The capital of Turkmenistan officially joined UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). On December 7, the Ashgabat City Hall held a ceremony to hand over the Certificate, confirming the city's inclusion in the international community focused on lifelong learning.

The decision to include Ashgabat in the GNLC was made on December 4, 2025. The Turkmen capital was recognized along with 72 cities from 46 countries in recognition of its excellence in science, education, and the creation of conditions for learning for citizens of all ages.

Ashgabat is among 11 capital cities to join the network this year, along with Lisbon, Cairo, Riyadh, and Buenos Aires. Turkmenistan is one of 12 countries joining the GNLC for the first time.

With this expansion, the Network, launched in 2013, now connects 425 cities across 91 countries, supporting the continued learning of nearly 500 million people worldwide.

UNESCO commends the new members for their commitment to realizing the right to education for people of all ages. According to the concept, learning cities are vibrant communities where learning is integrated into everyday life: in schools, workplaces, libraries, museums, and public spaces.

As noted by UNESCO representatives, such cities play a key role in shaping the future, as they create opportunities for professional development in line with the demands of changing labor markets;

promote entrepreneurship; develop skills necessary for work in the age of artificial intelligence; and promote sustainable development.

The admission of Ashgabat to UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities is an important step in international recognition of Turkmenistan's efforts to develop human capital and foster a knowledge- and innovation-driven society.

ORIENT