Turkmenistan, on the Path to a Sustainable Future: Experience Sharing at the UNESCO Regional Seminar in Almaty 2025

The Central Asian region has become a key platform for discussing the future of education and strengthening international cooperation in the field of global citizenship education. From May 19 to 22, a regional seminar dedicated to global citizenship education (GCE) took place in Almaty. This significant event was organized by the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) and the UNESCO Regional Office in Kazakhstan’s southern capital.

The seminar served as a vital platform where experts, educators, and representatives of ministries of education from Central Asia, Iran, and Pakistan came together to develop inclusive educational practices that respond to contemporary challenges.

A landmark event that set the tone for discussions was UNESCO’s update in November 2023 of its recommendations on education for peace, human rights, international understanding, cooperation, fundamental freedoms, global citizenship, and sustainable development. Revised for the first time in 70 years, these recommendations became the foundation for drafting the Asia-Pacific Regional Roadmap, reflecting the region’s commitment to educational priorities. Turkmenistan actively joined this important dialogue.

The main goal of the seminar was to deepen educators’ understanding of the concept of global citizenship education and strengthen their practical skills for effectively implementing its principles into the educational process. Participants focused on identifying key tasks and strategies for implementing UNESCO’s recommendations in their countries, as well as on fostering partnerships between educators and relevant regional organizations.

During the intensive three-day seminar, each country presented preliminary drafts of national action plans for implementing UNESCO’s recommendations. Special attention was given to creating a safe, inclusive learning environment and ensuring education in the areas of health, well-being, and life skills. A significant part of the program consisted of region-specific sessions, led by experienced facilitators, that explored the unique challenges and opportunities in education for each subregional group of countries.

The seminar program also included the development of initiatives to further promote global citizenship education. These initiatives will serve as practical tools for integrating GCE principles into the educational systems of participating countries—ranging from curriculum and material development to teacher training and extracurricular activities. Turkmenistan’s participation ensured that national priorities and features were considered in shaping regional educational initiatives.

A notable practical element of the seminar included visits to two key educational institutions in Almaty. Participants visited Gymnasium No. 5, where they studied the successful integration of global citizenship principles into the curriculum. Of particular interest was the experience of the International Innovative Gymnasium (IIG), based at the school. A visit to the Nazarbayev Intellectual School (NIS) also took place, where participants explored diverse approaches to implementing GCE and assessed the effectiveness of various educational methods in different contexts.

The highlight of the practical sessions was the children's media marathon "School of the Young Trainer" on the theme "Mastering Information – Creating the Future", held at Gymnasium No. 5. This vibrant event, organized by the International Centre for the Rapprochement of Cultures under the auspices of UNESCO in collaboration with the Almaty Department of Education and the City Scientific and Methodological Center for New Educational Technologies, showcased active youth engagement in promoting global citizenship values.

Turkmenistan’s participation in the regional seminar emphasized the country's commitment to developing its education system in line with international standards and its readiness for open experience sharing with neighboring states. The presentation by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan made a valuable contribution to the overall discussion, providing other participants with insights into national achievements and prospects on the path to a sustainable future.

The regional seminar in Almaty was not merely a platform for experience exchange, but a catalyst for concrete steps toward modernizing education in Central Asia and neighboring countries. By joining efforts and building on UNESCO’s updated recommendations, the region’s countries reaffirmed their readiness to jointly construct a more sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful future for their citizens.

Sahatmuradova Ayna

Senior Researcher at the National Institute

of Education of Turkmenistan