The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) announced at the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku that the possibility of opening a new project office in the capital of Turkmenistan is being considered. Following this statement, the city of Ashgabat became the center of attention of the international community in the field of sustainable urban development. Such an initiative demonstrates that our capital is recognized as an important dialogue platform for infrastructure development, sustainable transformations, and international cooperation in the region. This was reported by the electronic newspaper "Turkmenistan: Golden Age".

This important issue will be one of the key areas at the high-level UN "round table" meeting to be held on May 24 within the framework of the XXV International Multipurpose Exhibition and Conference "White City Ashgabat" (WCA 2026). This conference, which will be held under the theme "From Global Dialogue to Local Actions: Developing Sustainable, Inclusive, and 'Smart' Cities", will discuss ways to translate international urban development programs into practical projects, investments, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Irfan Ali, Director of the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, stated that the organization currently coordinates programs in 25 countries across the region. Noting that the organization's project offices are operating in Kyiv, Moscow, Kosovo, and Baku, he emphasized that he has high hopes for the launch of a new office in Ashgabat in the near future. Pointing out the accelerating pace of urbanization in the region, the director specifically highlighted that Ashgabat has become an important part of the international dialogue on sustainable urban development.

The consideration of opening a UN-Habitat office in Ashgabat confirms the further strengthening of Turkmenistan's global position in "smart" governance, sustainable urbanization, and modern urban planning.