AGP Executive Report

Cultural Heritage & Climate Risk: Turkmenistan has launched a field workshop using advanced digital technologies to help preserve the ancient Dandanakan mosque ruins at the Ancient Merv State Reserve, warning that the site faces growing threats from climate change and desertification. SDGs & Water/Desertification: At the UN ECOSOC High-Level Political Forum, Turkmenistan said it has integrated 85% of Sustainable Development Goals into national programmes, with priorities including environmental protection, climate action, and combating desertification. SDG Data Reporting: A UN technical meeting in Ashgabat focused on fixing gaps and inconsistencies in SDG indicator reporting ahead of Turkmenistan’s third Voluntary National Review. Education for Sustainability: Green University announced 50 grants for students from Turkic states to study environment, sustainable development, circular economy, and environmental law. Regional Connectivity (Transport/Energy): President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s talks in Georgia highlighted expanding the Lapis Lazuli transport corridor and cooperation in energy—key for greener, more efficient regional logistics.

Turkmenistan–Georgia Connectivity Talks: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wrapped up a state visit to Georgia with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, focusing on transport and energy and highlighting the Lapis Lazuli corridor as a key regional link. SDGs and Climate Priorities: At the UN ECOSOC High-Level Political Forum, Turkmenistan said it has integrated 85% of SDG targets into national programmes, naming environmental protection, water management, climate action, and desertification control as priorities. Heritage Under Climate Pressure: Ashgabat launched a digital field workshop to preserve the ancient Dandanakan mosque ruins, warning that climate change and desertification are growing threats. Migration Governance Training: IOM supported a three-day capacity-building training in Ashgabat on migration policy frameworks and SDG indicator monitoring. Energy Forum Momentum: OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (Oct 21–23) named former CNN anchor John Defterios as lead international moderator, with emissions management and efficiency flagged as rising concerns. Green Education Grants: Green University opened applications for 50 grants for students from Turkic states, including Turkmenistan, for sustainability and climate-focused programmes.

Caspian Ecology: A new report warns the Caspian Sea is retreating fast, threatening navigation and ecosystems far beyond the shoreline. Heritage Under Climate Pressure: Turkmenistan launched a digital field workshop to help preserve the ancient Dandanakan mosque ruins, citing growing threats from climate change and desertification. SDG Push: Turkmenistan says it has integrated 85% of Sustainable Development Goals into national programmes, with environmental protection, water management, climate action and anti-desertification named as priorities. Disaster Preparedness: The UN urges Central Asia, including Turkmenistan, to strengthen earthquake preparedness, noting seismic risk across the region. Education for Sustainability: Green University opened applications for 50 grants for students from Turkic states focused on sustainability and climate action. Regional Security & Resilience: Turkmenistan’s deputy foreign minister told an EU–Central Asia dialogue that long-term security can’t rely on force alone, stressing diplomacy and resilience.

Heritage Meets Climate Tech: Turkmenistan has launched a high-tech field workshop at the Ancient Merv State Reserve to help preserve the ruins of the Dandanakan mosque, training young specialists as the site faces growing threats from climate change and desertification. SDG Push: At the UN ECOSOC High-Level Political Forum in New York, Turkmenistan said it has integrated 85% of Sustainable Development Goals into national programmes, with environmental protection, water management, climate action and desertification control highlighted. Disaster Preparedness: The UN urged Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, to strengthen earthquake preparedness, warning seismic risk remains extremely high across the region. Green Education Boost: Green University announced 50 grants for students from Turkic states, including Turkmenistan, focused on sustainability, climate action and environmental progress. Regional Water Stress Watch: A new report notes the Caspian Sea is shrinking fast, with levels falling about two meters since the mid-1990s and the decline accelerating—raising ecological pressure for the whole basin. Energy + Sustainability Link: An ESG-focused casebook on China–Central Asia cooperation highlights sustainability efforts, including a Turkmenistan project tied to improving local living conditions.

SDGs & Climate Action: Turkmenistan says it has integrated 85% of Sustainable Development Goals into national programmes, with priorities including environmental protection, water management, climate action and desertification control, as it takes part in the UN ECOSOC High-Level Political Forum in New York. SDG Data & Water Services: A UN technical meeting in Ashgabat focused on fixing gaps in SDG reporting, including health, road safety, nutrition, gender-based violence and safely managed drinking water services, ahead of Turkmenistan’s next Voluntary National Review. Regional Cooperation for Sustainability: Deputy FM Ahmet Gurbanov met ASEAN’s secretary-general in Jakarta, discussing cooperation on climate adaptation, food and energy security, and SDG progress, while also pushing transport connectivity and energy links. One Health & Avian Flu: A regional online webinar (21 July) will train Central Asia on practical prevention and control of avian influenza using the One Health approach, linking wildlife, animal health, food systems and public health. Caspian Ecology Warning: Coverage highlights how the Caspian Sea’s shrinking is intensifying ecological stress—an issue with direct relevance for Turkmenistan’s Caspian coast. Education for the Green Economy: CAREC’s office in Turkmenistan is partnering with Uzbekistan’s Green University, offering quotas for Turkmen students in environmental protection, climate change and sustainable development.

SDGs & Environment Reporting: Turkmenistan says it has integrated 85% of Sustainable Development Goals into national programmes, with 131 targets and 175 indicators approved, while UN partners met in Ashgabat to close SDG data gaps ahead of a future Voluntary National Review. Disaster Risk Reduction: UNDP launched a Japan-funded regional disaster preparedness project in Turkmenistan, aiming to boost cross-border coordination for emergencies. One Health for Wildlife & Food Safety: A regional online webinar (21 July) will focus on practical avian influenza prevention and control using the One Health approach, linking migratory birds, surveillance, and lab safety. Climate & Water Stress: New coverage highlights the Caspian Sea’s ongoing shrinkage and the ecological pressure it brings, tying declines to reduced river inflow, water withdrawals, and climate-driven evaporation. Desertification & Water Priorities: At the UN ECOSOC high-level forum, Turkmen officials reiterated environmental protection, sustainable water management, climate action, and efforts to combat desertification, including a proposed regional desertification center. Education for the Green Economy: CAREC’s Turkmenistan office discussed cooperation with Uzbekistan’s Green University, including training quotas for Turkmen students in environmental and climate fields. Local Nature Watch: The “Door to Hell” Darvaza gas crater is reported to be burning less intensely, as authorities try to reduce the gas flow feeding the blaze.

Darvaza “Door to Hell” Update: Turkmen authorities say the Darvaza gas crater’s flames have weakened after years of efforts to reduce the gas feeding the blaze, though what happens next remains unclear. SDG Push in New York: Turkmenistan says it has integrated 85% of Sustainable Development Goals into national programmes, with 131 targets and 175 indicators approved, while UN partners also met local institutions to tighten SDG data reporting ahead of a future Voluntary National Review. Water, climate and desertification focus: In the same UN SDG track, officials highlighted environmental protection, rational water use, climate action and desertification work, including a planned regional centre for combating desertification for Central Asia. Disaster risk reduction: UNDP and Turkmenistan launched a Japan-funded regional disaster risk reduction project to strengthen cross-border preparedness and response capacity. One Health for Central Asia: A regional technical webinar was announced on preventing and controlling avian influenza using the One Health approach, linking wildlife, animal health, food systems and public health. Green education cooperation: CAREC’s Turkmen office visited Uzbekistan’s Green University to expand environmental and climate training, including six education quotas for Turkmen citizens.

SDG Push in New York: Turkmenistan’s delegation joined the UN ECOSOC High-level Political Forum, saying 85% of SDG targets are built into national programmes and highlighting environmental protection and water use as priorities. Cleaner Data for Sustainability: A UN technical meeting in Ashgabat focused on fixing gaps in SDG indicator reporting ahead of Turkmenistan’s 2027 Voluntary National Review, including safely managed drinking water. Disaster Risk, Climate Resilience: UNDP launched a Japan-funded regional disaster risk reduction project in Ashgabat to strengthen cross-border preparedness and coordinated response. One Health for People, Animals, Ecosystems: CAREC-backed regional “One Health” coordination approved shared action and communication plans, aiming for joint drills and unified lab standards across Central Asia. Environmental Education Links: CAREC’s Turkmenistan office signed up for cooperation with Uzbekistan’s Green University, offering six education quotas for Turkmen citizens in environmental protection and climate-focused programmes. Regional Earthquake Warning: The UN urged Central Asia to boost earthquake preparedness, noting seismic risk across much of the region including Turkmenistan. Air Quality Transparency: Tajikistan launched an air quality monitoring website after disputes over international pollution rankings.

SDG Push in New York: Turkmenistan’s delegation took part in the UN ECOSOC High-level Political Forum, stressing that 85% of SDG targets are integrated into national programmes and highlighting environmental protection and water resource rational use. SDG Data Fixes: A UN technical meeting in Ashgabat focused on gaps in SDG indicator reporting ahead of Turkmenistan’s third Voluntary National Review, including health, road safety, nutrition, gender-based violence, and safely managed drinking water. Disaster Risk Reduction: UNDP launched a Japan-funded regional disaster risk reduction project in Ashgabat, aiming to strengthen cross-border coordination and national preparedness. One Health for Central Asia: A regional “One Health” coordination push approved shared action and communication plans, with plans for joint simulation drills and unified lab standards—linking human, animal, and ecosystem health. Green Education Link: CAREC’s Turkmenistan office signed up for cooperation with Uzbekistan’s Green University, including six education quotas for Turkmen citizens in environmental protection, climate change, and the green economy. Caspian Ecology Watch: New reporting highlights how the shrinking Caspian Sea is tied to reduced river inflow, water diversion, and climate-driven evaporation—raising ecological stress across the basin.

UN One Health & Avian Flu: Turkmenistan is invited to a 21 July regional online webinar on preventing and controlling avian influenza using the One Health approach, with focus on surveillance, safe handling of wild birds, lab diagnostics, and risk integration. Regional Disaster Risk Reduction: UNDP launched a Japan-funded Central Asia disaster risk reduction project in Ashgabat, aiming to strengthen cross-border coordination and national preparedness. Caspian Ecology: A new look at why the Caspian is shrinking ties the decline to reduced river inflow from dams and withdrawals plus climate-driven evaporation—raising alarms for unique species and broader ecological stress. Sustainable Transport Diplomacy: China and Turkmenistan co-hosted a UN event on advancing the Decade of Sustainable Transport, pushing green development and stronger connectivity. Environmental Education: CAREC’s Turkmenistan office visited Uzbekistan’s Green University to expand environmental education and capacity building, including six quotas for Turkmen citizens. Air Quality Transparency: Tajikistan launched an air quality monitoring website after disputes over international pollution rankings, using local devices and publishing index readings. Food & Water Security (Local): Balkan velayat growers report a record melon and watermelon harvest plan, with steady field work across multiple etraps.

One Health & Avian Flu: A regional online webinar on preventing and controlling avian influenza is set for 21 July, bringing together experts on migratory bird routes, surveillance, safe handling of dead wild birds, lab diagnostics, and cross-sector coordination across Central Asia. Green University Cooperation: The CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan signed up for deeper education links with Uzbekistan’s Green University, including six scholarship quotas for Turkmen citizens in environmental protection, climate change, sustainable development, and the green economy. Disaster Risk Reduction: UNDP launched a Japan-funded regional disaster risk reduction effort in Ashgabat, aiming to strengthen cross-border coordination, information sharing, and preparedness for multi-country emergencies. Sustainable Transport Diplomacy: China and Turkmenistan co-hosted a UN event on the Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), pushing green development and low-carbon transport cooperation. Caspian Ecology Watch: New reporting highlights how the shrinking Caspian Sea is tied to reduced river inflow from dams and withdrawals, plus climate-driven evaporation—raising ecological stress for unique species. Air Quality Transparency: Tajikistan unveiled an air quality monitoring website after disputing external assessments, using local devices and publishing index data in multiple languages. Youth & Climate Learning: UNICEF is running a second Youth Climate Summer School in Turkmenistan, building climate awareness and skills for young people. Heat & Climate Signals: A global climate update notes June 2026 as the second-hottest June on record, underscoring the broader warming trend. Turkmen-Azerbaijan Economic Links: In Ashgabat, the Turkmen-Azerbaijani commission meeting emphasized cooperation in electric power, transport, logistics, and environmental protection as part of wider Caspian connectivity.

Disaster Risk Reduction: UNDP launched a regional disaster risk reduction project in Ashgabat, backed by Japan, to strengthen Central Asia-wide preparedness and cross-border coordination for emergencies. One Health: CAREC and regional partners approved key “One Health” documents for human, animal, and environmental health security, with plans for joint drills, shared lab standards, and a regional digital portal. Air Quality Transparency: Tajikistan rolled out an air quality monitoring website after disputes over international pollution rankings, using local devices and publishing indices for multiple cities. Climate Pressure on Water: A new study links the Caspian Sea’s continued shrinkage to damming, diversions, water withdrawals, and climate-driven evaporation—raising ecological stress for unique species. Youth & Rights: UNICEF and Turkmenistan partners ran summer camp sessions to teach children about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and how to advocate for themselves. Sustainable Transport Diplomacy: China and Turkmenistan co-hosted a UN event on the Decade of Sustainable Transport, pushing green development and lower-carbon transport cooperation. Heat Records: Global data shows June 2026 was the second-hottest June on record, underscoring intensifying warming trends.

Youth & Rights: Turkmenistan’s embassy in Belgium met UNICEF’s Europe and Central Asia office to discuss human capital, child rights protection, and youth support, with UNICEF highlighting that over half of Turkmenistan’s population is under 30. Climate Education: UNICEF launched the second Youth Climate Summer School in Turkmenistan, training 35 youths (16–25) on climate change, sustainable water, biodiversity, desertification, cities, and waste management. Sustainable Transport Diplomacy: Turkmenistan took part in UN events on the Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), stressing integrated transport policy, resilient infrastructure, digital transformation, and its push for an “Atlas of Transport Sustainability.” Heat & Planetary Pressure: A global climate update flagged June 2026 as the second-hottest June on record, underscoring rising heat risks. Biodiversity Conservation: Coverage noted Tajikistan’s markhor numbers rising to over 7,000, a reminder of shared Central Asian wildlife conservation needs. Green Tech Links: Japan’s Sumitomo proposed energy-efficient greenhouse heating upgrades for Uzbekistan using heat pumps, with experience shared from climate-controlled projects in Turkmenistan. Regional Cooperation: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan advanced cooperation via their intergovernmental commission, including environmental protection and water management.

UN Climate Action in Turkmenistan: UNICEF launched the second Youth Climate Summer School in Turkmenistan, bringing 35 young people (16–25) together to learn about climate change, sustainable water, biodiversity, desertification, cities, and waste management through workshops and field visits. Sustainable Transport Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and China co-hosted a UN event advancing the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), with Turkmenistan pushing integrated, resilient, and data-driven transport planning, including its proposed Atlas of Transport Sustainability. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Tajikistan reported markhor numbers rising to over 7,000 after conservation efforts, with the species improving on the IUCN Red List from “Endangered” to “Near Threatened.” Heat & Climate Reality Check: A new report says June 2026 was the second-hottest June on record globally, underscoring intensifying heat risks. Regional Energy Cooperation: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan continued expanding cooperation through their intergovernmental commission, including energy, transport/logistics, environmental protection, and water management, while Turkmenistan also met US Senate energy officials to discuss fuel/energy and transport corridors.

Climate Policy & Safety: Kyrgyzstan moved to create a legal framework for state climate policy with a new “Climate Activity” bill, while a separate aviation incident at Manas International Airport ended with passengers evacuated and the airline’s license later revoked over safety violations. Heat & Planetary Signals: A new global climate update says June 2026 was the second-hottest June on record, underscoring intensifying warming trends. Sustainable Transport Diplomacy: China and Turkmenistan co-hosted a UN event on the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), pushing greener, more connected transport; Turkmenistan also highlighted its push for an “Atlas of Transport Sustainability.” Biodiversity Spotlight: Conservation reporting notes Pallas’s cat (manul) remains “least concern” overall, but populations are fragmented and declining in parts of its range. Youth Climate Action in Turkmenistan: UNICEF launched a second Youth Climate Summer School for 35 young people, focusing on climate change, water, biodiversity, desertification, cities, and waste. Regional Environment Cooperation: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan’s economic commission talks included environmental protection and water management, alongside power and transport logistics. Wildlife Recovery: Tajikistan’s markhor numbers are reported to be rising again after earlier declines, reflecting ongoing conservation efforts. Green Tech for Agriculture: A Japanese proposal would help Uzbekistan replace coal-fired greenhouse heating with energy-efficient heat-pump systems, with a planned demonstration site. Satellite Monitoring Plans: China plans a 1,000+ satellite remote-sensing constellation for Central Asia, aimed at tracking environmental change and disaster risks, though data access is expected to be limited.

Sustainable Transport Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and China co-hosted a UN event in New York to advance the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), with calls for greener development and stronger connectivity. Climate Pressure: June 2026 was reported as the world’s second-hottest June on record, underscoring mounting heat stress risks. Youth Climate Action: UNICEF launched the second Youth Climate Summer School in Turkmenistan, training 35 young people (16–25) on climate change, water, biodiversity, desertification, cities and waste. Biodiversity & Conservation: A report highlights rising markhor numbers in Tajikistan after conservation efforts, with the species spanning parts of Turkmenistan too. Green Skills & Research: An eco-festival was held in the capital, while Turkmenistan’s university published a new popular science journal issue featuring work on environmentally friendly products. Resilient Landscapes: Turkmenistan is preparing for the Central Asia Resilient Landscapes Restoration Program (RESILAND), aimed at restoring ecosystems and tackling land degradation. Regional Energy & Environment Links: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan signed cooperation steps covering energy, transport, environmental protection and water management during their intergovernmental commission meeting in Ashgabat.