Training Courses Titled “Caspian Sea – Sustainable Development and Governance”

On July 14, 2025, in the city of Ashgabat, two-week training courses titled “Caspian Sea – Sustainable Development and Governance” began. The courses are organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the country’s oil and gas complex, the Caspian Sea Institute of Turkmenistan, and the International Ocean Institute. This was reported on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

Participants of the training include ecologists, diplomats, border service officers, oil industry specialists, hydrometeorologists, hydrographers, lawyers, economists, transport sector workers, representatives of the fisheries sector, and other related fields from Turkmenistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Russian Federation, all of whom work in areas related to the Caspian region.

At the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Executive Director of the International Ocean Institute Antonella Vassallo, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko, Course Director Parvin Farshchi, and via video link, Honorary President of the International Ocean Institute, Awni Behnam.

The participants highlighted the positive development of dialogue regarding the Caspian Sea and noted Turkmenistan’s contribution to advancing ideas and mechanisms for sustainable development in the region.

The training program traditionally includes an active module on maritime spatial planning. Additionally, for the first time, a special seminar on the agreement regarding the conservation of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction is planned to be held within the framework of the course.