Turkmenistan at 30 : a legacy of welcome , a future of progress

euronews.com · Feb 22, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Partner content ‘Partner Content’ is used to describe brand content that is paid for and controlled by the advertiser rather than the Euronews editorial team. This content is produced by commercial departments and does not involve Euronews editorial staff or news journalists. The funding partner has control of the topics, content and final approval in collaboration with Euronews’ commercial production department. © - Copyright Turkmenaragatnashyk • Updated: 08/08/2025 GMT+2 Share Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Copied Turkmenistan has long been known for its tradition of welcoming travellers, a legacy shaped by centuries of exchange along the Silk Road. Today, as the country marks 30 years of UN-recognised neutrality and almost 35 years of independence, we look at how that spirit of openness is being channelled into preparing a new generation for the future. At the heart of its development agenda, Turkmenistan is placing youth empowerment, education and skills – framing them as key drivers of stability, innovation and international cooperation in a fast-changing region. A generation shaping the future Youth empowerment is a clear priority for Turkmenistan as it grows its influence on the global stage. A number of youth-focused governmental programmes aiming to prepare citizens for a shift towards a skills-based economy are under development. Coding bootcamps, robotics competitions and STEM initiatives in schools are already taking hold, while universities are upgrading curricula and introducing international language programmes to prepare students for global opportunities. Community projects are also bringing training and civic engagement to underserved citizens and rural areas, highlighting Turkmenistan’s focus on inclusivity and local innovation. Neutrality as a platform for progress Turkmenistan’s stance of permanent neutrality, recognised by the UN in 1995, underpins these efforts. The policy of non-alignment and active diplomacy has positioned the country as a stable partner in the region. This year, declared as the International Year of Peace and Trust by Turkmenistan with support from a UN General Assembly resolution, provides the thematic backdrop to Turkmenistan’s long-term goals of international peace and prosperity. Through youth participation initiatives, Turkmenistan aims not only to foster an inclusive, opportunity-rich environment for its young people, but also to develop the next generation and create a foundation for greater regional stability. Building connections with Europe and beyond Across Europe, interest in Central Asia is growing — from energy and transport cooperation to climate and connectivity. Turkmenistan, with its strategic location and neutral stance – non-participation in armed conflicts or political alliances – is stepping up its international presence, positioning itself as a stable partner for the rest of the world. Initiatives such as the UNDP-organised Youth and Peace Workshop in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, and the Central Asian Youth Dialogue are drawing wider global attention to how young people can contribute to security and development across Central Asia and internationally. In 2025, Turkmenistan has already hosted a series of cultural showcases and media events to highlight its global commitments, including Europe Day 2025 which brought together more than 500 citizens of all ages to celebrate peaceful relationships between the EU and Turkmenistan, in a “Marathon for Peace and Trust”. An inclusive future Another theme for Turkmenistan’s youth drive is inclusion. Training, mentorship and funding projects aimed at gender-inclusive growth are being launched in collaboration with the UNDP and regional development agencies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) helping boost young women’s participation in STEM and entrepreneurship and expand their long-term economic opportunities. Additionally, targeted support for rural leadership academies and youth committees – such as the Mobile Leadership Academy and the UN’s Youth Empowerment Joint Programme – are enabling disadvantaged young people to earn the skills to address community challenges – from health to environmental sustainability. Championing youth development worldwide As Turkmenistan celebrates three decades of nationhood, it is looking to its young people to carry forward a legacy of hospitality and openness. By investing in their education, skills and international connections, the country is laying the groundwork for a new generation of leaders – grounded in mutual respect, regional trust and a forward-looking vision. Partner content presented by ‘Partner Content presented by’ is used to describe brand content that is paid for and controlled by the advertiser rather than the Euronews editorial team. This content is produced by commercial departments and does not involve Euronews editorial staff or news journalists. The funding partner has control of the topics, content and final approval in collaboration with Euronews’ commercial production department.