Life & Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

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Education

Turkmenistan Implements Gender-Sensitive Pedagogy in Education

The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has introduced new training materials on gender-sensitive pedagogy. The initiative aims to foster an inclusive educational environment that addresses the individual needs of children while enhancing the skills of professionals in education, healthcare, and social protection. The materials are tailored for teachers, parents, and students, focusing on promoting gender-sensitive approaches in schools, kindergartens, and family settings. By equipping professionals with tools and strategies for inclusive practices, the program seeks to create a fair and equitable educational system for all children. An orientation session for professionals working with children and families was recently held in Ashgabat. The event highlighted methodologies for integrating gender mainstreaming into education, with participants from educational institutions exploring new approaches and discussing their practical application. Alexandru Nartea, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Turkmenistan, underscored the significance of this initiative. “Integrating gender-sensitive approaches into the educational system is a vital step toward establishing a supportive environment that meets the needs of every child,” Nartea said. He added that the effort not only empowers educators but also helps shape societal values rooted in equality and inclusion.

Mass Media

Euronews Expands Central Asian Presence with New Office in Astana

A regional office of the Euronews TV channel has opened in Astana, marking a significant milestone in promoting Kazakhstan internationally. Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva described the development as an important step in showcasing the nation’s cultural heritage, tourism potential, and investment opportunities to a global audience. “The opening of the Euronews office will provide fresh momentum for popularizing Kazakh culture and serve as a platform for intercultural dialogue and innovative solutions,” Balayeva stated. Euronews has a history of collaboration with Kazakhstan, including its role as a media partner for the World Nomad Games held in Astana. The event’s broadcasts reached over 39 million viewers worldwide. Additionally, the channel has produced ten programs spotlighting Kazakhstan’s investment initiatives and cultural heritage. Euronews Chairman Pedro Vargas highlighted the channel’s commitment to narrating Kazakhstan's unique history - from the era of the Kazakh Khanate to its modern status as an independent Republic, which will celebrate 35 years of sovereignty next year. “We aim to inform global audiences about Kazakhstan’s culture, economy, and heritage by creating original TV shows and collaborating with local entrepreneurs and artists,” Vargas stated. A cornerstone of the collaboration is the Euronews Academy project, which will offer training and masterclasses for Kazakh journalists, enhancing the professional expertise of the nation’s media personnel. The channel is already developing 20 new initiatives, including the cultural and artistic program Modern Nomads, the business-focused East-West Connect, and the interview series, Voices from Central Asia.

Kazakhstan Considers Restrictions on AI Use by Students

Kazakh Member of Parliament Magerram Magerramov has proposed limiting the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools by schoolchildren. According to Magerramov, these technologies can complete school assignments, write essays, and summarize texts, which undermines students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “We risk raising a generation that cannot make quick decisions in complex situations. This threatens the intellectual potential of the country,” the MP warned. Magerramov highlighted global efforts to regulate artificial intelligence as potential models. The European Parliament recently passed legislation to control AI usage, while Australia and some U.S. states have implemented age restrictions for social networks. “Digital technologies should foster development, not hinder it. Thoughtful regulation is essential,” he stated, urging limits on generative AI in schools to mitigate negative impacts. Globally, nations are grappling with the integration of AI in education. UNESCO has called on governments to train teachers in the responsible use of generative AI and issued guidelines for its application in schools. In China, strict internet censorship laws limit access to ChatGPT, effectively restricting its use in education. Meanwhile, Russia is exploring pedagogical, linguistic, and psychological frameworks for regulating AI in higher education. In Australia and parts of the U.S., age restrictions on social media may indirectly influence students’ access to AI tools.

Emergencies

Lions Kill Guard at Tashkent Area Zoo

Three lions escaped from their enclosure at a zoo in the Tashkent area and killed a guard, according to Uzbek media reports. Staff at the private Lion Park zoo in Parkent district were able to get two of the lions back into the cage area, but one of the lions was shot and killed. The incident happened early Tuesday, reported the Gazeta.uz media outlet. It attributed the information to Khayot Shamsutdinov, press secretary of the prosecutor general's office in Uzbekistan. The media organization said the lions were able to escape because a cage door had been left open. The man who was killed was 44 years old. An investigation is underway.

Tourism

Uzbekistan Named Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024

Uzbekistan emerged as the Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024. For the 23rd year, Wanderlust Travel magazine has invited readers to select their favorite destinations for its annual Reader Travel Awards. This year, 168,000 readers cast more than three million votes across 22 categories recognizing top destinations, tour operators, and tourism brands. Renowned for its Silk Road heritage, Uzbekistan offers a unique blend of historical and natural attractions. The Wanderlust report highlighted the country’s ancient cities, including Samarkand and Bukhara, as “remarkable time capsules” with Islamic architecture and bustling bazaars. Samarkand’s Registan Square was described as "unmissable." The report also praised Uzbekistan's natural landscapes, such as the Kyzylkum Desert and the Aral Sea, which remain lesser-known but equally impressive highlights. Uzbekistan’s tourism sector is rapidly expanding. Between January and October 2024, the country welcomed 6.5 million foreign visitors, a 17.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth equates to an additional 951,300 tourists. In June, a group led by Professor Gil Stein from the University of Chicago toured Uzbekistan for two weeks, visiting cultural hubs such as Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, and the Fergana Valley. Professor Stein commended Uzbekistan’s efforts to preserve its rich cultural heritage, noting that the country attracts a diverse range of visitors, including Islamic pilgrims, Buddhist heritage enthusiasts, and cultural heritage tourists. In 2023, Uzbekistan’s tourism industry generated $2.14 billion, contributing 2.35% of the nation’s GDP. The government is implementing measures to further bolster the sector. These include a $50 million credit line for local tourism businesses, tax exemptions for selected operators, specialized hotel management courses, and an online platform designed to assist tourists in planning their trips.

Tourism

Former Son-in-Law of Azerbaijan’s President to Build Tourist Center in Uzbekistan

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed plans for an international tourism center to be constructed in the Bostanlyk district of the Tashkent region, signaling continued investment in the area’s tourism infrastructure. In recent years, Bostanlyk district has seen significant state-supported development. Resorts such as Amirsay and “Beldersay-Chimgan-Nanay” have been established, bolstered by investments exceeding 2 trillion UZS (approximately $155.57 million). Over the past five years, 59 new tourist facilities offering 13,000 accommodations have opened in the district. Azerbaijani businessman Emin Agalarov has proposed the creation of “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan,” an international tourism center near the Charvak reservoir. The ambitious project is set to involve collaboration with several major foreign companies. The “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” project envisions a comprehensive facility featuring recreation areas, swimming pools, and sports facilities. Plans include hotels, cottages, and residential spaces, as well as retail outlets, restaurants, and services offered by international brands. The center will also host festivals, concerts, and cultural events, while a bridge connecting the reservoir's two banks will improve accessibility for visitors. Mirziyoyev has endorsed the proposal, emphasizing a phased approach to design and construction that incorporates international expertise. Emin Agalarov, the former son-in-law of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, married Aliyev’s eldest daughter, Leyla Aliyeva, in 2006 before divorcing in 2015. In addition to his business ventures, Agalarov is a singer and the son of Azerbaijani-Russian oligarch Aras Agalarov. The Agalarov family owns Crocus City Hall, a prominent venue in Moscow that hosted the 2013 Miss Universe pageant, once owned by Donald Trump. During Trump’s visit to Moscow that same year, Emin filmed a music video featuring Trump and the pageant contestants.