West/Pacific event running through late August in Singapore.

Akhal-Teke in the spotlight: Turkmenistan’s iconic Akhal-Teke horse heritage is set for an international showcase in the Netherlands, with a Sept. 4–6 World Beauty Championship and equestrian event celebrating the breed’s “golden horse” identity and Turkmen traditions. Culture diplomacy: The OTS Secretary General paid tribute to Turkic cultural figures in Hungary, including Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy, reinforcing shared heritage ties. Foreign ministry talks with a cultural angle: Turkmenistan and the UAE discussed expanding cooperation, with cultural and humanitarian contacts flagged as priorities. Regional partnership building: Turkmenistan and Bangladesh held their first political consultations in Ashgabat, agreeing to deepen trade, investment, and energy security cooperation. Sports for youth: Turkmenistan’s chess scene gets a boost at KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children (Aug. 19–22), featuring masterclasses and an international rapid/blitz chess cup. Neutrality on the UN agenda: Turkmenistan outlined its priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly session, centering neutrality, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.

Turkmen-Emirates Diplomacy: Deputy FM M. Byashimova met UAE Ambassador Ahmed Alhay Hamad Khamis Alhameli to review cooperation and plan joint events, with trade, economic ties, and cultural-humanitarian contacts highlighted. UN Focus: Turkmenistan outlined its priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, stressing neutrality, peacebuilding, and sustainable development as it prepares concrete initiatives on security and development. Bangladesh–Turkmenistan Talks: Political consultations in Ashgabat set the stage to deepen ties, with both sides pushing trade, investment, energy security, and sector cooperation; Turkmenistan also offered fertiliser support. Culture & Learning: “KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children” in Ashgabat (19–22 Aug) will feature international chess masterclasses and the Kids Expo Chess Cup, bringing top youth players and interactive activities. Akhal-Teke Spotlight: The World Beauty Championship for Heavenly Akhal-Teke horses is set for Sept 4–6 in the Netherlands, celebrating Turkmen equestrian heritage through competitions and a scientific conference. Regional Training: OSCE ran a medical support course for Explosive Ordnance Disposal in Kazakhstan, with Turkmen specialists among participants.