In the next few days after its opening, the city of Arkadag turned into a center of international activity. The city has hosted several international events, including an investment forum and a media forum.
International Media Forum
On 30 June 2023, an international media forum was held in the city of Arkadag, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly with the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography.
The forum gathered more than 100 participants, including heads of academic circles and editors-in-chief of the country’s news agencies, representatives of relevant international organizations and associations, correspondents of national private news agencies, as well as foreign media accredited in Turkmenistan, including more than 50 representatives of foreign news agencies and TV channels who arrived in Turkmenistan to cover the festive events on the occasion of the opening of Arkadag “smart city”.
Opening the forum, the head of the International Relations Institute Center for Strategic Studies Sh.Shiriev covered the advanced aspects of the new smart city. Highlighting the importance of this mega-project for Turkmenistan, which has been awarded more than 20 certificates and awards in the field of sustainable development, environmental friendliness and innovative solutions, it was noted how Arkadag clearly demonstrates the use of innovative technologies to create environmentally friendly and livable communities. In this context, it was emphasized that this progressive innovation means not only progressive movement for Turkmenistan, but also serves as an innovative initiative for the entire region.
The key speakers of the first session “Arkadag City – the first smart city in the region” were the Secretary General of the Association of Engineers and Architects of the Turkic World Ilyas Demirci, Vice-Rector of the Oguzkhan University of Engineering and Technology Aimurad Mukhammedov, a specialist of UN-HABITAT Fundare Salvatore, head of the Central Asian bureau of TV Channel Russia-1 Robert Frantsev.
They noted that Arkadag, based on the concept of a “smart city”, is an example of modern architecture and planning culture, focused on the maximum use of the latest technologies in the organization of urban life. At the same time, a single intelligent network has been created there, which includes all systems for collecting data on their functioning in real time – from traffic to ecology. It was also stated that the implementation of one of the largest national projects is not only a vivid example of a thoughtful combination of digital and green technologies, but also the implementation of the “New Urban Agenda” concept approved at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development Habitat III. In the context of creating conditions in Turkmenistan for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, it was indicated that the country is taking important steps towards the implementation of the Agenda for the period up to 2030, in particular, the creation of sustainable, viable and inclusive cities.
The second session “The Emergence of ecological culture in the system of innovative urban planning” heard the presentations by Senior Program Officer for Central Asia of the Global Institute for Green Growth Oyunchimeg Amartuvshin, Editor-in-chief of Business Central Asia magazine Indervir Singh, founder and CEO of the Institute and the journal Diplomatic World Barbara Dietrich, as well as the general director of the TV channel “Greater Asia” Alexander Lebedev.
Speaking about the significance of the new city, representatives of international organizations and news agencies emphasized that its planning takes into account the social aspects of sustainable urban development, including inclusiveness and equality, diversity and cultural heritage, health and well-being, safety and security, education and lifelong learning.
Highlighting the environmental agenda in a number of relevant and pressing aspects in urban planning, it was emphasized that environmentally friendly materials were used in the construction of facilities.
Awarding the city of Arkadag a certificate of accession to the project “Development of sustainable, green, climate-friendly cities with innovative solutions in the region of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe” is a clear example of the successful solution of the tasks set in this area.
The speakers of the next session entitled “Gaining the importance of the city of Arkadag in the developing paradigm of “healthy cities”, were Ogulmyahri Geldiyeva, Director of the Information Center of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, Gulshat Yusupova, Vice-rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Irina Flur, head of the information service of the MIR-24 TV channel.
According to the participants of this session, the opening of the country’s first “smart” city indicates that Turkmenistan is at the forefront of solving environmental problems and introducing innovative technologies into urban development projects in order to create favorable and comfortable conditions for a healthy lifestyle of people.
It was also noted that the unique natural environment, fresh air, together with a number of sports facilities and medical centers, testifies to the state’s concern for the younger generation and the protection of their health.
Focusing on the importance of the multifunctional Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Center named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, it was stressed that the integrated approach to public health issues, realized by Government of Turkmenistan, demonstrates the success of the tasks arising from the State Program “Saglyk”, developed under the leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen people.
At the end of the forum, a press meeting was organized by speakers who summarized the discussions and shared their views on cooperation in the field of further development and implementation of the concept of “smart, sustainable and environmentally friendly cities”.
International Investment Forum
On 30 June 2023, the Arkadag – Smart City International Investment Forum was held in the conference hall of the Markav Hotel in the new city, bringing together delegates from around the world, as well as representatives of leading international and regional organizations, financial institutions, and major foreign companies. From the Turkmen side, heads of ministries and branch departments, banks, specialized institutes, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs took part in its work.
The forum is aimed at expanding the framework of constructive dialogue between foreign investors, businessmen, international financial and banking institutions and state bodies of Turkmenistan, domestic entrepreneurship.
Within the framework of the plenary sessions, issues related to the prospects of sustainable development and new technologies in cities, investment opportunities of Turkmenistan, digital infrastructure and digital innovative technologies of “smart” cities were considered.
The speakers underlined noted that today the world community faces a number of urgent tasks to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. One of them is ensuring the openness, security, resilience and environmental sustainability of cities and settlements.
The reports also cited the macroeconomic indicators of Turkmenistan in recent years. In particular, it was noted that by the end of 2022, GDP growth amounted to 6.2 %, investment – 14.2 %, exports of products increased by 43.6 % compared to 2021. The annual volume of investments in the economy is more than 30 %, and the share of foreign investors reaches 13 %.
As noted in the reports, Turkmenistan exports natural gas, petroleum products, electricity and mineral fertilizers, construction materials, chemical and food products to various countries. The increase in exports is stimulated by the widespread introduction of innovative technologies and a digital system.
The reports of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs’ representatives addressed in detail the state-level support for the development of small and medium-sized firms. The share of entrepreneurship in all sectors of the economy is increasing year after year, and this year, as projected, it will account for 71.3% of GDP (excluding the fuel and energy complex).
There was also an interest in attracting large capital, advanced technologies, supplies of modern machinery and equipment that meet international standards. The economic efficiency of the proposed projects, their social significance and environmental safety, and the joint search for the most effective tools to achieve lasting and long-term success of all stakeholders were called the fundamental principles for establishing a partnership.
During the forum, a constructive exchange of views took place on ways to maximize the investment potential, as well as on mechanisms to stimulate the industrial, scientific, technological and socio-economic development of Turkmenistan.
The International Investment Forum hosted bilateral talks where areas of opportunity for creating advantageous connections were identified.
A number of documents were also signed. Among them are contracts for export–import operations, cooperation in the service sector, etc.
Meeting of mayors of cultural capitals of the Turkic world
On 30 June 2023, a forum of mayors of cultural capitals of the Turkic world was held, which was attended by the Secretary General of the international organization TURKSOY, heads of administrative structures of cities announced the cultural capitals of the Turkic world, as well as numerous guests who attended the opening ceremony of the “smart” city.
In his speech, Secretary General of TURKSOY Sultan Raev, emphasizing that immediately after the opening, the city of Arkadag became a meeting place for representatives of the Turkic world, noted that this unique city deserves to be called the “City of the Century”.
Sultan Raev also pointed out the expediency of further deepening relations, as well as strengthening ties between the members of the organization.
Speaking about the main requirements of the time, the speakers stressed the importance of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The international recognition of the city of Arkadag is evidenced by its inclusion in the project “Development of sustainable, green, climate-friendly cities with innovative solutions in the OSCE region”.
As noted, the new city, from an ecological point of view, is directly connected with the health of the population and improving the life quality. The concept of “smart city” meets the principles of the global movement “Healthy Cities” under the auspices of WHO.
It was emphasized that the first “smart” city of Arkadag in Turkmenistan is a role model in terms of a new urban culture. Foreign partners highly appreciated its project, architectural, design, logistics, technological solutions.
Noting that Anau will be the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024, the participants spoke warmly of Turkmenistan and its people, who have the richest historical and cultural heritage, emphasizing the friendly and trusting relationships that have developed at all levels, including the highest.
The program of events to be held next year in Anau include scientific, youth and media forums, concerts of pop and folk artists, exhibitions of works of fine and decorative arts, photo exhibitions, excursions to historical and cultural sites of the country.
International Scientific Conference “Arkadag City – the embodiment of digital and smart technologies”
The organizers of the International Scientific Conference “Arkadag City – the embodiment of digital and smart technologies” were the governorate of Arkadag city, the Ministry of Education and the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan.
The conference, held in a mixed format, was attended by members of the Government, Academy of Sciences and employees of its constituent institutes, rectors, professors and teachers of universities of the country.
Among the foreign participants were heads and representatives of leading higher educational institutions and scientific institutes of Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Germany, Japan and other countries, as well as international organizations, in particular, UN agencies accredited in Turkmenistan.
The central theme of the conference was the importance of the smart city megaproject for Turkmenistan and the possibility of establishing a partnership for its further implementation, exchanging experience and studying proposals for the active development of the concept of “smart cities”.
An exchange of ideas on new topics for joint research in the fields of digital solutions and intellectual capacities, upcoming initiatives for smart homes and cities, the introduction of cutting-edge technology in education and science, and the digital economy took place during the conference.
International scientific Conference “Public Organization of Doctors of Turkmenistan”
International scientific conference “Public Organization of Doctors of Turkmenistan”, was held on July 1 at the Multidisciplinary Hospital of the city of Arkadag.
The forum was attended by professors and specialists of various profiles from leading clinics and institutes in Germany, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Iran and other countries.
It was noted in the speeches that the social infrastructure of the modern city has been replenished with medical institutions that meet international standards in all respects. In recent years Turkmenistan has done extensive work in the field of health care and continuous improvement of the national health system.
During the conference, the main achievements of Turkmen healthcare were highlighted, as well as opportunities for exchanging experience and further strengthening international cooperation with all interested partners.
International conference “Arkadag City – the land of Akhal-Teke horses”
Achievements and topical issues of horse breeding development, prospects for strengthening fruitful cooperation in this area were on the agenda of the International Conference “Arkadag City – the land of Akhal-Teke horses”, held on 1 July in the Agricultural Complex of the new city.
The conference was attended by Turkmen and foreign professions, the profile committee of the parliament of Turkmenistan, scientific institutions, higher educational institutions, members of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, experts.
As it was emphasized in the speeches, the Turkmen people not only presented the world with Akhal-Teke horses unsurpassed in their beauty, grace and noble stature, but also preserved the purity of this unique breed for centuries, continuously improving it.
Arkadag City is a city of smart and green technologies
On 2 July, an international scientific conference “Arkadag City – the city of smart and green technologies” was held at the Dovletmammad Azadi Library of the first “smart” city of the country.
The International forum brought together heads of agencies of the transport and communication complex, foreign manufacturers of high-tech equipment, developers of advanced technologies and services, major international telecom operators and software, representatives of international organizations and structures.
At the plenary session “Smart and Green Cities” as a guarantee of sustainable and effective development of urban infrastructure,” issues of creating sustainable, viable cities and a comfortable urban environment, promoting economic growth, ensuring the well-being of current and future generations were discussed.
The session titled “Technologies and solutions for smart and green cities” discussed the impact of smart technologies on the daily life, sustainable architecture and urban planning, integration of renewable energy sources, smart mobility and transport, cybersecurity, etc.
Reports of foreign experts on new directions of development of information and communication technologies were also heard, much attention was paid to the prospects for the introduction of innovations that have a significant impact on the development of the Internet around the world.
An exchange of views took place on important issues of digital and “green” transformation in the interests of sustainable development. The speakers touched upon such issues as artificial intelligence, “green” logistics, smart parking, innovative services, etc. ///nCa, 3 July 2023 [based on TDH reports, photo credit – TDH]
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