Earlier, we reported that delegates from Turkmenistan took part in the Ninth North and Central Asian Multilateral Forum on the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, organized by ESCAP from September 4 to 5 in Almaty.

During the forum, when discussing SDG 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities”, the Head of the Department of Strategic and Sustainable Development of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, Seidnur Japbarov, presented Turkmenistan’s experience in implementing this goal.

In particular, it was noted that in the period 2020-2024 alone, more than 7,4 million square meters of residential premises were commissioned throughout the country. Within the framework of the "National Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the Transformation of Social and Living Conditions of the Population of villages, Towns, Etrap Cities and Etrap Centers for the Period up to 2028 in the New Edition", in 2025-2028, a total of about 1,4 million square meters of residential premises are planned to be built and commissioned in all regions of Turkmenistan. In order to improve housing conditions, various types of support are available for the purchase of housing, such as preferential mortgage lending, benefits for large families, disabled people, young families. For example, mortgage lending for the purchase of high-comfort housing is available for 30 years with an interest rate of 1% per annum.

S. Japbarov also spoke about the new smart city Arkadag, which was awarded a certificate of joining the project "Development of sustainable, green, climate-friendly cities with innovative solutions in the region of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe." At the opening, the city of Arkadag was awarded more than 20 certificates and diplomas from leading international organizations. Also in 2024, at the “World Smart City Expo 2024” held in the Republic of Korea, Arkadag City was awarded three more awards: for outstanding achievements in the field of "smart city", which was awarded only to Arkadag City; Foreign "Smart City"; for great contribution to the “World Smart City Expo 2024”.

The participants of the multilateral forum gave high marks to the city of Arkadag, in particular many spoke about the best practices that they would like to adopt.

The Forum provided a unique opportunity for countries to share best practices and discuss their progress in achieving the SDGs at the regional level. This collaboration helped participants review their progress and ensure that the 2030 Agenda is realized for all.