At the International Conference “White City of Ashgabat,” held in the Turkmen capital, key insights were shared on the importance of innovation and a people-oriented approach in urban development.
During the plenary session titled “The White City of Ashgabat – the City of the Future and Opportunities,” Zou Qiyong, Deputy Director General and Managing Director of the Directorate for Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), addressed the audience with a focus on the capital’s sustainable development.
He shared his positive impressions of Ashgabat, noting the city’s significant transformation since his previous visit in 2023. Zou highlighted Ashgabat’s “Smart City” initiative as a leading example in Central Asia, illustrating how innovation, digitalization, and human-centered urban planning can contribute to building a sustainable future.
He also pointed out that the city’s efforts in enhancing transport, energy infrastructure, and waste management are well-aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities.
The UNIDO official emphasized the significance of international events in Ashgabat, particularly in the context of the International Year of Peace and Trust. He noted that this initiative presents a vision of the world not only as peaceful but also as a space for meaningful global cooperation and creativity.
Zou reaffirmed UNIDO’s ongoing support for Turkmenistan’s drive to attract investments into industrial development. This includes helping to build a strong legal framework that encourages private sector participation in major urban and industrial projects.
“UNIDO is committed to deepening its partnership with Turkmenistan,” Zou stated, adding that the goal is to develop a collaborative model that could serve as a regional example. Such cooperation, he noted, would reinforce Turkmenistan’s strategic position in advancing innovative industrialization and progressive urban planning.
In conclusion, Zou Qiyong described Ashgabat City Day as not only a celebration of the city’s history but also a vision for the future. He expressed confidence that, with its solid foundation and clear development strategy, Ashgabat is well-positioned to become a regional hub for “green” growth, smart technologies, and sustainable industrial advancement.
compiled by Arslan RAHYMOV,
student of the Institute of International
Relations of the MFA of Turkmenistan.
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