C5+1 Diplomacy: Ashgabat hosted a C5+1 Secretariat meeting with Central Asian states and the United States, focusing on next steps in critical minerals, trade and transport. UN Human Capital Planning: UNDP launched a pilot phase for a “National Human Capital Strategic Planning System,” linking education, skills and labour-market needs through data-driven forecasting. EU-Turkmenistan Ties: EU Ambassador Luc Pierre Devigne presented letters of credence to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, with both sides highlighting cooperation in connectivity, trade and sustainable development. Landlocked Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for a two-year term starting Jan. 1, 2027, with energy and transport connectivity named a priority. Border Health Preparedness: IOM and partners ran training in Ashgabat on early detection of health risks at border crossing points and better inter-agency response during emergencies. Culture & Theatre: The autumn theatre season brings new premieres, including “Howandar,” about a family facing a child’s leukemia and the search for a donor. Caspian Pressure: A report warns the Caspian Sea keeps shrinking, raising navigation and shipping costs as climate and river inflows shift. Regional Security: Central Asian foreign ministers called for new verifiable arms-control mechanisms as nuclear frameworks weaken.