The development of higher professional education is a priority of state policy

Comprehensive reform of national education, taking it to a qualitatively new level, is identified as a key policy vector by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Great importance is attached to the training of qualified personnel capable of successfully implementing the ambitious plans outlined in the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state.

At the same time, great attention is being paid to improving teaching methods, curricula, and programs, taking into account the realities of the times. The relevant legal and regulatory framework is being systematically strengthened, and the material and technical infrastructure is being updated. Digital and information and communication technologies are being actively introduced into the national education system, facilitating the widespread use of interactive and distance learning methods. A constant focus is on educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism, hard work, and the high spiritual and moral values of the Turkmen people.

Further confirmation of the priority placed on improving the education sector was the approval by the President of Turkmenistan of the Strategy for the development of higher professional education for 2026-2052 at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan held on the 17th of October of this year. The document was developed in accordance with the instructions given by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag, at the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan held on the 24th of September, 2024.

As noted in the corresponding Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, the main goals of this long-term policy document are to enhance the prestige of educational institutions, ensure the international competitiveness of higher professional education, further comprehensively transform the activities of higher education institutions in the country, and modernise their governance systems.

The key objectives of the Strategy include, first and foremost, the implementation of modern planning and management mechanisms taking into account demographic indicators, economic development, and the labour market, as well as the creation of a national environment for competitive higher education through the active use of advanced teaching methods, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence.

State policy constantly focuses on enhancing the professionalism of teaching staff and intensifying international educational exchanges, thereby elevating the entire educational process to a qualitatively new level. Guided by this objective, the new Strategy prioritises the radical modernisation of educational activities through state and international accreditation procedures and consistent professional development for faculty, staff, and management of educational institutions.

As is well known, expanding the range of training areas for specialists in various economic sectors opens up significant opportunities for expanding the scope of scientific and practical activities at universities. Modern educational institutions, in addition to training highly qualified personnel in various specialties, also serve as creative workshops and research laboratories for students and faculty, whose coordinated efforts contribute to the maximum utilisation of the intellectual potential of Turkmen citizens and the prosperity of the country. To this end, the Strategy calls for the development of new approaches to the interaction of science, education, industry, and business, as well as the modernisation of the material-technical infrastructure of universities.

One of the pressing objectives of educational policy of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov is to bring the national education system up to international standards, which requires the adoption of a range of practical steps. Work in this direction is currently being successfully implemented in our country. A clear confirmation of this is the publication in October of this year of 13 higher education institutions in Turkmenistan ranking among the «reporter» positions in the new, 22nd edition of the THE World University Rankings 2026.

Based on this, the Strategy for the Development of Higher Professional Education for 2026-2052 identifies the inclusion of Turkmen universities in international rankings of leading foreign educational institutions as a key priority. This step will not only enhance the prestige of domestic higher education institutions on the global stage but will also contribute to achieving the highest performance indicators and a high level of development in the national education system.

Overall, the development of education is a key factor in the progress of any state and society, as it influences increased labour productivity, stimulates innovation and technological progress, and improves employment. Therefore, as President Serdar Berdimuhamedov notes, successfully achieving the objectives outlined in the higher professional education development Strategy for 2026-2052 will be another practical step toward improving the level of education and, consequently, the qualitative modernisation of all sectors of the national economy, and continued steady advancement of Turkmenistan to new heights of progress and prosperity in the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state.