The XXV International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026”, held on 24–25 May in the capital of Turkmenistan, successfully concluded its programme, reaffirming Ashgabat’s growing role as an international platform for dialogue, innovation, investment cooperation and sustainable urban development.
Held under the theme “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development”, the forum brought together more than 800 delegates from 55 countries, including representatives of governments, international organisations, diplomatic missions, financial institutions, investors, business leaders, architects, engineers, urban development experts and leading international companies.
The event was organised in honour of the Day of Ashgabat and the 145th anniversary of the white-marble capital, highlighting the city’s continued development as a modern administrative, economic and cultural centre.
International Dialogue on the Cities of the Future
One of the central events of White City Ashgabat 2026 was the United Nations High-Level Roundtable entitled “From Global Dialogue to Local Action: Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive and Smart Cities.”
Organised in cooperation with UN-Habitat, the roundtable brought together representatives of the United Nations system, international development institutions, diplomatic missions and urban development experts to discuss practical approaches to sustainable urban planning, resilient infrastructure, digital transformation, energy efficiency and the creation of inclusive urban environments.
The discussions gained additional significance following recent announcements made during the World Urban Forum in Baku regarding the possible future establishment of a UN-Habitat project office in Ashgabat, further reflecting the city’s growing international profile in the field of sustainable urban development.
Participants emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between governments, international organisations and the private sector in order to accelerate the implementation of innovative urban solutions and support long-term sustainable growth.
Strategic Vision for Ashgabat’s Future Development
The Strategic Plenary Session, entitled “Building a Resilient, Smart and Globally Connected Capital,” focused on the long-term development trajectory of Ashgabat and the integration of modern infrastructure, digital technologies, industrial development and environmental sustainability within a unified urban framework.
The session featured contributions from senior government officials, representatives of international organisations, development institutions and global industry leaders, including Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Francesco La Camera, Regional Director of UN-Habitat for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Erfan Ali, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko, and representatives of the European Union, OSCE, UNDP and other international organisations.
The participation of international experts and development partners underscored the growing importance of Ashgabat as a regional centre for innovation, investment and international cooperation.
From Dialogue to Implementation
A defining feature of White City Ashgabat 2026 was its practical orientation and tangible outcomes.
During the forum, a series of memoranda of understanding, cooperation agreements and commercial contracts were signed across the energy, industrial, infrastructure, transport, healthcare and education sectors.
Among the key agreements was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and Singapore-based Bitdeer Technologies Group aimed at supporting digital infrastructure development and technological innovation.
Additional agreements were concluded with international partners from Singapore, Japan, Türkiye, China and Germany, including cooperation initiatives involving Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific, Mitsubishi Corporation Machinery, Çalık Enerji, Muroosystems Corporation, Hong Kong Richie Sweet Co., Inros Lackner SE, Shantui Construction Machinery and Sinotruk Hong Kong Capital Holding Limited.
These agreements reflect the growing international interest in Turkmenistan’s infrastructure modernisation, industrial development, digital transformation and technology integration agenda.
New Urban Infrastructure Projects for Ashgabat
The forum also delivered concrete outcomes for the continued development of the capital’s social infrastructure.
The Ashgabat City Administration signed contracts for the design and construction of two modern secondary schools with a capacity of 720 students each, a kindergarten accommodating 320 children, and a new healthcare centre in the Bagyr residential complex of the Büzmeýin district.
These projects will contribute to improving the quality of life of residents, expanding access to education and healthcare services, and supporting the long-term development objectives of the capital.
International Business, Industry and Innovation
The conference programme featured high-level discussions dedicated to smart urban development, modern construction technologies, industrial ecosystems, construction materials, supply chains, energy systems and digital infrastructure.
International companies representing architecture, engineering, construction, energy and technology sectors shared practical experience and explored new opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure development, advanced manufacturing, sustainable construction and future energy systems.
The accompanying international exhibition brought together more than 180 companies presenting products, technologies and solutions across construction, industry, energy, urban development and digital technologies, creating extensive opportunities for business engagement and partnership development.
A Platform for Future Cooperation
The successful outcomes of White City Ashgabat 2026 demonstrated the increasing importance of the forum as a platform that connects international dialogue with practical implementation.
The agreements signed, partnerships established and discussions held during the event are expected to contribute to future investment initiatives, technology transfer, infrastructure development and sustainable urban transformation projects.
As Ashgabat celebrates its 145th anniversary, White City Ashgabat 2026 has reaffirmed the city’s growing role as a platform for international cooperation, innovation and sustainable development, bringing together global expertise and practical solutions to help shape the cities of the future.
