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Turkmenistan Takes Major Step Forward in Cybersecurity with Grand Opening of Centre of Excellence

Introduction

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan - In a significant move to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities, Turkmenistan has officially launched the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics in Ashgabat. The grand opening ceremony took place on October 21, 2022, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its cyber security.

Background

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat initiated the establishment of the Centre of Excellence as part of its commitment to supporting Turkmenistan’s government in enhancing its cybersecurity and ICT security. High-level representatives from Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Education and Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics, along with teachers and students, attended the ceremony.

Significance

In his speech during the inauguration, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat highlighted the significance of the event, referencing the 2013 and 2016 Decisions of the OSCE Permanent Council regarding “Confidence-Building Measures to Reduce the Risks of Conflict Stemming from the Use of Information and Communication Technologies”. MacGregor noted that Turkmenistan has demonstrated its commitment to these decisions by adopting state programs for ensuring cybersecurity, passing the Law on Cybersecurity, and establishing the Cybersecurity Service.

Equipment Handover

As part of the ceremony, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat officially handed over state-of-the-art equipment to the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics, enabling the Centre of Excellence to engage in research work, initiate new projects, and training activities on cyber threats and cybersecurity issues for both public and private sector cyber specialists.

Symbolic Timing

The timing of the event is symbolic, as it coincides with the OSCE’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. MacGregor emphasized that the OSCE Centre will continue to support the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence by providing a platform for sharing world practices in cybersecurity, countering cyber threats, and cyberattacks.

Deputy Minister’s Remarks

Deputy Minister of Education Azat Atayev praised the cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE, highlighting the centre’s potential to serve as a platform for sharing experience and capacity building of teachers in cybersecurity technologies. The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the Centre will generate new solutions for information security.

Conclusion

The launch of the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone in Turkmenistan’s efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities and enhance its cooperation with international partners. As the country continues to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, this centre is poised to play a critical role in protecting against cyber threats and promoting cybersecurity awareness throughout the nation.

Key Points

  • The Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence was officially launched on October 21, 2022
  • The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat initiated the establishment of the Centre as part of its commitment to supporting Turkmenistan’s government in enhancing its cybersecurity and ICT security
  • State-of-the-art equipment was handed over to the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics for research work, projects, and training activities on cyber threats and cybersecurity issues
  • The event coincides with the OSCE’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month
  • The Centre has the potential to serve as a platform for sharing experience and capacity building of teachers in cybersecurity technologies