Conceptual note

CONCEPT NOTE
XXIV MULTIDISCIPLINARY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE “WHITE CITY ASHGABAT”

May 24–25, 2025
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

🔹General Information

The XXIV Multidisciplinary International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat” will take place on May 24–25, 2025, in the capital of Turkmenistan – the white marble city of Ashgabat. The event is timed to coincide with Ashgabat City Day and reflects the city’s rapid development—a key priority of the state policy focused on sustainable urban planning, digital transformation of the urban environment, and the development of transport, engineering, and social infrastructure.

Under the motto “Inspire, Create, Unite!”, this international conference and exhibition will bring together representatives of international organizations and experts in various fields, including architecture, urbanism, sustainable development, digital technologies, transportation, and environmental protection. The aim is to address current challenges and explore solutions in urban development and city management.

🔹Themes and Objectives

The event will focus on 21st-century urbanization, the implementation of smart city principles, and the international experience and best practices in sustainable urban development. Special attention will be paid to the “Ashgabat City” megaproject, the capital’s transformation under the “White City” concept, and the integration of green, innovative, and inclusive solutions into city planning and investment.

🔹Key Objectives of the “White City Ashgabat” Conference:

◆  Promote Ashgabat as an international center of diplomacy, tourism, and culture, positioning it as a symbol of peace, neutrality, and regional integration in Central Asia.

◆  Advance architectural and construction education, fostering academic and research collaboration with leading universities and research centers in architecture, design, and urban environments.

◆  Enhance cooperation between national and international organizations in sustainable urbanism, architecture, digitalization, and urban infrastructure development.

◆  Discuss cutting-edge solutions for improving urban mobility, environmental sustainability, water supply, energy efficiency, and digital city management.

◆ Attract investment and develop international partnerships, creating a platform for dialogue between government agencies, international companies, architectural firms, construction consortia, urban planners, and investors.

🔹 Key Objectives of the “White City Ashgabat” Exhibition:

◆ Showcase Turkmenistan’s achievements in urban development and planning, including Ashgabat’s unique architectural style and the implementation of cutting-edge infrastructure projects reflecting sustainability and national identity.

◆ Demonstrate smart and sustainable city concepts, facilitating the exchange of experience in urban digitalization, sustainable planning, environmental protection, energy efficiency, and green architecture.

◆ Provide a platform for knowledge and best practices exchange, including panel discussions, technical sessions, and roundtables with international experts in urbanism, architecture, digital city ecosystems, and sustainable development.

◆ Stimulate innovation in urban development, highlighting innovative solutions in transport, engineering, and social infrastructure, along with emerging technologies in urban resource and environmental management.

◆  Present the key development stages of the “Ashgabat City” project.

The Government of Turkmenistan has achieved significant progress in strengthening both national and regional connectivity, placing special emphasis on the development of modern transport and logistics infrastructure – road, rail, maritime, and air. At the same time, systematic efforts are being made to simplify trade procedures, accelerate transit flows, attract investment, and promote economic diversification.

In this context, Turkmenistan’s accumulated experience, particularly in the implementation of large-scale infrastructure initiatives and the development of sustainable cities, is of special value and may be beneficial to Conference participants as they explore best practices in these areas.

The Universal Exhibition and Conference will be attended by representatives of the Government of Turkmenistan, heads of national construction, energy, and industrial organizations, international construction and energy companies, leading international financial institutions, as well as national and foreign entrepreneurs.

This Universal Exhibition and Conference is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the city’s appeal for innovation and investment in both the national and local infrastructure and economy.

The comprehensive business program of the Universal Exhibition and Conference will include not only the event itself, but also the signing of memoranda and contracts, as well as the organization of seminars and roundtables. During these events, local and international experts will present the latest best practices in areas such as trade, operation of industrial zones, e-commerce, concessions, trust-based management of transport infrastructure, leasing, and financing. Off-site activities are also planned, including visits to city landmarks and new industrial facilities (subject to coordination with the organisers).

The events held as part of the Universal Exhibition and Conference are expected to attract a record number of participants, including representatives from government bodies, national construction agencies, professional associations and unions, research and design institutes, international construction companies, and leading universities.

The impressive list of delegates includes representatives of international companies such as Bouygues, Çalık Enerji, GAP İnşaat, Renaissance, Kawasaki, Mitsubishi, Hyundai Engineering, Daewoo, Schneider Electric, Petronas, and many others. Participation is also anticipated from international construction and energy organizations, including IRENA, the IEA, the Energy Charter, and others.

The Conference sessions and panel discussions will feature representatives of prominent international organizations and financial institutions—including the United Nations (specifically UN-Habitat, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)), the OSCE, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Islamic Development Bank, as well as trade and diplomatic representatives of foreign countries accredited in Turkmenistan.

Participation in the Conference and bilateral meetings will offer attendees the opportunity to gain deeper insight into Turkmenistan’s investment potential in industry, construction, and trust-based infrastructure management, while also allowing them to explore prospects for mutually beneficial and long-term cooperation.

🔹 Expected Outcomes

◆ Exchange of Best Practices and Knowledge: Participation in the Conference and Exhibition will offer delegates an opportunity to share cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience in the fields of construction, urban development, smart cities, energy, and industry, as well as to discover the latest technologies and innovative solutions.

◆ Establishment of New Business Connections: The Conference and Exhibition will serve as a unique platform enabling delegates to establish valuable contacts, expand their partnership networks, and promote joint initiatives among organizations and companies operating in the construction and energy sectors.

◆ Investment Opportunities: The event will provide delegates with access to the latest investment projects in construction, industry, energy, and infrastructure, while also highlighting attractive opportunities for investors.

◆ Addressing Current Challenges: The Conference and Exhibition will explore key challenges faced by the construction and industrial sectors and identify innovative approaches, technologies, and collaborative solutions to address them.

◆ Promotion and Visibility: The Conference and Exhibition will be an important tool for increasing brand visibility and recognition, offering participants a platform to showcase their achievements in construction, smart city development, and sustainable energy.

◆ Major Communication Platform: White City Ashgabat 2025 will become an important annual event fostering stronger interregional and international ties. It will act as a powerful catalyst for cross-border cooperation, the formation of long-term partnerships, and the attraction of private and foreign investment into Turkmenistan’s key economic sectors.

🔹Organisers

◆  Administration of Ashgabat City (Hyakimlik)

◆  Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan

◆  Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan

◆  Ministry of Industry and Construction Production of Turkmenistan

◆  State Concern “Turkmenhimiya”

◆  State Agency for Management of Road Construction

 🔹 Co-organiser

◆  Economic Society “Turkmen Energy Forum” (TEF)

🔹 Participants

The Conference and Exhibition will be attended by government ministers, executives and members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET), international investors, CEOs of major international companies, and representatives of international financial institutions. International partners of Turkmen construction, energy, and industrial companies will also be invited, along with representatives of international, regional, and subregional organizations, as well as academia, educational institutions, and others. Participation of more than 300 delegates from over 40 countries is expected.

🔹 Format

The Conference will be held in-person and will consist of an opening ceremony, thematic sessions and interactive debates, and a closing ceremony.

The Davos format will be adopted for the Conference proceedings.

🔹 Promotion

Turkmen Energy Forum (TEF) will develop a dedicated event website featuring detailed information about the Conference and Exhibition (objectives, agenda, speakers, logistics, registration, payment, etc.).

The Conference will be promoted through reputable international online media outlets from Russia, China, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the UAE, Japan, and Turkmenistan. Online banners will be placed on prominent platforms. Additionally, advertisements will be broadcast on Turkmen national television.

Promotion will also be conducted via TEF’s client database (over 5,000 international contacts) and business social networks such as Instagram and LinkedIn.