An International Scientific and Practical Conference Held at the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan

On December 18, the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference titled "Smart City: Management Technologies, Digital, Smart, and AI Technologies, Security, Economy."

Thanks to the successful implementation of large-scale reforms initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and now consistently carried out under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the era of the Revival of a New Epoch of a Powerful State sees the integration of digital systems, "smart" and "green" technologies, and artificial intelligence capabilities across all sectors of the national economy. As a result, the digitalization process creates all the conditions for the happy life of the Turkmen people. A vivid example of this is the city of Arkadag, unparalleled in the region.

Notably, at the international exhibition "World Smart City Expo," held in September this year in Seoul, Republic of Korea, the city of Arkadag received three awards: "For Outstanding Achievements in the Smart City Category," as well as in the nominations "Foreign Smart City" and "For Significant Contribution to the World Smart City Expo 2024."

The exemplary city of Arkadag, located in the picturesque foothills of the Kopetdag, is a source of pride for the Turkmen people. This "smart" city represents a national model of urban development that integrates advanced global architectural trends and technical achievements. Its comprehensive infrastructure, meeting international standards, including in environmental protection, ensures optimal comfort and convenience for residents. Particular attention has been paid to ecological considerations, with environmentally friendly materials used in construction.

This international scientific and practical conference aimed to share national experiences and further implement the smart city concept.

The forum, including its online sessions, was attended by professors and faculty from prestigious universities, renowned researchers, and specialists from Austria, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, the United Kingdom, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, China, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Romania, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, South Korea, and Japan, along with representatives of leading foreign companies.

The conference opened with a formal ceremony and a musical performance by the university’s creative group, "Oguzlar." Foreign guests were impressed by a student performance of the patriotic song "The Most Wonderful City of Arkadag," accompanied by videos showcasing the "smart" city of Arkadag, reflecting the best traditions of national architecture and modern design trends.

The plenary session addressed the development of various fields of science and education, presented scientific research, and discussed priority areas for international scientific and technological cooperation. The discussions included experience-sharing on creating high-tech industries and addressing scientific and technical challenges at regional and global levels. International scientists highly praised the university's research activities in smart technologies.

At the Halk Maslahaty Presidium meeting on October 3, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, emphasized the need for the harmonious and sustainable development of all systems in Arkadag city, as outlined in the "Arkadag City Development Concept for 2024–2052." The aim is to improve residents' living, working, and recreational conditions through extensive adoption and regular enhancement of digital management technologies. The city’s smart technologies are also expected to be utilized in urban development projects in other regions of the country.

In this context, speeches highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan and international IT specialists, engineers, scientists, and educators. Their joint work focuses on modern practices that meet global standards in smart home and city technologies, Internet of Things management, and cybersecurity.

During the plenary session, Arkadag city received certificates for its achievements in IoT-based infrastructure development, intelligent transportation systems, energy efficiency solutions, and environmental monitoring and management from companies in South Korea, India’s Chitkara University, Bilkent University’s Nanotechnology Research Center in Turkey, and the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute in Russia. Additional certificates for environmental excellence were presented by Romanian and Uzbek institutions.

The conference continued with thematic sessions discussing international research results in innovative technologies, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and youth involvement in developing national innovations.

The forum also featured a technology exhibition showcasing smart home and city technologies, a concert by the "Oguzlar" creative group, the "FoodTech" eco-friendly food festival, a "CraftTech" artisan exhibition, and "SportTech" e-sports competitions for students.

At the conclusion of the conference, bilateral memorandums of understanding were signed between the university and foreign higher education institutions.

Participants expressed deep gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag for their comprehensive support of scientific research and the creation of favorable conditions for academic and scientific activities.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan