The Turkmen delegation joined representatives of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan at a meeting in the German city of Bielefeld within the framework of the EU CirculEC project. Turkmenistan was represented by employees of the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management, the Turkmen State Institute of Finance and the country's Academy of Sciences.

The CirculEC project, implemented from 2023 to 2026, aims to develop innovative educational programs and courses on the circular economy to ensure sustainable development in Europe and Central Asia. The meeting in Bielefeld allowed delegates to discuss future steps for integrating circular economy concepts into university curricula in the region.

During the two-day event, participants got acquainted with the activities of the University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule des Mittelstandes) and took part in a seminar on the possibilities of introducing the “Circular Economy” course in Central Asia. Current research projects were also presented, and delegates developed ideas using design thinking to integrate new knowledge.

After Germany, the Turkmen delegation visited Spain and Italy for further consultations. The University of Santiago de Compostela discussed improving the teaching of the circular economy, and the University Federico II discussed the development of an innovative master's program in sustainable development within the Erasmus+ CirculEC project. Participants expressed hope for a fruitful exchange of experience and strengthening cooperation between regions.