An international training seminar dedicated to the sustainable development and effective management of the Caspian Sea has commenced in Ashgabat.

The 11th International Training Seminar titled "Caspian Sea — Sustainable Development and Management," hosted at the "Arçabil" Hotel, is jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea Institute, and the International Ocean Institute.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the opening ceremony was attended by UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Sýaoszýun Greýs Wan, Executive Director of the International Ocean Institute Antonella Wassallo, Training Seminar Director Dr. Parwin Farshchi, Marine Spatial Planning Expert Dr. Andreý Abramiç, and Director of the Caspian Sea Institute of Turkmenistan Myrat Atajanow.

Speeches emphasized the vital role of this international seminar in fostering cooperation among Caspian littoral states and enhancing specialists' knowledge and expertise in sustainable resource utilization and ecological preservation of the Caspian Sea.

The international training seminar has been held in Turkmenistan since 2013. It serves as a professional platform for discussing key regional issues with the participation of experts from all five Caspian nations.

Training sessions cover areas such as international maritime law, the ecological state of the Caspian Sea, marine spatial management, and the rational use of water resources.

The event also highlights the significance of the UN General Assembly Resolution adopted on July 24, 2026, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, declaring 2028 the "International Year of Law."

Through previous iterations of the training program, a total of 175 specialists working in Caspian-related fields from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and China have completed the courses.

This year's seminar focuses primarily on the current ecological situation of the Caspian Sea, specifically examining issues related to receding sea water levels.

The 11th International Training Seminar will continue its work until September 18.