ENVIRONMENTAL EVENT ENTITLED “COOPERATION FOR A GREEN FUTURE”
On June 4-5, 2026, a comprehensive set of environmental activities under the motto “Cooperation for a Green Future” was held to mark World Environment Day. Organized to promote UNESCO’s global strategy on greening education and the state policy of Turkmenistan aimed at developing a zero-waste society, the event united the efforts of numerous national institutions and international organizations toward a sustainable future. The initiative was co-organized by the Secretariat of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the “Design Plus” national creative group and the “Yash Tebigatçy” (Young Naturalist) public organization.
The first day of the event began with highly engaging and practical sessions for the participants. Representatives of UNESCO Chairs and Clubs operating within higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan, Associated schools in Ashgabat and the “Ýaş Tebigatçy” organization initially met with the specialists of the Kopetdag State Nature Reserve to gain insight into the practical methods of environmental conservation. In the afternoon, an introductory seminar titled “The Significance of Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine in Turkmenistan” was hosted at the Myrat Garryyew State Medical University of Turkmenistan, featuring comprehensive discussions on the vital role the country’s rich flora in the healthcare of the country.
The second day continued at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. The program began with a creative exhibition titled “Eco-Steps from the Past to the Future” organized by UNESCO Chairs and Clubs of the country, the “Design Plus” group and several private entrepreneurs. The exhibition was followed by a plenary session moderated by L. Shihmedova, Director of the “Yash Tebigatçy” public organization. The session featured keynote speeches by Ch. Rustamova, Hero of Turkmenistan and Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, alongside representatives of the United Nations Development Programme, as well as leading experts in science and education.
This comprehensive series of events represents a significant milestone in fostering an environmental culture among the youth, developing waste reduction and recycling skills and broadly promoting a zero-waste lifestyle within society.
Sahydovlet HUMMETJUMAYEV,
the 3rd-year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan