Environmental Dialogue: Civil Society of Turkmenistan and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation

Date of publication: 21 June 2026 / Views: 3,228

The cooperation between the civil sector in Turkmenistan and international institutions is reaching a qualitatively new level. From June 15 to 20, 2026, a delegation from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), led by Mr. André Algermissen, the Regional Representative of the Foundation for Central Asia, arrived in Turkmenistan for an official visit.

As with previous visits, the delegation’s agenda included meetings with representatives of both government agencies and civil society.

On June 16, a meeting was held with representatives of the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan, specifically the Committee on Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, and the Agro-Industrial Complex, and the Committee on International and Inter-Parliamentary Relations.

As noted during the meeting at the Mejlis, the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation signed in Ashgabat in April 2025 between the Public Association «Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan» (NPST) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Central Asia solidified the parties’ commitment to implementing systemic initiatives in key areas. These include joint actions on projects aimed at improving the environmental situation in the Central Asian region, enhancing environmental education in educational institutions across Central Asia, fostering and developing environmental awareness among citizens, and promoting public participation in environmentally significant decision-making.

On the same day, a series of expert seminars under the general title «Strengthening the Role of Youth in Responding to Climate Change Risks in Turkmenistan» commenced at the «Ish Nokady» co-working center in the «Arkach» shopping and entertainment center in Ashgabat. On June 18, the seminar series continued in the conference hall of the «Charlak» Hotel in the city of Turkmenbashi. The events were organized by the Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and with the support of the «Tebigy Kuwwat» Public Association Enterprise.The Ashgabat seminar brought together representatives of public organizations, active civil society youth, and the media. The Turkmenbashi seminar was attended by representatives of public organizations, the Hazar State Nature Reserve, the administration of the Balkan velayat (province), educational institutions, and the media.

At the opening of the sessions, the moderator of the dialogue platforms, Berkeliy Atayev, Director of the «Tebigy Kuwwat» Public Association Enterprise, floor to Serdar Allekov, Chairman of the Central Council of the NPST, and Mr. André Algermissen for their welcoming remarks.

Serdar Allekov noted:

– Our structure spans all regions of the country, but we do not stop there. We are breaking stereotypes, introducing innovations, and teaching young people to translate complex environmental protocols into tangible actions. Our main distinguishing feature is an extensive network covering 100% of the territory of Turkmenistan. We successfully combine a rich history with modern innovative formats, turning the requirements of environmental protocols into applied solutions.

He emphasized that he highly values the cooperation with the Foundation, as evidenced by the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation signed in Ashgabat in 2025. He also stressed their readiness to collaborate, share experiences, and actively engage and train the younger generation.

Mr. André Algermissen presented a comprehensive vision of the climate agenda. In his speech, he outlined the primary climate targets:

• Climate neutrality by 2045.

• Reduction of emissions by 65% by 2035.

• Expansion and utilization of renewable energy sources.

• Protection and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity.

He emphasized that young people play a crucial role in climate and environmental protection worldwide, including in Germany. Their involvement influences policy, public awareness, innovation, and daily behavior. He highlighted youth activism in Germany, specifically referencing the «Fridays for Future» movement. In this regard, he underscored the importance of raising public awareness and educating the new, well-informed generation globally. This is the core mission of the Foundation, achieved through knowledge exchange, training sessions, seminars, educational grants, conferences, and roundtables. These platforms enable young people to hear and understand alternative perspectives and policy criteria, exchange experiences, and voice their opinions in an argumentative and professional manner.

The moderator, Berkeli Atayev, Director of «Tebigy Kuwwat», delivered a presentation titled «Urbanization in the context of Climate Change.» He detailed how modern cities can adapt to rising temperatures and resource scarcity while maintaining the quality of life for citizens, drawing the audience’s attention to recent innovations in urban environments. He provided examples of effective approaches along with specific figures for current trends and future projections. How do we build cities free from extreme heat? How do we transform concrete «jungles» into comfortable spaces? He demonstrated that this is a matter not only of architecture but of survival.

Special emphasis during the seminars was placed on the potential of youth. Representatives of civil society presented their initiatives, highlighting that their implementation requires not only resources but also professional competencies, such as project management skills, leadership, and proficiency in digital technologies to drive social change.

Guncha Yusupova, Chairwoman of the Public Organization «Ecological Movement of Turkmenistan», gave a presentation titled «The Role of the Public in the Development of the Eco-Movement of Turkmenistan.» She spoke about her organization’s focus on establishing accessible digital databases of environmental information and conducting active public outreach.

Merdan Arazmedov, Head of the General Department of the NPST, presented a report titled «Activism and the Youth Movement: Youth Participation in Climate Initiatives.» He analyzed successful local and international case studies where volunteers became the linchpin of environmental projects. He elaborated on youth volunteerism, providing examples of how personal initiative transforms into successful climate projects.

Ovlyaguly Kurbanov, Director of the Balkan velayat Branch of the NPST, speaking in Turkmenbashi, focused on regional specificities in his presentation, «Environmental Protection Activities of the Balkan velayat in the context of Climate Change.» He emphasized the conservation of fragile Caspian ecosystems and outlined the specific nature of environmental work in the Caspian region, focusing on the protection of unique ecosystems amid a changing climate.

The seminars proved to be more than a mere series of meetings; they fostered an intensive exchange of experience between participants and speakers. Moving forward, the organizers took note of several key proposals from the participants: establishing an application process for young people from Turkmenistan to access the scholarship programs of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, organizing long-term certified seminars featuring international experts, and maintaining feedback channels for future cooperation.

Ayna Atayeva.