ICHEI and Turkmenitan Join Hands to Establish the IIOE NC
From 8 to 10 October 2025, at the invitation of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, a delegation from UNESCO-ICHEI visited Turkmenistan for high-level consultations and institutional exchanges. The visit centered on discussions regarding the joint establishment of the "IIOE Turkmenistan National Centre" and resulted in a series of positive outcomes.
UNESCO-ICHEI delegation visiting Mr. Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education Turkmenistan (4-th from left)
Forging Strategic Consensus, Outlining the IIOE National Centre Roadmap
During their visit to the Ministry of Education, the UNESCO-ICHEI delegation, led by Ms. Bi Xiaohan, Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, held in-depth discussions with Mr. Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education. The dialogue focused on the implementation strategy for establishing the IIOE Turkmenistan National Centre, envisioned to operate through a multilateral cooperation model involving the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE).
Mr. Atayev presented Turkmenistan's strategic framework for educational digitalization. He highlighted the country's efforts to introduce modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, develop a unified national education platform, foster public-private partnerships, and jointly formulate a national digital education development strategy with UNESCO IITE. He emphasized Turkmenistan's commitment to systematically transforming its education system through legislative support, the construction of e-learning platforms, the integration of new technologies into teaching methodologies, and data-driven decision-making.
UNESCO-ICHEI shared its established partnership network and multilateral project achievements across Central Asia. Mr. Rejep Mahmudov, Head of the Department of Digital Systems and Information Security at the Ministry, elaborated on the draft cooperation roadmap for the IIOE National Centre. The roadmap includes building a national network of partner universities, conducting localized and demand-driven teacher training with joint certification, and organizing high-level joint conferences. Mr. Atayev expressed his hope to leverage IIOE's global network and rich course resources to foster industry–academia collaboration, enhance the alignment of talent cultivation with market needs, and draw on advanced experiences in higher education policy and institutional practices from China, Central Asia, and other Belt and Road countries. These efforts, he emphasized, would contribute to strengthening and improving the quality assurance system of higher education in Turkmenistan.
Both parties agreed to support Turkmenistan's higher education digital transformation goals through the signing of an agreement to establish the IIOE Turkmenistan National Centre. UNESCO-ICHEI and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan will jointly establish the IIOE Turkmenistan National Center. The two sides will collaborate to provide digital and AI training for Turkmenistan's higher education faculty and administrators using the IIOE platform and curriculum. This training will be jointly certified by the Ministry of Education and UNESCO-ICHEI.
On-site photo from the UNESCO-ICHEI delegation's visit to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan
Engaging Top Universities, Sparking Widespread Resonance for IIOE Localization
Accompanied by Mr. Rejep Mahmudov, the UNESCO-ICHEI delegation visited the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute (TSACI), Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU), and the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan (ITIT). Working meetings were held with Mr. Meylis Babayev, Vice Rector of TSACI; Mr. Durdymurat Annaev, Vice Rector of TSU; and representatives from ITIT. These institutions are among Turkmenistan's leading universities: TSU is the oldest and largest comprehensive university in the country, while TSACI and ITIT serve as core bases for talent cultivation in the architecture, industrial, telecommunications, and digital technology sectors.
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| UNESCO-ICHEI delegation visiting Mr. Meylis Babayev (1st from left), Vice Rector of TSACI | UNESCO-ICHEI delegation visiting Mr. Durdymurat Annaev, Vice Rector of TSU |
Discussions focused on piloting digital competency training and certification for teachers through the IIOE National Centre, utilizing IIOE's quality resources to support the modernization of academic disciplines, and promoting joint research initiatives. UNESCO-ICHEI introduced the IIOE online platform and its course framework to faculty and students, including offerings based on the digital competency framework, the Generative AI course series, and the "AI + Disciplines" course series. These presentations generated widespread interest and lively interaction, laying a solid institutional foundation for future collaboration.
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| IIOE introduction meeting held at TSACI | IIOE introduction meeting held at ITIT | IIOE introduction meeting held at TSU |
Envisioning Future Collaboration: Building a New Digital Education Ecosystem
This visit marked UNESCO-ICHEI's first official mission to Turkmenistan, signifying a new phase in bilateral cooperation. Looking ahead, UNESCO-ICHEI will work closely with the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan to establish the IIOE Turkmenistan National Centre. In collaboration with UNESCO IITE and other global IIOE partners, the initiative aims to promote the systematic development of Turkmenistan's higher education in the AI era, strengthen talent cultivation in the digital economy, and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
About Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan
The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan is the central authority responsible for directing and controlling the country's education system, including its policy and management. It oversees all levels of education, from preschool to higher professional education, and is responsible for implementing state policies. Key functions include developing curricula, managing educational institutions, and modernizing education through initiatives like digital platforms, partnerships with international organizations like UNESCO and UNICEF, and licensing private education providers.
About Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute
The Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute is a leading higher education institution in Turkmenistan, specializing in architecture, construction, and related disciplines such as economics, chemical technology, and computer science. Founded in 2012 on the foundation of the Turkmen Polytechnic Institute, the institute comprises 8 faculties and 28 departments. It currently enrolls over 4,000 students across 10 bachelor's degree programs and 34 specialist programs. The institute is dedicated to preparing highly qualified professionals to meet the evolving needs of Turkmenistan's construction and industrial sectors.
About Mahtymguly Turkmen State University
The Magtymguly Turkmen State University is the oldest and largest comprehensive public university in Turkmenistan, situated in the nation's capital, Ashgabat. Established in 1931 as the Ashgabat Pedagogical Institute, it was reorganized in 1950 into Turkmen State University and later named in honor of the renowned Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy. Today, the university enrolls over 9,000 students and offers more than 30 academic programs across 12 faculties, serving as a leading center for higher education and research in the country.
About Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan
The Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan is a specialized higher education institution located in Ashgabat, dedicated to training professionals in telecommunications, informatics, and digital technologies. Established in its current form in 2019, the institute operates under the Ministry of Education and plays a key role in advancing Turkmenistan's technological workforce. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 6 faculties and more than 20 academic specialties, fostering innovation and expertise in the digital era.
