Turkmenistan: Key Priorities Set for 81st UN General Assembly Session

By Marrium Irfan

Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan will present a broad set of diplomatic initiatives at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on peacebuilding, international security, sustainable development, preventive diplomacy and stronger multilateral cooperation.

The country will use the upcoming UNGA session to advance its foreign-policy priorities, built around its status as a permanently neutral state and its support for dialogue, peace, stability and regional and international cooperation.

Turkmenistan considers its partnership with the United Nations central to its efforts to promote preventive diplomacy and international peace. It plans to continue supporting UN mechanisms and initiatives that strengthen dialogue and address emerging global challenges.

A major proposal will involve intergovernmental consultations on developing a Strategy for Universal Peace, based on peace, security and preventive diplomacy. Turkmenistan will also propose declaring 2027–2037 the United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy.

Ashgabat also plans to propose the creation of a UN Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States, aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation among countries.

Another priority concerns the proposed University of Peace and Neutrality. Turkmenistan is continuing consultations with the UN and its agencies on the initiative and plans to advance work on 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.

AI and digital diplomacy

Digital technology and artificial intelligence will form another important part of Turkmenistan’s agenda.

The country plans to promote the development of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy under UN auspices. It also plans to host a dialogue in Ashgabat involving international experts on digital trust and the responsible use of AI.

Turkmenistan will further support the work of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and intends to present a new draft resolution on the centre’s role to the General Assembly.

Sustainable transport and trade

Sustainable development and international transport cooperation will remain key priorities for Ashgabat.

Following the adoption of the UN resolution on the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035 during the 80th General Assembly session, Turkmenistan plans to work on developing a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity to monitor progress towards the decade’s objectives.

Turkmenistan will also continue supporting the implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034 and the Awaza Political Declaration.

The country plans to propose establishing an International Center for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation in Turkmenistan under UN auspices.

It will also propose a transregional transport corridor connecting South and Central Asia with Europe through the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistan says the initiative could expand transport links, promote trade and strengthen economic cooperation between regions.

Climate and energy cooperation

Climate change, environmental protection and the responsible use of energy resources will also feature prominently in Turkmenistan’s UN agenda.

Ashgabat plans to propose the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, a multilateral platform designed to strengthen international cooperation on climate-related initiatives.

Turkmenistan will also promote measures to improve the climate resilience of regions affected by drought and water shortages.

In the energy sector, consultations will continue on preparations for the high-level forum “Stable Energy for All”, linked to the implementation of the UN resolution on the role of reliable and stable energy connectivity in sustainable development.

Women and youth

Humanitarian cooperation and the participation of women and young people in international affairs will remain another focus.

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 youth participation in international and regional initiatives and support the Central Asian Youth Dialogue as part of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.

International law

Strengthening international law will remain a central element of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the United Nations.

The country plans to promote its proposal 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 for the proposed year, Turkmenistan plans to hold an international forum examining the links between international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development.

Turkmenistan will also continue its work as a member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2026–2028 term and participate in other UN bodies and commissions.

At the same time, Ashgabat is preparing to seek election to the UN Security Council for the 2031–2032 term during the 81st General Assembly session, alongside nominations for other UN bodies.

Turkmenistan says its initiatives reflect a foreign policy based on permanent neutrality, peaceful cooperation, constructive dialogue and mutual trust. The country argues that its proposals can contribute to international peace and security, sustainable development and stronger cooperation among states.

The initiatives are also intended to strengthen Turkmenistan’s role in regional and global diplomacy while advancing what it describes as common international interests and the wellbeing of present and future generations.