Arkadag city’s lights are like fireflies in the hearts of people
On the occasion of the opening ceremony of the first stage of the city of Arkadag in Turkmenistan, a new book entitled "Arkadag city - the city of the future" was published. In this book, the information about the works carried out in the first stage of Arkadag city is combined with photographs that tell about the unique features of new buildings and construction works.
This new book, prepared in three languages and published in high-quality printing, will be available to a wide audience, including foreign readers.
It should also be noted that the construction of the city of Arkadag and the development of its digital platform became a kind of school for the practical application of theoretical knowledge, capabilities, innovative proposals and ideas for students and teachers of domestic specialised higher education institutions. As the HeroArkadag and President Serdar
Berdimuhamedov stress, the younger generation is the future of the Motherland and the driving force behind its progressive development. Today, our youth is actively involved in the implementation of largescale reform programmes and major projects launched in the country. So, in the new city, students from several universities installed the “smart” house system in a number of residential buildings. Along with this, with the participation of teachers and students of higher educational institutions, digital solutions for the educational system were developed. Therefore, it is symbolic that the opening of the new city took place in a year who se motto is “Happy Youth with Arkadag Serdar”. In the city of Arkadag, the new service was also put into operation for the first time. This is a single call number for the relevant operational services, including gas and fire safety and ambulance. Thus, the activities of the Service are aimed at promptly providing the necessary aid and preventing emergency situations. WHO recognizes cities as key operational partners to addressing health determinants and response to public health needs and essential services to the people, particularly the vulnerable groups. WHO Healthy city initiative is continually creating and improving those physical and social environments and expanding those community resources which enable people to mutually support each other in performing all the functions of life and in developing to their maximum potential. Healthy city network and urban governance for health and wellbeing are strategic actions to synergize both approaches for multisectoral actions addressing health determinants and promote inclusive and equitable cites. The initiative aimed to support countries to meet SDGs 3, 11 and 17 building partnership between health and development partners. Urban governance for health and wellbeing, one of the key domains of healthy city. There is a need to advocate amongst policy makers to consider having an approach in the next generation of urban development planning for sustainable health and well-being. As this initiative also requires meaningful people participation, awareness for whole of society approach and addressing needs of diverse groups of populations is also required.
At present, due attention is paid to the harmonious work of the national economy and the introduction of innovative technologies and a digital system into production. Our country attaches great importance to the successful solution of the environmental problems of the global agenda. Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages is essential to sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to climate change, environmental problems. The 17 Goals are all interconnected, and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we achieve them all by 2030. Turkmenistan joins the Group of Friends of UN-Habitat for Sustainable Urbanization and the New Urban Agenda. The Group was formed in June 2022 to serve as a political intermediary between the General Assembly and the United Nations Secretariat in New York. Currently, more than 30 countries have joined the Group. Turkmenistan’s membership in the Group will open new opportunities in the following fields:
• to advance the Arkadag city project through multilateral platforms;
• to exchange the experience in urban legislation, study of legal methodologies and mechanisms that contribute to the sustainable development of cities;
• promotion of international activities aimed at ensuring the good quality of housing and sustainable urban development;
• intensification of cooperation in order to improve the public management in urban economy;
• implementation of global programs and strategies in the field of development of high-tech, environmentally friendly, disaster-resistant, socially adapted cities.
Because city is not just the place, where we live in but an essential part of person’s identity. Everyone has fond memories of their city and they always remain a part of a person’s life. It is a place we love and want to be in our entire life. I do believe, that Arkadag city will be one of the major scientific educational, cultural and international center of our country. As it is known, its construction is carried out on the basis of advanced methods in the field of architecture and urban planning, with the practical implantation of high environmental standards and “green” technologies. Arkadag is a city that best meets the innovative needs of people and we would like to express deep gratitude to our Hero Arkadag and highly Esteemed President for their comprehensive concern for the wellbeing of the people and wishing them sound health, longevity and new outstanding achievements in their noble deeds!
Gulshat Yusupova,
Vice-rector for Academic Affairs
of the Institute of International Relations Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan