On September 20, a national forum titled “Sport – a Guarantee of Peace and Trust” took place in Turkmenistan. Held in honor of the 34th anniversary of the country’s Independence and the International Day of University Sport, the event played an important role in promoting sports among youth, expanding international cooperation, and advancing the principles of peace through sports.

Leading sports specialists of Turkmenistan, representatives of the Magtymguly Youth Organization, university faculty members, and students participated in the forum. Speaking via video link from Paris, Mr. Philippe Müller-Wirth, Head of the Sports Department at UNESCO and Secretary of the Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS), emphasized that university sports contribute to strengthening friendship, brotherhood, and trust.

During the event, experts presented the following:

• Asyrmukhammet Gurbanmamedov (Vice-Rector of Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports) highlighted the role of diplomacy in sports development under the leadership of Arkadagly Hero Serdar and the National Leader.

• Sona Khalikova (Senior Specialist of Turkmenistan Youth Organization) spoke about the wide development of international sports cooperation.

• Serdar Gurdov (Senior Lecturer, Secretary General of the National Federation of University Sports) shared experiences on improving the work of sports clubs.

• Aymaral Azatgeldiyeva (Lecturer) emphasized scientifically grounded development of university sports and a healthy lifestyle.

• Student Durdy Atabayev presented a report in English titled “Sporting Students: the Foundation of Progress,” highlighting the role of sports in youth development.

All speakers at the forum emphasized that sports are important not only for physical development but also for strengthening peace, trust, and friendship. After the general meeting, the forum continued in sections, where more than 60 presentations were heard.

The International Day of University Sport (IDUS), proclaimed by UNESCO in 2015 at the initiative of FISU and first celebrated in 2016, is now widely observed around the world. The national forum “Sport – a Guarantee of Peace and Trust” became part of this global initiative, demonstrating the readiness of Turkmen youth for international cooperation and confirming the role of sports as a guarantor of peace and trust.

ORIENT