On 7 October 2026, the Second International Conference “Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals” was held at the Congress Centre in the National Tourist Zone “Avaza”.

The forum was attended by heads and representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, relevant ministries, parliaments of the CIS countries, international organizations, as well as scientists and experts.

Warmly welcoming the participants of the opening ceremony of the major international forum, Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan M. Gayypov noted that the meeting was being held during the Year of Health Protection in the Commonwealth of Independent States. The event brought together parliamentarians, heads of government authorities, representatives of international organizations and the academic community to discuss pressing issues in the field of healthcare as one of the priority areas of sustainable development.

The forum was addressed by Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan D. Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko, Representative of the WHO Regional Office for Europe Corinne Capuano, Deputy Secretary General of the CIS Denis Trefilov, and Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akmaral Alnazarova.

The speakers highlighted the strategic importance of developing cooperation in the field of healthcare across the CIS, emphasizing the importance of protecting public health, particularly the health of children, improving national legislation and developing scientific and research cooperation. It was emphasized that holding the conference within the framework of the Year of Health Protection declared in the CIS contributes to the exchange of best practices, coordination of national strategies and the development of joint approaches to addressing pressing healthcare challenges. Particular attention was paid to strengthening international and interstate cooperation, developing primary healthcare, improving pharmaceutical provision, training young specialists and introducing innovations in medicine. The speakers highly appreciated Turkmenistan’s contribution to the development of cooperation in the field of healthcare and the high level of organization of the forum in the National Tourist Zone “Avaza”.

The conference then continued its work in thematic sessions.