A series of specialized training courses in media and communications, implemented as part of the European Union-funded regional CARAVAN project, has concluded in Ashgabat.

The educational events took place from April 29 to May 6, 2026, at the Bouygues Turkmen Carbon Training Center. Each course brought together approximately 30 participants, including content creators, media representatives, teachers, and students interested in developing creative and professional skills in the media sector.

CARAVAN as a Media Literacy Driver

The CARAVAN project aims to develop professional skills, strengthen media and information literacy, and promote responsible approaches to content creation in the changing information environment in Central Asian countries.

Two-Stage Educational Program

The training program was implemented in two stages:

April 29 – May 1 — for students, teachers, content creators, and interested participants

May 4–6 — for media representatives and public relations staff of Turkmenistan's ministries

Practice, Technology, and Ethics

The training sessions covered key areas of contemporary media:

• visual and narrative storytelling

• media literacy and ethical aspects of content creation

• planning and distribution of media materials

• data visualization

• use of digital tools, including artificial intelligence

The program combined expert presentations, practical exercises, and interactive discussions.

Expert Support for the Program

The training sessions were led by international experts from Kazakhstan:

Gulim Amirkhanova – media expert, editor, and multimedia producer Aiganym Amirbekova – YouTube expert, CEO of AIR Media-Tech, and YouTube Academy coordinator in Kazakhstan

The program presented the following position:

"Supporting the development of modern professional skills is an investment in human potential. A responsible approach to content creation fosters trust, quality, and long-term value in today's rapidly changing information environment," noted Maciej Madaliński, Deputy Head of the Delegation to the European Union, in his opening remarks.

Focus on Sustainability and Modern Technologies

One of the key areas of the CARAVAN project is developing the resilience of media systems, including countering disinformation and integrating modern technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, into content management.

Implications and Results of Implementation

The training sessions conducted within the CARAVAN project have made a significant contribution to the development of Turkmenistan's professional media community, contributing to improved content quality, expanded participants' practical skills, and strengthened professional standards.

The initiative also demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and the consistent development of educational programs in media and communications with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan.

ORIENT