The “Tebigy Kuwwat” enterprise of the Public Association “Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan” and the Association of legal entities in the form of association “Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan” have concluded a Memorandum of International Cooperation.The document mandates the development and strengthening of international cooperation between non-governmental organizations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in the socio-humanitarian sphere, including issues related to the development of civil society, education, youth policy, volunteerism, public diplomacy, and expert interaction, as well as the organization and implementation of joint events, projects, and initiatives of mutual interest.
Led by Banu Ganiyevna Nurgaziyeva, the “Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan” is one of the largest national associations, encompassing over 8,000 non-profit organizations across the country. The Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan is also one of the main organizers of the Civil Forum of Kazakhstan, which is held biennially in Astana.
The parties signing the Memorandum of Cooperation reached this decision while participating in major international events held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan:
On May 18, 2026, the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) commenced its week-long program at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan. WUF was launched in 2002 by the United Nations Human Rights Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to address one of the most pressing global challenges of our time: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change, and policy. The Forum operates as a non-legislative technical platform where experts exchange insights during the years when the UN-Habitat Governing Council does not meet, gathering participants from 160 countries biennially in different host cities and nations.
The delegation of Turkmenistan is represented by officials from the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production, the Ministry of Construction and Architecture, the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, the Hakymlik (Municipality) of Ashgabat, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Arkadag Smart City administration. A massive exhibition center, known as the Urban Expo, was set up across the vast venue of WUF13, featuring national pavilions from numerous countries worldwide. The Pavilion of Turkmenistan showcased products and achievements of the participating ministries and agencies, including traditional souvenirs, hand-woven carpets, a model of an Akhal-Teke horse, a replica of the Arch of Neutrality, and architectural models of the newly developed Arkadag Smart City. Visitors to the National Pavilion were provided with well-illustrated promotional materials on domestic innovative urban development solutions, presented with a wide selection of medicinal mountain herbs and teas, and, in line with traditional hospitality, treated to local sweets, including the internationally acclaimed chocolate-covered melon candies.
The official opening of the Forum was held at the highest level, attended by heads of state and high-ranking officials from various nations. In the Dialogue B Hall, representatives of UN-Habitat and other international organizations delivered welcoming remarks to the participants. The popular Turkish singer Haluk Levent and his band, who traveled to the forum as special guests, performed several songs during the event. Civil society representatives from Turkmenistan also participated in WUF13, having previously attended the General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform on May 14 and the 2nd Solidarity Forum of NGOs of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member states on May 16 in Baku.
It is widely recognized that amid rapid urbanization, non-governmental organizations serve as a vital link between citizens, businesses, and the state, ensuring that the interests of local communities are integrated into the design of smart and inclusive cities. They transform global partnerships by translating international sustainable development standards (such as the UN SDGs) to the local level and building expert networks to exchange best practices in environmental protection, transport, and affordable housing. For this reason, the organizers of WUF13 placed a strong emphasis on engaging civil society organizations in the work of the World Urban Forum.Consequently, on May 19, the WUF13 NGO Forum: Global Partnerships and Decision-Making was convened for the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum. Held in the Dialogue A Hall at the Olympic Stadium, the session was opened by Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Rights Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and Mr. Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration.The event featured keynote addresses by Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation; Ms. Aygun Aliyeva, Chairperson of the Board of the Agency for State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Mr. Luis Gallegos, President of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Deputy Secretary-General of the Global South NGO Platform for the Latin American Region; Mr. Christian Mensah, former Secretary of the UN-Habitat Board and Head of the Intergovernmental Relations Department; and Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Advisor on Sustainable Urbanization to the Government of Malaysia, former Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, and former Mayor of Kuala Lumpur.
During the panel discussion titled “Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Planning: Global Partnerships and NGO Influence on Decision-Making,” civil society representatives from various regions of the world shared their experiences and proposed actionable ideas to enhance partnership and collective participation in improving living standards in cities and rural areas.
On May 21, 2026, the UN Building in Ashgabat hosted the ninth coordination meeting of the Climate Development Partners Group.Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan in cooperation with the British Embassy in Ashgabat, the meeting was attended by: Ms. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan; Mr. Makhtumkuli Akmuradov, Ambassador and Advisor to the Department of International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan; Mr. Stephen Conlon, His Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan; Mr. Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Turkmenistan; Mr. Ahmed Al-Hameli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Turkmenistan; Mr. Gismat Gozalov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan; Mr. Chary Nurmuhammedov, Senior Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning / Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office; Mr. Farhat Orunov, UNDP Programme Analyst; representatives of the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan; the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat; the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Turkmenistan; Mr. Berkeli Atayev, Director of the “Tebigy Kuwwat” Public Association Enterprise and representative of the Aarhus Centre in Turkmenistan, along with other representatives of international organizations.
The meeting focused on climate action, the development of Turkmenistan’s next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), UN support for this process, and other ongoing partner initiatives aimed at advancing the country’s climate agenda.
The meeting was opened by Ms. N. Sahakyan, who provided a brief overview of the Climate Development Partners Group’s work. In particular, she noted that over a year had passed since their last meeting in the same building in February 2025. Since then, major environmental forums have taken place, including COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and the 2026 Regional Environmental Summit (RES) in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, where group members actively participated. Several national climate initiatives were also advanced, including the preparation and submission of the Vienna Report to the Climate Change Convention, the formulation and submission of the 4th National Communication to the UNFCCC, and, notably, the upcoming NDC 3.0 alongside other climate reporting. She highlighted that by the end of this year, three critical Conferences of the Parties (COP) to Rio Conventions will take place in the region: the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (Mongolia, August), the Convention on Biological Diversity (Armenia, October), and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (Antalya, Türkiye, November). Additionally, the VIII Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this June, with the composition of Turkmenistan’s delegation currently under review. December will also feature the UN Water Conference, co-chaired by the UAE.
Mr. Stephen Conlon, His Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, opened his remarks by stating that the UK is actively promoting COP31 and implementing large-scale climate action. The country’s primary efforts include:
• Net Zero Target by 2050• Energy Decarbonization
• Fossil Fuel Phase-out
• Green Transport: The authorities plan to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, transitioning entirely to electric vehicles (EVs).
• Building Energy Efficiency
• Funding and Support: The UK is allocating substantial funds to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects and supporting developing countries in combating climate threats.
Mr. M. Akmuradov provided a summary of the key climate action initiatives being undertaken in Turkmenistan:
– For a long time, the UN office and other organizations have been working jointly in Turkmenistan to establish a regional center for climate technologies. An agreement was reached with the FAO, which provided technical assistance; two experts have been hired and have commenced work. Within two months, they will finalize the operational documents for the office, covering the organizational and legal framework as well as the general operational parameters of the center.The next step toward launching the Center is the participation of Turkmenistan’s delegation in the Pre-COP 31 proceedings in Doha on June 8–18. This delegation should include senior leadership from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, the national focal point for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A similar practice was successfully implemented two years ago ahead of COP. Staff participation has already been secured with the support of the FAO project.
During the meetings in Doha, it is crucial to engage with potential donors for climate projects—primarily representatives from the GCF, alongside the GEF and the Adaptation Fund. Notably, six months ago at the ‘Dushanbe Invest-2025’ forum, the GCF offered to provide the funding necessary for the Center’s operations for at least a six-month budget cycle. Side negotiations with international organizations are scheduled on the margins of the Pre-COP. The tentative opening date for the Center is set for late October 2026, with an official announcement to follow at COP31. At the Astana RES 2026 in April, a dedicated session focused on Turkmenistan’s initiatives: the Regional Center for Climate Technologies and the Regional Center to Combat Desertification. Regarding the former initiative, absolute support was expressed by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Consequently, the consent of practically all regional countries has been secured. In this regard, we need to collectively map out a scenario for announcing the opening of the Center at COP31, as well as delivering a detailed presentation on its structure, objectives, and activities.
I would also like to highlight the EU-supported methane project, where the State Concern ‘Turkmengas’ is the primary stakeholder. Delivery of high-cost, compact portable units for capturing methane greenhouse gas leaks is currently expected. Furthermore, a National Strategy on Public Awareness of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Energy Efficiency has been drafted and is currently undergoing domestic interagency approval.
Mr. Ahmet Demirok delivered a presentation on the Republic of Türkiye’s preparatory work for the upcoming monumental environmental event—the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), scheduled to take place on November 9–20, 2026, in Antalya:
– Today, we face not only the escalating impacts of climate change but also a complex global landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions, energy security challenges, and rising vulnerabilities. These compounding crises further underscore the urgent need for immediate climate action. Under these circumstances, Türkiye has been entrusted with the COP31 Presidency. This responsibility reflects our firm commitment to multilateralism and the advancement of the global climate agenda.This commitment is also deeply rooted in our history. Türkiye and Australia share a unique historical bond forged during the 1915 Gallipoli Campaign. Although our two nations met on the battlefield as fierce adversaries, the mutual respect between Turkish soldiers and the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) troops laid the foundation for a lasting friendship. Over the subsequent decades, this military encounter evolved into a profound diplomatic and cultural partnership. Today, as both nations jointly honor their fallen heroes on those historic battlefields, we continue to exemplify how former adversaries can successfully build a peaceful, cooperative future.Türkiye’s special ties and cooperation with Australia in this process have resulted in a unique hosting format for COP31. Türkiye will host COP31 from November 9 to 20, 2026, and the Leaders’ Summit on November 11–12 in Antalya, while leading the Climate Action Agenda. Australia will serve as the ‘Chair of Negotiations.’Mr. Murat Kurum, our Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, has been designated as the COP31 President-Designate. Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Mr. Chris Bowen, will serve as the Chair of Negotiations. Mr. Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, has been appointed as the UN High-Level Climate Champion. The candidacy for the Youth Climate Champion, Sally Higgins, was put forward by Australia.
Meanwhile, the Pre-COP meeting will take place in Fiji, with its high-level component hosted in Tuvalu on October 5–8, aligning with Australia’s priority to bring global attention to the vulnerability of the Pacific region. We believe this innovative model demonstrates how collaborative leadership can foster a more balanced and inclusive process.
We are working in close coordination with the COP29 and COP30 Presidencies—Azerbaijan and Brazil. As the COP31 Presidency, our approach is underpinned by three core principles: dialogue, consensus, and action. Through dialogue, we aim to rebuild trust; through consensus, we seek common ground; and through action, we are determined to translate commitments into tangible results.
Over the past 30 years, the international community has made significant progress in setting targets. However, we believe that the credibility of this process now hinges on delivering concrete results on the ground. This is why, over time, the COP Climate Action Agenda has become a vital pillar of the global climate regime. We intend to focus not only on negotiated outcomes but also on real-economy transformation and practical deliverables. Our goal is clear: to deliver an implementation-focused COP that accounts for diverse national circumstances.
We will announce the priorities of our ‘COP31 Climate Action Agenda’ at the 64th sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies in Bonn. Our priorities include: the clean energy transition, the ‘zero waste’ approach with an emphasis on climate mitigation, climate-resilient and low-emission cities, green industrialization, food security, oceans and seas, and the resilience of vulnerable regions such as the Mediterranean, alongside the Pacific and Africa.
We intend to incorporate the ‘zero waste’ concept as a critical dimension of mitigation efforts within our COP31 Action Agenda, given that waste is a major source of methane and carbon dioxide emissions. In this regard, we have appointed the President of the Zero Waste Foundation as the COP31 High-Level Climate Champion.
‘Rio Synergy’ will be one of our key focus areas, emphasizing that the integrated implementation of the three Rio Conventions is essential to protecting our planet through a holistic approach. We will also ensure that youth voices are at the heart of climate action through Youth Climate Envoys, as the ownership of the younger generation is our future.We are fully committed to conducting our Presidency in a transparent, inclusive, and consultative manner. Throughout this process, we are engaging with all Parties, regional groups, and stakeholders. We view international organizations as pivotal actors. In this context, we have established strategic partnerships with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and we will co-chair the FAST (‘Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation’) initiative launched under the leadership of the FAO.Together with the UNDP, we are currently developing the Climate Action Implementation Accelerator to provide a platform thatconnects the private sector, developing nations, and climate projects. Recently, on May 8–9, 2026, in collaboration with UN-Habitat and the UNECE, we organized a COP31 regional event on sustainable cities in Hatay. As part of the COP31 preparatory process, The Zero Waste Forum will be held in Istanbul on June 5–7, 2026, to raise global awareness and strengthen cooperation against food loss and waste.
We look forward to welcoming you to Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026. (The official COP31 website, cop31.tr, was recently launched, featuring an integrated booking platform).
The Ambassador of the UAE to Turkmenistan, Mr. Ahmed Al-Hameli, delivered a presentation on water sustainability and the upcoming UN Water Conference, co-chaired by the UAE:
– We are speaking about three conventions: Combatting Desertification, Biodiversity, and Climate Change. The UAE attaches great importance to partnering with various countries in alignment with national priorities. The UAE recognizes that economic development is intricately linked to climate change. We see that environmental challenges are increasingly interconnected and require coordinated, practical solutions. The UAE fully supports economic cooperation and practical partnerships, and will assist countries in addressing climate change and adaptation challenges. Water remains a vital element for national economic development. The Abu Dhabi Fund has allocated 2 billion USD to finance partnership enhancement and the pursuit of solutions for natural resource sustainability.
In conclusion, Mr. Stephen Conlon and Ms. Narine Sahakyan summarized the meeting, thanking all participants and speakers for their time and informative presentations. They assured that all proposals raised during the session would be reviewed on the sidelines of the upcoming events outlined during this 9th meeting before the end of the year. The moderator and the Climate Development Partners Group placed special emphasis on Turkmenistan’s efforts to establish the Regional Center for Climate Technologies in Ashgabat and to officially announce its launch at COP31 in Antalya. The next (10th) meeting will take place in late November or early December 2026 to serve as a year-end reporting session and a review of the outcomes of COP31.
ASHGABAT, 21 May 2026 – The capital of Turkmenistan has seen the official launch of one of the year’s most anticipated cultural and gastronomic events: Turkish Cuisine Week. Held globally from May 21 to 27 under the auspices of the First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, this year’s international initiative marks its fifth anniversary under a profound and unifying motto: “Heritage at One Table” (Bir Sofrada Miras).
The special evening, which brought together representatives of ministries, the diplomatic corps, the media community, and bloggers in Ashgabat, was opened by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to Turkmenistan, Ahmet Demirok. In his welcoming remarks, the head of the diplomatic mission emphasized that the Turkish table is not merely a place for a meal, but a sacred space of social harmony, where a visitor is traditionally welcomed as a “Guest of God” (Tanrı Misafiri).
Modern Turkish gastronomy represents a unique archive of “unwritten history.” As the direct heir to the culinary culture of the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires, it has embraced and refined flavors from a vast geographical expanse spanning from the Balkans and the Caucasus to the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
“Through events hosted by Turkish diplomatic missions, we share more than just food; we share our history, hospitality, and values,” H.E. Ambassador Demirok noted in his speech.
The organizers of the Week place a special emphasis on sustainability and conscious consumption. The cornerstone of this global project is the book entitled Turkish Cuisine with Timeless Recipes, published under the leadership of Emine Erdoğan. As noted in the Ambassador’s speech, traditional Turkish cuisine is inherently waste-free. For centuries, every single ingredient has been treated with deep respect, transforming potential food waste into exquisite homemade sauces, vinegars, and seasonal pickles.
In line with the framework established by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, the 2026 program is built around three key pillars:
• Dialogue: The dining table serves as the ancient language of communication, creating shared meanings for representatives of different cultures.
• Transformation: The continuous transmission of culinary memory and craftsmanship across generations.
• Archive: The recognition of gastronomy as the most reliable custodian of historical heritage.
Within these thematic areas, special attention this year is dedicated to iconic dishes that have become symbols of solidarity. Among them is the famous Keşkek (a hearty dish of wheat and meat), inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as well as the legendary nomadic Mantı and the pinnacle of confectionery art, Baklava.
In an era looking for healthier and more conscious lifestyles, Turkish gastronomy offers ready-made solutions. Driven by a “field-to-table” philosophy, its rich biodiversity, abundance of fresh vegetables, grains, and olive oil dishes offer endless options for both vegetarian and traditional diets. Today, as gastronomy tourism has become a global trend, Türkiye is actively developing its “Ark of Taste” project (Ark of Flavours).
Throughout the evening, live music filled the air as classical Turkish compositions were performed on traditional instruments, the saz and kanun.
The gala evening in the Turkmen capital stood as a vivid testament to the unbreakable cultural ties between the two nations. The exquisite and authentic selection of delicacies presented to the guests was prepared with the generous sponsorship of the renowned company MADO, as well as through the dedication and talent of the diplomatic mission’s chefs and staff.
For an entire week, Anatolian lands are transformed into a global hub of historical and cultural flavors. However, anyone can partake in this heritage: all authentic recipes and detailed video tutorials have been made publicly available on the official portal turkishcuisineweek.com.
Turkish Cuisine Week in Ashgabat has only just begun, promising to be an unforgettable journey into the world of flavor, history, and genuine hospitality.
The 2nd Solidarity Forum of NGOs of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member states was held at the Marriott Hotel Absheron Baku on May 16, 2026. The event brought together representatives from 8 countries: Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Hungary.As a reminder, the inaugural Forum took place in Nakhchivan last November, leading to the establishment of the OTS NGO Platform. The initial leadership of the Platform was entrusted to Azerbaijan, with its permanent headquarters established in Baku.Reflecting on the platform’s first six months of operation, Mr. Azer Allahveranov, Secretary-General of the NGO Platform of OTS Member Countries, noted that the platform—established in Nakhchivan in November of last year—works toward mobilizing and strengthening bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral engagement among NGOs across the OTS member states.
The 2nd Solidarity Forum of OTS Member States’ NGOs, which gathered around 400 participants from over 40 countries, was held on the eve of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) week. Participants drew special attention to the fact that WUF13 marks the first time this global event is hosted in the Turkic world.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Fuad Mammadov, Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of the Agency on State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasized: “Today, the Turkic world is experiencing a period of profound development, and opportunities for cooperation continue to expand. Nations united by common ethnic roots, history, language, culture, and traditions are increasingly seeking new forms of interaction, ranging from humanitarian projects to joint initiatives.”
The event continued with addresses from heads of numerous organizations across the OTS region, including:
Ms. Aygun Attar, Chairperson of the Türkiye-Azerbaijan Friendship, Cooperation and Solidarity Foundation;
Mr. Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of Uzbekistan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Global South NGO Platform for the Asian Region, and Chairman of the “Yuksalish” Nationwide Movement (Uzbekistan);
Ms. Banu Nurgaziyeva, President of the Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan;
Mr. Rizvan Nabiyev, Member of the Supervisory Board of the Agency on State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
Mr. Vusal Gasimli, Executive director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication;
Mr. Muhammet Alper Hayali, Deputy Secretary-General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA);
Ms. Tanzila Rustamkhanli, Chair of the Working Group for the Azerbaijani-Turkmen Interparliamentary Relations, Member of the Working Groups on Interparliamentary Relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
All statements carried a strong call to scale up multifaceted cooperation among OTS countries, thereby contributing to the unity of the Turkic world. Ms. B. Nurgaziyeva proposed the creation of an OTS Volunteer Network under the auspices of the NGO Platform of OTS Member Countries. This initiative aims to unite volunteers, strengthen friendships, enhance the mutual understanding of OTS languages, and promote volunteerism through the lens of the rich culture and history of the Turkic world.
Following the conclusion of the main plenary session, the Forum hosts arranged a performance by a dance troupe showcasing popular traditional dances from the OTS member states. In line with a heartwarming tradition, the forum participants joined hands at the end, dancing alongside the performers to the organization’s melody.
For the first time within the framework of the second solidarity forum, three targeted bilateral sessions were held: Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan-Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus cooperation.The Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan Cooperation Session featured key addresses by Berkeli Atayev, Director of the Public Association Enterprise (PAE) “Tebigy Kuwwat” and Representative of the Aarhus Centre in Turkmenistan; Mubarak Kurbanova, Chairperson of the “Tyaze Zaman” Public Association (Turkmenabat city); and Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC (Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia) Project Office in Turkmenistan.In his speech, Mr. B. Atayev highlighted that the issue of urbanization is highly relevant. As cities and villages grow, it is crucial to modernize them to ensure comfortable living conditions, making them more environmentally sustainable through the integration of renewable energy sources. As a prime example, he highlighted Arkadag Smart City, a project incorporating all the latest technologies and innovative approaches into its development.
In the afternoon, the main hall hosted the Young Leaders Forum of OTS Member States’ NGOs. Orazgul Isgenderova, Assistant at the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, spoke on behalf of Turkmenistan. She outlined the youth policies being implemented in the country and emphasized the active participation of young NGO leaders at both local and regional levels.
On May 14, 2026, the General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform (GSNP) commenced at the Gulistan Palace in Baku. Currently, the Platform encompasses four world regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific.
The General Assembly was attended by approximately 1,000 participants from over 100 countries. The Asian region was represented, among others, by civil society members from the five countries of Central Asia.
From Turkmenistan, at the invitation of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the following participants attended: Berkeli Atayev, Director of the “Tebigy Kuwwat” Public Association enterprise; Mubarak Kurbanova, Chairperson of the “Tyaze Zaman” Public Association; Mergen Kepbanov, Director, and Orazgul Isgenderova, Assistant of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan.
The Global South NGO Platform, established in April 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a significant international initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation between civil society organizations of the Global South.
The foundation for creating this platform was the need for representation of regions that constitute the majority of the world’s population within the global decision-making mechanism. This growing NGO Platform currently unites more than 100 countries and fulfills all commitments to solidarity, mutual support, and collective action.
The primary mission of the platform is to develop cooperation between civil society organizations of the Global South, promote the exchange of knowledge and experience, and support joint initiatives in fields such as sustainable development, social justice, inclusiveness, and the fight against climate change.
The platform aims to transform civil society into a unified and effective force on a global level over the long term.
The Assembly moderator, Mr. Orkhan Amashov, welcomed all those present and invited them to view a video presentation highlighting the achievements of the GSNP since its inception.
Subsequently, Mr. Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered a welcoming speech.
The following speakers also addressed the assembly:
Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues;
Mr. Ramil Iskandarli, Acting Secretary General of the GSNP;
Mr. Igor Garafulic, UN Resident Coordinator ad interim in Azerbaijan;
Ms. Aygun Aliyeva, Chairperson of the Board of the Agency on State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (video message);
Mr. Luis Gallegos, President of the Advisory Board of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR);
Mr. Mohamed Osman Mohamoud, Adviser to the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Sadar Institute;
Mr. Nidal Salim, Founder of the Global Institute for Water, Environment and Health (GIWEH), Member of the Board of the Asian Water Council (Switzeland)
Upon the conclusion of the speeches, before the coffee break, the official anthem created for the Global South NGO Platform was played for all participants. The moderator invited everyone to stand and join hands while listening to the anthem.
The second half of the morning session was dedicated to establishing the GSNP Governance Structure. For this purpose, Mr.Fuad Karimli, the nominee for the position of GSNP Secretary-General, and the nominees for the four Deputy Secretary-General positions were invited to the presidium: Mr. Mithika Mwenda for the African region, Mr. Bobur Bekmurodov — Chairman of the “Yuksalish” National Movement (Uzbekistan) — for the Asian region, Mr. Luis Gallegos for the Latin American region, and Ms. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez for the Pacific region.
The session participants voted for the new candidates. Consequently, Mr. Fuad Karimli was elected Secretary-General of the Global South NGO Platform for a one-year term, and the aforementioned nominees were elected as his deputies for Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific.
Mr. Karimli addressed the participants, expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him and particularly acknowledging the contributions of his predecessor, Mr. Ramil Iskandarli, for his impeccable work.
“As the new Secretary-General of the Global South NGO Platform, I declare that I will work actively with my deputies representing the four regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific. This is not an easy task; it is a commitment to strengthening cooperation between the civil sectors of these four regions,” the Secretary-General noted.
Following this, the session moderator, Ms. Nadima Rahimli, invited all newly elected Deputy Secretaries-General to share their visions regarding the upcoming work on civil society development within their respective regions and the improvement of interregional cooperation.
The afternoon session was dedicated to two panel discussions:
“Global South: Settlement of Positions and Strategic Cooperation”
“Baku Urban Week: Inclusive Development and Sustainable Urban Models — The Global South Experience”
The panel sessions featured presentations by representatives from various international organizations, the business community, academia, the diplomatic corps, and other sectors.
At the conclusion of the General Assembly, the Declaration of Future Cooperation of the Global South NGO Platform members was developed and adopted, and subsequently read by the Secretary-General of the Global South NGO Platform, Mr. Fuad Karimli.
Soil salinization is one of the main forms of land degradation in dry regions. It occurs when soluble salts accumulate in the soil and begin to affect plant growth, soil fertility, and agricultural productivity. This process is common in arid and semi-arid areas because low rainfall and high evaporation make it difficult for salts to be naturally removed from the soil profile. In Turkmenistan, salinization is especially important because the country has a dry climate and a large share of agricultural activity takes place under conditions where salt accumulation can develop naturally over time. In areas such as the Ahal region and Arkadag city, high evaporation, limited precipitation, flat terrain, and local soil characteristics create favorable conditions for salinity development. Therefore, soil salinization in Turkmenistan is closely connected to the country’s natural environmental conditions and remains an important challenge for sustainable land and agricultural management.
This article focuses on the detection of soil salinization in Arkadag city, located in the Ahal region of Turkmenistan, using remote sensing indicators and GIS-based spatial analysis. The study applies the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to assess vegetation health and a drought index to evaluate environmental stress conditions. By combining these two indicators, the research examines how vegetation condition changes across the study area and whether these changes correspond to areas of higher environmental stress.
The methodology is based on satellite image processing, spatial zoning, and statistical analysis. The study area was divided into three representative zones to compare different levels of vegetation condition and environmental stress. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was also used to measure the relationship between NDVI and drought index values. This approach made it possible to move beyond visual interpretation and support the findings with quantitative analysis.
The results show clear spatial differences within the study area. Areas with lower NDVI values generally correspond to areas with higher drought index values, meaning that weaker vegetation is closely linked with stronger environmental stress. The correlation analysis confirmed this relationship, showing a very strong negative correlation between NDVI and the drought index, with a coefficient of r = -0.97.
The zonal analysis also showed that Zone 2 had the strongest signs of degradation, while Zone 3 showed healthier vegetation conditions and Zone 1 represented an intermediate condition.
Overall, the article demonstrates that remote sensing can be an effective tool for identifying salinity-affected areas at a local scale. Although the study does not directly measure soil salinity through field sampling, the combination of NDVI, drought index mapping, spatial zoning, and correlation analysis provides strong evidence of salinity-related vegetation stress in Arkadag city. The findings highlight the importance of using GIS and satellite-based methods for environmental monitoring in Turkmenistan and support the need for further research that combines remote sensing with field-based soil analysis.
Desertification poses one of the most critical environmental challenges in Central Asia, particularly in the hyper-arid landscapes of Turkmenistan, where the Karakum Desert occupies nearly 80% of the national territory. This study presents a detailed site-specific assessment of desertification processes at the Erbent research site (39.31551°N, 58.61283°E) in the Ahal region.
The research integrates multi-temporal MODIS-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) data (2000-2023) with long-term meteorological records and the De Martonne Aridity Index. All datasets were processed in a GIS environment. Temporal trends were analyzed using linear regression and the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test, while Pearson’s correlation examined inter-variable relationships.
– Statistically significant warming trend in LST: +0.0179°C per year (mean LST = 22.55°C)
– Slight decline in NDVI: -0.0018 units per year (not statistically significant; Mann-Kendall: MK-stat = -24,p = 0.20)
– Decreasing trend in De Martonne Aridity Index: -0.0367 units per year, confirming intensification of arid conditions
– Strong positive correlation between NDVI and aridity index (r = 0.86)
– Moderate negative correlations between LST and both NDVI and aridity index (r ≈ -0.52 to -0.55).
Precipitation anomaly analysis shows that vegetation recovery periods after wet years are considerably weaker and shorter than extreme drought episodes.
Rising thermal stress, combined with localized anthropogenic pressures (overgrazing and saxaul fuelwood harvesting), is progressively reducing the regenerative capacity of pastures dominated by Haloxylon ammodendron. The study demonstrates the high value of integrating remote sensing and statistical methods for desertification monitoring in data-scarce hyper-arid regions.
Practical Recommendations:
– Large-scale phytomelioration with Haloxylon ammodendron Implementation of rotational grazing systems
– Wider adoption of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles.
The methodological framework developed in this research offers a replicable model for other vulnerable areas across Turkmenistan and Central Asia.
Magistrant at the Kazakhstan-German University, Educational Program in Integrated Water Resources Management Faculty of Economics and Entrepreneurship, Almaty, Kazakhstan
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, the Youth Engineers Alliance (YEA) officially launched a unique STEM + ECO Hackathon at the “Täsir” Education Center in Ashgabat.The four-week engineering marathon, titled “Sustainable Frontier,” has brought together over 20 participants aged 14 to 18. The program is designed to equip young innovators with the skills to develop functional technological solutions for the environmental challenges facing the Central Asian region.
The event was opened by Rahman and Rahim Garakhanovs, who welcomed the participants and guest speakers. They introduced the Youth Engineers Alliance, outlining its mission, objectives, and the comprehensive structure of the Sustainable Frontier program. Over the coming month, participants will evolve bold concepts into working engineering prototypes—offering students a tangible opportunity to showcase their talent while addressing global climate issues.
During the session, young environmentalist Gulshat Aidova led a climate-themed team-building exercise. Participants were divided into four teams to brainstorm and present their initial environmental solutions.
These teams will collaborate throughout the hackathon, focusing on three critical modern challenges:
Smart Agriculture and Water Security
Urban Thermal Management and Passive CoolingElectronics Recycling and the Circular Economy
Addressing the first track, Selbi Matvelieva delivered a presentation emphasizing the importance of tracking water consumption in agricultural production and highlighting innovative global approaches to water management.
For the second track, guest speaker Berkeli Atayev, Director of the Public Association Enterprise “Tebigy Kuwwat,” presented on “Urbanization in the Context of Climate Change.” He introduced the participants to UN-Habitat, the United Nations program responsible for sustainable urban development. B. Atayev highlighted the World Urban Forum (WUF), a biennial global gathering of officials and experts, noting that WUF13 is scheduled to take place from May 17–22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. His session also explored the “urban heat island” effect, its impact on public health, and modern passive cooling techniques, supported by examples of ecological transformations both in Turkmenistan and internationally.
Finally, organizers Rahman and Rahim Garakhanovs presented the third track, focusing on turning waste into valuable resources. Their session covered strategies for extracting value from obsolete gadgets, safe hardware restoration, and the vision of building a zero-waste world.
Upcoming Marathon Schedule:
– May 9: Technological Foundations and IT Tools
– May 16: Branding and the Art of Presentation
– May 23: Hackathon: Finalizing Prototypes
– May 24: Grand Finale and Demo Day: The Battle of Projects
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