The Ashgabat Forum “Design 2022” and the international exhibition “Design Without Borders” opened today at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The event, organized by the hyakimlik of the capital and the Secretariat of the National Commission for UNESCO, is held as part of the activities to include Ashgabat in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the “Design” nomination.

It should be noted that since 1993 Turkmenistan has been a full member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This specialized UN agency plays an important role in international cooperation in the conservation of cultural monuments and natural landscapes, works to create conditions for an open dialogue based on respect for the universal values and dignity of each people.

The inclusion of Ashgabat in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network will not only be another recognition of the merits of the Turkmen capital in the development of international cultural dialogue, but will also expand its interaction with the cities of the world, which also consider culture and creativity as a strategic element of sustainable socio-economic development.

Members of the Government, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in our country, representatives of international organizations and the media took part in the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

The official part of the review was preceded by the performances of the creative teams of the capital, which increased the festive atmosphere of the event.

The audience enthusiastically listened to the welcoming address of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on this occasion, which emphasizes that today Ashgabat, having become one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities for living, is called the “Shining Pearl of Asia”.

The international recognition of numerous buildings of national design, incorporating historical and cultural values, is an indisputable evidence that our capital is strengthening its place among the most beautiful cities in the world. This is also evidenced by the fact that some of its buildings, according to the originality of architecture, were included in the Guinness Book of Records, the message of the head of state says.

The expositions reflecting the multifaceted cooperation of Turkmenistan with UNESCO in the development of science and education, in the field of culture and the preservation of the national heritage were placed in the exhibition hall of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Stands with huge monitors and illuminated banners present a wide range of life activities of the modern Turkmen metropolis.

Dozens of exhibitors take part in the show, including representatives of well-known foreign companies specializing in architecture and construction. Their interest in participating in significant projects in the Turkmen capital is dictated, first of all, by the fact that Ashgabat embodies a unique model of a modern, dynamically developing city, where beauty and comfort, advanced achievements of architecture, engineering and technical thought and the original traditions of national architecture are harmoniously combined, as well as features of the way of life of Turkmens. And this poses interesting creative tasks for the designers of structures.

Foreign partners that have successfully proven themselves in the Turkmen market, Turkish companies Gap Inşaat, Rönesans Endüstri Tesisleri Inşaat Sanaýi we Tijaret, demonstrate their capabilities and proposals for cooperation here.

The exposition panorama illustrates the successful implementation of the urban planning policy of Turkmenistan and the contribution of various industries to the implementation of state programs aimed at improving the living standards of the population, creating comfortable conditions for work and recreation for people.

Numerous mock-ups and sketches of administrative and office complexes, shopping and entertainment centers, residential buildings of increased comfort are placed at the review for clarity of the scale of the work in progress.

The innovative projects presented here provide a glimpse into the further functional, constructive and aesthetic development of the urban space, where the original ideas of architects, landscape planners and muralists come together.

Increasingly strong positions in urban planning and in other areas of the national economy - from printing to textile and furniture production, are occupied by domestic entrepreneurs and private producers, expanding their capabilities in the field of industrial, architectural, computer design.

At this exhibition, individual enterprises “Çigildem”, “Aýbölek”, “Ýaşyl Ýyldyrym”, “Meşhur Interior”, “Erjel Begenç” and many others presented their products and services.

Products of one of the leading export-oriented industries of Turkmenistan are demonstrated at the stands of the Ministry of Textile Industry. A rich assortment of cotton, garments and knitwear is distinguished by high quality and national flavor.

Craftsmen – carpet weavers, dutar makers and zergers – perfectly fit into the festive outline of the exhibition, imbued with the spirit of national culture, who continued to do their favorite work here.

The pavilions of the capital's hyakimlik delight with a variety of flowers and green seedlings of trees that now adorn city parks and streets.

In the context of the motto of this year – “The era of the people with Arkadag”, you can see the models of administrative and residential buildings in Ashgabat, deserving attention for their architectural solutions and decorations, presented by the Institute of Construction and Architecture, the State Academy of Arts, the Union of Designers of Turkmenistan.

The stand of the Turkmen State Publishing Service, which presents printed materials, where a special place is given to the works of outstanding national classics, children's literature, including translated, is also of great interest to visitors.

For the first time, individual enterprises Özgertme, Ýurt taslama, Eşret Mahabat and the Sewing House Şekil, engaged in architectural, advertising and design activities, take part in the international review.

The creative association “Dizayn Plus” delighted visitors with souvenirs and gift items with national flavor.

Among the exhibits is furniture production, which presents original solutions for interiors.

A colorful fashion show was held within the framework of the exhibition - a show of a new collection of clothes developed by the designers of the Ashgabat House of Models and experimental workshops of the country's textile complexes.

Created by the creative inspiration and talent of the masters of their craft, fashionable ensembles, embodying the original traditions of the national costume and modern trends, are the best advertisement for the impeccable quality of Turkmen fabrics.

In the afternoon, the Design 2022 forum was held, which was attended by young and leading architects, specialists in the field of urban environment design, journalists, and students.

Among the foreign participants of the meeting are representatives from Turkey, the USA, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan.

Creating conditions for the effective use of architecture and design in the process of socio-economic development of cities and increasing their investment attractiveness is the main topic of this forum.

The speeches noted that the grandiose construction ongoing throughout the country is a clear evidence of the creative, socially oriented policy of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at ensuring a prosperous and happy life for the people of Turkmenistan, creating the necessary infrastructure in cities and villages that meets international standards.

An example of the growing power of the Motherland, the success of the fundamental transformations being carried out is its white marble capital, which is increasingly asserting itself in the status of the most beautiful and comfortable city in the world. The merit of the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is great in this. Recognizing the invaluable merits of Arkadag in the development of the capital, his huge contribution to domestic urban planning, he was awarded the honorary title of “Honored Architect of Turkmenistan”.

The development of Ashgabat, the improvement of its infrastructure with a long-term perspective is one of the key vectors of the ongoing urban policy.

The modern appearance of the transforming capital reflects the progressive dynamics of the socio-economic progress of our independent state, its multifaceted potential, rich history and cultural traditions of the Turkmen people.

Speaking about the fruitful nature of cooperation between our country and the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture, the speakers stated Turkmenistan's commitment to promoting dialogue between peoples on the basis of cultural and humanitarian interaction.

In this context, information was heard on the inclusion of Ashgabat in the UNESCO Global Network of Creative Cities in the nomination “Design”, as well as the results achieved and further steps in this direction were discussed.

The network is an important tool for the intellectual interaction of participating cities, reflecting the common desire to support creative and innovative potential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, exchange experience in the field of culture and art, and implement joint international projects.

As noted, the forum and international exhibition held in the Year of the “Era of the People with Arkadag”, creating wide opportunities for cooperation at the intersectoral level, determine important areas of this activity, help strengthen relations between Turkmen entrepreneurs and creative workers with foreign business circles, establish new contacts and mutual exchange of experience.

It was noted in the speeches that the Union of Designers of Turkmenistan, which has been operating since 1988, is aimed at improving the professional skills of designers, creating conditions for the implementation of relevant projects, increasing their competitiveness and training young professionals in this field.

In this regard, it was emphasized that, thanks to the creative approaches of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to solving urban planning issues, great opportunities have been created for the bold implementation of original ideas for both the residents of Ashgabat and young profile specialists.

It is noteworthy that the white marble capital of Turkmenistan, which celebrated its 141st anniversary this year, is today rightfully called the “pearl” of Central Asia. Being a major political, business, cultural and sports center of the region, Ashgabat has embodied a unique model of a dynamically developing city - the city of the future, where beauty and comfort, advanced achievements of architecture, engineering and technical thought and the original traditions of national architecture are harmoniously combined.

The idea of Ashgabat as a center of culture is inextricably linked with the concept of “urban design” - a special phenomenon, including the careful attitude of citizens to the environment and the improvement of the capital.

As emphasized, the policy of urban planning, like no other sphere of human activity, needs a creative approach.

Focusing on the harmonious development of the capital, parallel filling it with industrial potential, advanced technologies and providing social infrastructure, the speakers noted that Ashgabat serves as a reliable platform for holding UN forums, in particular, UNESCO, interaction with which is one of the priorities of state policy in humanitarian sphere.

In this regard, it was stated that, starting from 2021, the first UNESCO Chairs, Clubs and Associated Schools have appeared in the Turkmen capital, and today Ashgabat is preparing to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the “Design” nomination.

Foreign participants, giving a high assessment to the level of organization of the Design 2022 forum, noted that interstate relations based on a solid foundation, as well as bilateral and multilateral cooperation with rich potential, will continue to develop dynamically and consistently to serve common interests.

The exhibition will continue tomorrow.