Application of Ashgabat has been officially accepted by the Secretariat of the UNESCO for inclusion to the Smart City network in Design category.

The application will be studied by independent experts within several months and the final decision will be announced by the UNESCO General Secretary on the threshold of the celebration of the World City Day, which is observed on October 31.

The UNESCO Smart City Network was established in 2004 for development of international cooperation between the cities, which are willing to invest to culture and social integration. As of today, it includes 246 cities.

The network develops its activity in seven directions such as Craft and Folk Art, Design, Movie, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Art and Music. It represents an effective tool of cooperation and reflects common desire to support creative and innovative potential for achievement of the Sustainable development goals.