Sustainable and "Smart" Urban Development Strategies to be Discussed in Ashgabat
The long-term development strategy of our white-marbled capital, Ashgabat, as a sustainable, "smart," and fully integrated mega-city into the global system will be the main focus of the XXV multi-purpose international exhibition and conference "White City Ashgabat" (WCA 2026), to be held on May 24 – 25, 2026.
More than 650 official delegates and industry experts from 55 countries are expected to attend this international event. Additionally, representatives of more than 100 leading foreign companies specializing in urban planning, infrastructure projects, energy, and innovative construction technologies will participate in the forum's projects. These indicators confirm the high professional level of the conference and the great interest it has generated in the international community.
The strategic plenary session titled "Forming a Sustainable, 'Smart' and Globally Connected Capital" will bring together high-ranking government officials, representatives of international organizations and financial institutions, investors, developers, architects, and engineers on a single platform. The session will analyze crucial issues such as integrated infrastructure systems, energy efficiency, digital transformation, sustainable transport and logistics infrastructure, and further improving the quality of life and living conditions of the urban population.
During the conference, based on the "Ashgabat 2045" long-term program, it is planned to accelerate the process of transforming our capital into a modern administrative, high economic, and cultural center equipped with advanced engineering systems, digital management tools, and high-quality public services.
Foreign diplomats and experts also shared their views on the significance of the international forum:
Beata Peksa (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan): — For the European Union, sustainable urban development and the "green" economy are always among the priority areas. We see Ashgabat as a clear example of successfully integrating modern innovations into the urban environment while preserving its national architectural characteristics and unique appearance.
Irfan Ali (Director of the Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)): — Integrated urban planning, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure define the future of resilient cities integrated at the global level. Real development is only possible when strategy, investment, and concrete mechanisms are combined into a single unified system.
The XXV international exhibition and conference "White City Ashgabat" (WCA 2026) will serve as a strategic platform to support multilateral cooperation, exchange experience in the field of urban planning, and further increase investment activity in the region.
