Ashgabat has officially become a member of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities, as announced in the “Watan” news program.

During a ceremonial gathering held in the Turkmen capital, Ch. Rustemova — Hero of Turkmenistan and Executive Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO — presented the certificate confirming Ashgabat’s admission to the network. Speakers emphasized that the city’s ongoing large-scale development projects and modern urban initiatives have significantly strengthened its role as a regional hub for education, culture, innovation, and industry.

On December 4, Ashgabat was included among 72 cities from 46 countries recognized for their achievements in promoting lifelong learning and creating accessible educational opportunities for citizens of all ages. This acknowledgment highlights Turkmenistan’s success in advancing its educational system and fostering conditions for continuous learning.

Established in 2013, the Global Network of Learning Cities currently brings together 425 cities worldwide. The network commends new members for their commitment to expanding local learning opportunities and supporting inclusive education. With the latest additions, the number of participating cities has reached 425 across 91 countries, collectively serving the learning needs of approximately 500 million people.
This year, 11 capital cities—among them Ashgabat, Porto-Novo, Cairo, Ankara, Lisbon, Riyadh, Hanoi, and Buenos Aires—were welcomed into the network. UNESCO also reported that, for the first time, 12 new countries joined the initiative, including Turkmenistan.

UNESCO’s learning cities are dynamic environments where education is integrated into daily life—whether in schools, workplaces, libraries, museums, or public spaces. These cities help citizens adapt to evolving labor markets, improve literacy and skills, support entrepreneurship, and prepare societies for the age of artificial intelligence, while also advancing sustainable development.

Ashgabat’s acceptance into the network stands as an international recognition of Turkmenistan’s dedication to developing human capital and promoting innovation and lifelong learning.