The International University for the Humanities and Development Hosted an International Scientific Conference

On October 27, the International University for the Humanities and Development (IUHD) hosted an international scientific conference titled “Sustainable Development Goals: Advancing Quality Education and Human Capital through Teaching Methodologies and Innovation.” The event was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust.

Participants included the Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Affairs, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan Chynar Rustemova; the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon; Director of the Florence (Italy) branch of Kent State University (USA), Fabrizio Ricciardelli; Vice-Rector for Research at Westminster University, Andrew Linn; Head of the Department of International Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Atageldi Khaljanov; Director of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, Tao Zhang; Italian language lecturer of the IUHD Department of Foreign Languages, Giovanna Farchi; as well as the faculty and students of the university.

Distinguished guests showed great interest in the exhibition of international achievements by IUHD students, which took place in the university foyer that day. Numerous diplomas, medals, and certificates earned by students in various competitions and Olympiads serve as clear evidence of the effectiveness of large-scale efforts to improve the national education system and bring it in line with global standards.

After viewing the exhibition, the participants gathered in the university’s main conference hall for the official opening of the conference. The Rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development, Maral Kuliyeva, delivered a welcoming and opening speech.

The conference continued with insightful presentations by participants. It was particularly emphasized that developing teaching methods and innovations for sustainable development aims to enhance the education system through the use of modern technologies and new approaches, including digitalization and personalized learning.

The main objectives identified included improving teaching methods on an innovative basis, enhancing the content and delivery of education, and implementing individualized learning practices. It was noted that the use of innovations and new technologies in education is an essential part of modern learning. Diverse teaching methods and software are necessary to improve educational quality and ensure comprehensive education, all of which create favorable conditions for the development of human potential.

Speakers highlighted that national programs are fully aligned with international standards and are being implemented at an accelerated pace. They also noted the successful execution of major international educational agreements signed with leading universities worldwide.

During the conference, Westminster University ceremoniously presented IUHD with a special certificate as part of the “Accelerating English Language Learning in Central Asia (AELLCA)” program. This event served as further evidence of the university’s significant contribution to the development of multilingual diplomacy, Turkmen higher education’s commitment to expanding scientific and educational cooperation with foreign universities, and its active engagement in international collaboration.

It was emphasized that the initiative of the Honorable President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to establish the International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy—announced at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly—is a vivid demonstration of the country’s active language policy and Turkmenistan’s efforts to promote multilingualism as a tool for cultural diversity and mutual understanding among nations.

Through growing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations, important projects are being successfully implemented in various fields. Turkmenistan is actively contributing to global efforts to ensure stability, security, and sustainable development, making a significant contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Attaining quality education—one of the key SDGs—is among Turkmenistan’s top national priorities. The foreign policy strategy of our state enjoys broad international support, and the global standing of independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan continues to rise to new heights.

The festive atmosphere of the conference was enhanced by musical performances from the university’s vocal and instrumental ensemble “Owaz” and the dance group “Dostluk.”