Today, the traditional International Scientific Conference «Science, Technology and Innovative Technologies in the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state», dedicated to the widely celebrated Science Day in the country, began its work at the University of Engineering and Technology named after Oguz Han.
In the modern epoch, the comprehensive modernisation of the education and science system is one of the priorities of Turkmenistan's state policy. Strengthening the existing base in this field and training highly qualified specialists are important conditions for the country's sustainable development and achieving new frontiers. In this regard, great importance is attached to studying the best international experience and developing effective relations with foreign partners in the scientific and educational field. Our Government's consistent policy in the field of education and science plays a special role here. The reforms initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Hero-Arkadag and now successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, are aimed at introducing international standards into the science system and effectively solving the tasks set in this area.
Currently, according to modern requirements, the educational process and scientific methods, as well as curricula, are being improved. The relevant legislative and legal framework is being consistently strengthened, and new opportunities are opening up for using interactive and distance learning methods. Thanks to comprehensive government support, the coverage of fundamental theoretical and applied scientific research is expanding, the necessary conditions are being created for the productive work of scientists, and the related infrastructure is being modernised. Further intensification of cooperation with foreign research centres and the international scientific community is an integral part of government policy. In this regard, the «Strategy for the development of the science system in Turkmenistan for 2024-2052» and the Action Plan for its implementation for 2024-2028 play an important role. Special importance is attached here to the interrelationship of education, science and production.
The two-day forum, organised annually by the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan to share experiences and discuss the latest scientific achievements, was attended by heads and representatives of Academies of Sciences and higher educational institutions of Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Ukraine, Türkiye, Armenia, Qatar, Algeria, Pakistan, etc.
On the eve of the scientific conference, held in a hybrid format, its participants got acquainted with the exhibition of innovative technologies, which reflected the high level of modern development of Turkmenistan, which pays special attention to the comprehensive modernisation of the science and education system.
The review featured cutting-edge developments and new projects designed to contribute to the development of various industries. The guests had the opportunity to get acquainted with the latest achievements in the field of information technology, biotechnology, ecology, etc.
Before the start of the general meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's welcoming Address to the conference participants was read out. The Head of State cordially congratulated the audience on a wonderful holiday – Science Day, widely celebrated in the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as on the start of the International Scientific Conference «Science, Technology and Innovative Technologies in the era of the new epoch of the powerful state». The President of the country expressed confidence that the international scientific conference dedicated to Science Day would provide scientists with an excellent opportunity to exchange cutting-edge developments in the field of science and technology.
As noted in the welcome message, «Along with the diversification, digitalisation and industrialisation of the national economy based on innovations, the state provides systematic support, in particular, financial and logistical. Its goal is to promote the development of new knowledge and best practices in the field of innovation and technological sciences, the introduction of new scientific developments and solutions into the economy, and the expansion of targeted international partnerships».
Then, leading foreign scientists spoke: Sirojiddin Mirzayev, Vice-President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Vasiliy Gurskiy, Chief Scientific Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Belarus; Vladimir Papava, Academician-Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia; Gevorg Vardanyan, expert of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia on cooperation with CIS countries; Ferial Filali, President Scientific Council of the University of Algiers; Zona Zaidi, Scientific Adviser to the Ministry of Science and Technology of Pakistan.
Isa Gabbibbeyli, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan; Rifkat Minnihanov, President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation; Yevgeniy Shlyahto, Director General of the Almazov National Medical Research Centre of the Russian Federation, also joined the conference on digital communications. They are informed about the main areas of work of the scientific centers they represent.
In his speech via digital communication, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan noted the effective development of Azerbaijani-Turkmen relations in the field of science. As emphasized, in recent years, science, culture and art in Turkmenistan have achieved great success. Scientific cooperation between scientists of the two countries covers a wide range of areas and is constantly strengthening.
In Azerbaijan, special attention is paid to the work of the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi and its study from a scientific point of view. The works of the great Eastern philosopher have been repeatedly published in the Azerbaijani language. The preparation for publication and publication by the staff of the Academies of Sciences of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan of a new anthology of the poet based on a collection of poems by Magtymguly Fragi, published in Bukhara in 1913, became a contribution to familiarising the world community with Turkmen classical literature. The opening of the «Magtymguly Fragi Research Centre» at the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Manuscripts under the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan indicates the intensification of relations at the level of the Academies of Sciences of the two countries.
In addition, the speeches emphasised the important role of science and innovation in modern society. Currently, science has become an integral part of everyday life, achievements in this area have a great impact on the development of society, the economy, healthcare and other areas. Science forms ideas about the world around us, helps to solve urgent problems and opens up new horizons. During the forum, one of the important issues for the region was touched upon, which is related to the assessment and forecasting of seismic risks.
Effective research work in this area allows us to identify potentially seismically hazardous zones and develop effective steps to reduce damage. Engineering surveys and analytical forecasts make it possible to introduce modern anti-seismic technologies. Constant monitoring of seismic risks and the implementation of preventive measures contribute to increasing the sustainability of the economy and ensuring the well-being of the region.
The reports of participants also focused on the importance of new technologies, including digitalisation and artificial intelligence, for ensuring economic growth. It was noted that advanced technologies currently act as one of the main conditions for the development of an innovative economy. The introduction of new technologies, including robotics, automation of production processes contribute to increased labour productivity, efficient use of resources and adaptation to market changes.
Modern technologies also contribute to the emergence of new business models. The development of e-commerce, platform solutions, digital services and technologies in the field of finance opens up opportunities for creating innovative products and attracting investment. In addition, new technologies play a major role in the further development of science, education and medicine, which ultimately contributes to the long-term growth of economic potential. Investments in research and development create opportunities for new technological achievements and gaining leading positions in the global innovation space. The speakers emphasised that new technologies are not just a tool for modernising the economy, but a driving force that contributes to sustainable development, competitiveness and well-being of society in the modern world.
The forum also emphasised the importance of the Great Silk Road, which is currently being revived in a new format at the initiative of Turkmenistan. This large-scale transnational project, linking the countries of Europe, Asia and Africa with transport, infrastructure and economic corridors, not only promotes the development of trade between countries, but also becomes an important bridge for the exchange of knowledge, innovative technologies and cultural values.
The formation of transport and logistics routes along the Great Silk Road allows participants to accelerate trade turnover and increase the efficiency of export and import of products. Advanced technologies used in the construction of railways, ports and logistics centres contribute to the modernisation of related industries and the exchange of experience between the countries participating in the project. In addition, the revival of the Great Silk Road will open up broad opportunities for mutual enrichment of cultures. Holding international exhibitions, festivals, scientific conferences and other events will bring peoples closer together, activate the dialogue of cultures and strengthen mutual understanding between countries, while joint educational programs and research work will ensure innovative development. In general, the Great Silk Road is a unique project, which, being a powerful engine of mutually beneficial economic cooperation, makes a great contribution to the development of the world economy and culture.
The current state and possibilities for developing scientific cooperation between the member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States were also discussed at the forum. As noted, the partnership covers many areas, including physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, information technology, and is one of the important conditions contributing to the development of science and technology in the CIS. The implementation of joint research projects is among the priorities of scientific cooperation in the CIS. Such initiatives allow combining the intellectual potential of the Commonwealth states, which in turn increases the effectiveness of scientific research.
International conferences with the participation of scientists from different countries are also of great importance for the development of scientific cooperation. They serve as an effective platform for exchanging knowledge and experience, promoting new scientific ideas and strengthening professional contacts. In this regard, it was noted that the development of scientific cooperation in the CIS is an important step towards strengthening the scientific potential of the participating states. Combining efforts and implementing joint projects will increase the competitiveness of the scientific and technological capabilities of the Commonwealth countries in the world. In the context of global threats, in particular climate change, scientific cooperation is becoming a necessary factor in sustainable development in the region.
In addition, during the international scientific conference, reports were heard on work in other areas of science. The participants were unanimous in their opinion on the need for further development of scientific cooperation and expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan and Hero Arkadag for the high level of organisation of the forum and the conditions created for its work.
In the afternoon, the participants of the International Scientific Conference «Science, Technology and Innovative Technologies in the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state» became honourary guests of the award ceremony for the winners of the scientific paper competition among the youth of Turkmenistan, as well as a festive concert dedicated to Science Day.
On the 13th of June, the International Scientific Conference will continue its work in sections: at the International University of Oil and Gas named after Yagshygeldi Kakayev – «Nanotechnology, chemical technology, study of new materials and energy»; at the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan – «Biotechnology, molecular biology, agriculture, ecology and genetics»; at the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics – «Information and communication systems, computer technology»; at the Turkmen State Medical University named after Myrat Garryyev – «Modern medicine and technology for the production of medicines»; at the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management – «Innovative economy»; at the Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly – «Humanities»; at the Institute of Language named after Magtymguly, Literature and National Manuscripts of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan – «National heritage and historical roots - the basis of Turkmenistan's neutrality policy».
A cultural program has been prepared for foreign guests, including an introduction to museums and other attractions of our capital.