Turkmenistan in Dialogue with UNESCO: Geoparks, Climate, and Nomination to the Heritage Committee
The regular meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO was held on October 17 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ashgabat. Deputy prime ministers, heads, and representatives of relevant ministries and agencies participated in the meeting.
Opening the meeting, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov emphasized that cooperation with UNESCO is actively expanding, encompassing new global areas such as climate change, water resources management, and the implementation of digital technologies.
The agenda included discussions of initiatives demonstrating Turkmenistan's fruitful partnership with the Organization.
UNESCO Geoparks: A report on the implementation of the International Geoparks Program was presented. The program envisages the creation of special territories encompassing natural, historical, and cultural sites, which will contribute to the development of sustainable tourism.
Intangible Heritage: Participants were briefed on the ongoing work to nominate Turkmenistan for the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO for the period 2026–2030.
UNESCO Clubs: The work of UNESCO Clubs active in the country were discussed.
The meeting also heard a report on the activities of the National Commission for the first three quarters of 2025, and developed specific recommendations for improving coordination between agencies.
Following the meeting, priority objectives for the remainder of 2025 were identified, aimed at strengthening Turkmenistan's cooperation with UNESCO in new and relevant areas.
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