Special Correspondent
Ashgabat: Preparations for Turkmenistan’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) topped the agenda at a recent government meeting chaired by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov presented the country’s Priority Positions—a comprehensive set of proposals designed to shape Ashgabat’s line of action at the UN in the upcoming political year.
The document underscores Turkmenistan’s ambition to move beyond rhetoric and introduce practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Covering peace and security, sustainable development, climate action, humanitarian cooperation, and international law, the initiatives highlight Ashgabat’s strategy of combining its constitutionally enshrined neutrality with modern responses to global crises.
Peace and Security: Neutrality as a Global Value
Turkmenistan will push to institutionalize neutrality as a global principle. Key proposals include:
- Adding “Neutrality for the Sake of Peace and Security” to the UNGA agenda.
- Draft resolutions on the value of neutrality and the establishment of an International Mediation Day.
- Creating a Special UN Guide on Neutrality and a Mediation Chamber for Peace.
These steps reinforce Turkmenistan’s positioning as a universal mediator and a hub for peaceful dialogue.
Sustainable Development: Transport, Energy, and Digitalization
Positioning itself as a Eurasian transit hub, Turkmenistan is set to highlight:
- A draft resolution on the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035).
- Energy connectivity for global stability and the shift toward green energy.
- A Global Digital Integration Platform to promote e-governance and digital partnerships.
These initiatives aim to boost connectivity, ensure energy security, and expand digital cooperation worldwide.
Environmental Diplomacy: Water and Climate Leadership
In response to climate and water challenges, Turkmenistan will propose:
- A Regional Center to Combat Desertification.
- Regional Conventions on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins.
- A Regional Climate Technology Center.
- The Second Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026.
Ashgabat seeks to strengthen its role as a global environmental leader, offering regional solutions with worldwide relevance.
Humanitarian Dimension: Education, Culture, and Youth
Ashgabat’s humanitarian agenda includes:
- An International Conference on Women, Peace and Security.
- A Regional Platform for Young Peacekeepers.
- Establishing the International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy.
- A resolution on the Silk Road’s Cultural Heritage as a tool for peace and development.
These initiatives enhance Central Asia’s role in youth and women’s diplomacy while broadening cultural cooperation.
International Law and Multilateralism
Turkmenistan has also proposed declaring 2028 as the Year of International Law and continues preparations for its UN Security Council candidacy (2031–2032), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening global governance.
A New Level of Diplomatic Leadership
With this diverse set of initiatives, Turkmenistan demonstrates that neutrality is not an escape from responsibility but a modern instrument of trust, balance, and cooperation. The proposals provide both practical tools for the international community and a pathway for Ashgabat to consolidate its reputation as a regional leader and neutral mediator in global affairs.
