New UNESCO Digital Science Chair Established in Turkmenistan

In a significant move towards fostering digital innovation and scientific progress, Turkmenistan inaugurated the UNESCO Chair in Digital Science at the Academy of Sciences' International Science and Technology Park. This initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to modernizing its science and education systems through global engagement.

The opening ceremony, held on April 15, welcomed leading scholars, education officials, policymakers, and emerging researchers. An exhibition was also part of the event, showcasing innovative projects and digital transformation initiatives, underscoring Turkmenistan's dedication to innovation.

Chynar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, addressed the gathering, highlighting the vital role of international collaboration in enhancing digital technologies. She reaffirmed the nation’s strategic priority to strengthen its partnership with UNESCO, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, data science, and open access systems.

Allaberdi Ashirov, President of the Academy of Sciences, remarked on the establishment of the new chair as historically significant, signifying Turkmenistan's long-term vision to incorporate innovation into its developmental agenda. He noted that this initiative aims to connect scientific research more closely with its application across various sectors.

Further detailing the initiative, Durdymyrat Gadamov, Director of the International Science and Technology Park, elaborated that the new department will focus on pioneering areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, and geospatial technologies, vital for improving resource management and agricultural productivity, along with propelling sustainable economic advancement.

Nikolai Nikolayev, an expert in geoinformation systems and land management automation, will lead the department. His leadership is anticipated to bolster the department’s research prowess and enhance international collaborations through networks with global organizations.

Part of the UNESCO UNITWIN program, which links over 1,100 institutions globally, this new chair aims to provide enriching opportunities for young scientists, facilitating their involvement in international research and allowing them to participate in global dialogues on ethical considerations in artificial intelligence and open science.

This initiative is poised to boost Turkmenistan's academic and scientific visibility on the world stage while empowering the next generation of researchers. By conjoining technological advancement with global cooperation, the UNESCO Digital Science Chair is positioned to become a pivotal force for future scientific advancements in the nation.