Meeting between the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan and the Assistant Director-General for Education of UNESCO

On 25 March 2026, a meeting was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris between the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Mr. Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, and the Assistant Director-General for Education of UNESCO, Ms. Stefania Giannini.

The meeting took place on the margins of the events held in connection with the presentation of the Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM Report 2026).

During the meeting, the Turkmen side reaffirmed that cooperation with UNESCO in the field of education remains one of the key priorities of its international partnership, emphasizing the Organization’s leading role in promoting quality, inclusive and future-oriented education. 

Particular attention was given to the ongoing reforms in Turkmenistan aimed at improving the quality of education at all levels, including digital transformation, strengthening teacher competencies, and the introduction of modern and inclusive approaches in the educational process. 

The Minister highlighted the expansion of cooperation with UNESCO structures, including the development of UNESCO Chairs, Clubs and associated educational institutions, as well as collaboration with the UNESCO Institute for Information

Technologies in Education.

The sides also discussed promising areas of cooperation, including the digitalization of education, the development of lifelong learning, and the responsible use of new technologies in the educational sector.

Special attention was paid to Turkmenistan’s participation in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, with Ashgabat joining the network in 2025.

Ms. Stefania Giannini highly appreciated the efforts undertaken by Turkmenistan in the field of education, noting their consistent and comprehensive nature. In particular, she highlighted the country’s active steps towards accession to UNESCO international conventions in the field of education, which reflect Turkmenistan’s commitment to international standards and the

strengthening of the legal framework of its education system.

She also commended Turkmenistan’s achievements in modernizing the education sector, including the development of inclusive and quality education, digital transformation, and the expansion of international cooperation. Special emphasis was placed on the role of the country’s leadership — the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag — in advancing these reforms and ensuring a strategic course towards a modern and competitive education system.

Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation and expanding practical collaboration in the field of education.

Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan