By Marrium Irfan
ISLAMABAD: Turkmenistan will present a broad range of diplomatic, security, development and humanitarian initiatives at the upcoming 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with a focus on permanent neutrality, preventive diplomacy, international peace and sustainable development.
The country says its approach will centre on strengthening dialogue, trust and multilateral cooperation while addressing emerging global challenges, including artificial intelligence, climate change, sustainable transport and international security.
Turkmenistan regards its permanent neutrality as a cornerstone of its foreign policy and says it will continue promoting constructive dialogue and regional and interregional cooperation. Its partnership with the United Nations is built around shared objectives of maintaining peace, strengthening international security and advancing sustainable development.
Promoting peace and preventive diplomacy
At the General Assembly, Turkmenistan plans to advocate for the development of a Strategy for Universal Peace based on peace, security and preventive diplomacy. It also intends to propose declaring 2027–2037 the United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy.
The country will further propose creating a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States within the UN framework.
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Turkmenistan also plans to advance work on establishing a University of Peace and Neutrality. As part of that effort, consultations are expected on creating an Academic Center for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy under the Department of Peace and Neutrality at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The country will also seek continued UN support for the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, based in Ashgabat.
Artificial intelligence and digital trust
Digital technology and artificial intelligence will form another important part of Turkmenistan’s agenda.
The country intends to propose an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy under UN auspices. In addition, Ashgabat plans to host a dialogue among international experts on digital trust and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The initiative reflects Turkmenistan’s stated interest in developing international rules for the responsible and peaceful application of emerging technologies.
Sustainable transport and trade connectivity
Sustainable development and international transport cooperation will also remain key priorities.
Turkmenistan will continue work on implementing the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035, including efforts to develop a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity.
The country also plans to participate in implementing the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034 and the Awaza Political Declaration.
Furthermore, Turkmenistan will propose considering the establishment of an International Center for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation under UN auspices.
Another proposal calls for a transregional transport corridor connecting South and Central Asia with Europe through the Caspian Sea. Ashgabat says such connectivity could expand trade links and strengthen economic cooperation between the regions.
Climate action and energy security
Climate change, environmental protection and energy security will form another major component of Turkmenistan’s UN agenda.
The country plans to propose an Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, designed as a multilateral platform for cooperation on climate-related initiatives and international partnerships.
Turkmenistan will also advocate measures to strengthen the climate resilience of regions facing severe drought and water shortages.
In addition, consultations will continue on preparations for a high-level forum titled “Stable Energy for All”, aimed at advancing reliable and stable energy connectivity as a foundation for sustainable development.
Women and youth in peacebuilding
Humanitarian cooperation will remain another priority, particularly initiatives involving women and young people.
Turkmenistan plans to continue developing the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia and strengthen cooperation with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and UN Women under the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
The country also intends to expand opportunities for young people to participate in international and regional peace initiatives through the Central Asian Youth Dialogue and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
Strengthening international law
Turkmenistan will also promote initiatives aimed at reinforcing the role of international law in global affairs.
One of its proposals is to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, highlighting the importance of the UN Charter and international legal norms governing relations between states.
As part of preparations, Turkmenistan plans to propose an international forum examining the links between international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development.
Wider role in the United Nations
Turkmenistan will continue its work as a member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2026–2028 and participate in other UN bodies, commissions and structures.
The country is also preparing to seek election to the UN Security Council for the 2031–2032 term during the 81st General Assembly session, alongside its candidacies for other UN bodies.
Overall, Turkmenistan says its priorities for the 81st General Assembly reflect a consistent foreign policy based on permanent neutrality, peaceful dialogue, mutual trust and multilateral cooperation.
Through its proposed initiatives on peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy, artificial intelligence, sustainable transport, climate resilience, humanitarian cooperation and international law, Ashgabat aims to strengthen its role in global and regional diplomacy while contributing to the UN’s broader goals of peace, security and sustainable development.
