Ashgabat Hyakim Addresses Sustainable Urban Development at CIET 2026

Distinguished representatives of the United Nations!

Your Excellencies!

Distinguished participants of the round table!

Ladies and gentlemen!

It is a great honor for me to welcome you to white-marble Ashgabat, the capital of independent and permanently neutral Turkmenistan, at this High-Level International Round Table devoted to building sustainable, innovative and environmentally prosperous cities.

Today’s meeting, held within the framework of the International Conference and Exhibition “Construction, Industry and Energy of Turkmenistan – 2026,” provides an excellent opportunity to exchange experience, strengthen international partnerships and discuss the prospects for sustainable urban development.

First of all, allow me to express my deep gratitude to the esteemed President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for their constant attention to the development of our capital, modernization of urban infrastructure, introduction of advanced technologies and creation of favorable living conditions for the population.

Thanks to the state policy being implemented in the country, sustainable urban development, environmental well-being and improvement of citizens’ quality of life occupy an important place in national socioeconomic development programs.

Distinguished participants!

A modern city is not only buildings, roads and engineering facilities. Above all, it is a space for living, productive work, education and human development.

Today, cities around the world face common challenges: climate change, growing demand for energy and water resources, the need to modernize infrastructure and ensure environmental safety.

The response to these challenges must be comprehensive urban development based on the principles of sustainability, energy efficiency, innovation and social responsibility.

Over the years of independence, Ashgabat has transformed into a modern administrative, economic and cultural center that combines national architectural traditions with advanced urban planning solutions.

Particular attention is paid to the construction of modern residential complexes, the development of transport and engineering infrastructure, the improvement of public spaces and the expansion of green areas.

At the same time, our main objective is not only to further improve the architectural appearance of the capital, but also to create a comfortable, safe and environmentally sustainable urban environment.

We are convinced that the main indicator of the development of a modern city is the quality of life of its residents.

Ladies and gentlemen!

The rational use of natural resources, improvement of energy efficiency and adaptation of urban infrastructure to changing climatic conditions are of particular importance for Ashgabat.

For our region, which is characterized by an arid climate, efficient water use, urban greening, the introduction of energy-saving technologies and environmentally responsible approaches to construction are becoming priorities.

At the same time, digital transformation opens up new opportunities for improving urban governance.

Intelligent transport systems, digital municipal services and modern technologies for monitoring engineering networks make it possible to improve resource efficiency and the quality of services provided to the population.

A vivid example of the introduction of innovative urban planning solutions is the city of Arkadag, built on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag.

This large-scale project, based on the “smart city” concept, demonstrates the possibilities of integrating digital technologies, modern infrastructure and environmentally oriented solutions.

The experience of Arkadag City is of considerable interest for the further improvement of the urban environment of Ashgabat and other settlements of our country.

Distinguished participants of the round table!

The theme of today’s meeting is directly linked to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and environmentally sustainable.

Turkmenistan attaches great importance to constructive cooperation with the United Nations and its specialized agencies.

We highly value our partnership with the United Nations, including UN-Habitat and the United Nations Development Programme, in the areas of sustainable urban development, environmental protection and the exchange of advanced international experience.

In May of this year, within the framework of the international forum “White City Ashgabat – 2026,” a high-level round table was held with the participation of United Nations representatives and was devoted to the sustainable development of modern cities.

Today, we continue this important dialogue, paying particular attention to the interconnection between urban planning, industrial development, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

We see significant prospects for expanding international cooperation in energy-efficient construction, sustainable infrastructure, digitalization of urban services, rational water use and environmentally safe transport.

I am convinced that combining the efforts of government institutions, international organizations, financial institutions and the private sector will provide additional impetus to the implementation of promising projects and the introduction of modern technologies.

Your Excellencies!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Our aspiration is to see Ashgabat as a modern, green, safe and sustainable city that preserves its rich cultural heritage while remaining open to innovation and international cooperation.

We are convinced that sustainable urban development cannot be ensured by national efforts alone. It requires broad partnership, mutual trust and continuous exchange of experience.

Guided by the principles of positive neutrality, peace and mutually beneficial cooperation, Turkmenistan consistently develops constructive international dialogue for sustainable development and universal well-being.

Ashgabat is open to further expanding cooperation with the United Nations, international development institutions and cities in various countries around the world.

I am confident that today’s meeting will become another important step toward strengthening partnerships and developing practical solutions aimed at creating sustainable and prosperous cities.

In conclusion, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the United Nations, our international partners and all participants of the round table for their attention to the issues of sustainable urban development.

I wish all participants productive work, constructive discussions and successful implementation of joint initiatives.

May our common efforts contribute to creating cities where modern technologies open new opportunities, sustainable development ensures people’s well-being, and care for the environment becomes a reliable foundation for the future of generations.

Thank you for your attention!