Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan ties: Ashgabat hosted a reception marking Uzbekistan’s 35th independence anniversary, with both sides stressing continued reforms in “New Uzbekistan” and highlighting Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and good-neighbourliness. Child protection planning: In Ashgabat, Turkmen officials met UNICEF to prepare for the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Manila, discussing priorities like family support, child-friendly justice, and prevention of violence and exploitation. Methane leak repairs: UN-linked monitoring reports say Turkmenistan has been repairing major methane leaks, with officials responding to dozens of alerts and plugging at least several significant sites. Armenia-COP17 diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan invited President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the COP17 Leaders’ Summit in Yerevan; Berdimuhamedov accepted as both countries also pushed trade and economic cooperation. Energy efficiency push: UNDP and GEF seminars in Ashgabat focused on near-zero energy and sustainable building design, aiming to upgrade skills for greener construction. Youth and education messaging: Hero-Arkadag delivered public lessons in Arkadag on patriotism, science, digitalization, and the “Smart Society” concept, urging active youth involvement. International sports and culture: Turkmenistan’s participation in the World Nomad Games and related coverage highlights traditional competitions and growing regional sports diplomacy. Chevening alumni hub: Turkmenistan will lead a new Chevening alumni mentorship initiative across Central Asia, launching webinars and a regional impact conference in late 2026. Environmental youth contest: A free “Young Naturalist” intellectual contest on ozone protection is set for Sept. 16 in Ashgabat, targeting ages 15–24. PPP blocks gas bills: In Pakistan, the PPP blocked two natural gas revenue bills tied to infrastructure and development surcharges amid coalition tensions.