The SPECA Region at the Crossroads of Europe and Asia: Promoting Interregional Connectivity in the Development of Sustainable Multimodal Routes

On February 10, 2025, the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Secretariat, organized an event titled “SPECA region at the Crossroads of Europe and Asia: Advancing Interregional Connectivity in the Development of Sustainable Multimodal Routes” The event was held under the chairmanship of Turkmenistan in the United Nations Special Programme for Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) and took place in the framework of the 87th session of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee.

The event gathered high-level participants, including UNECE leadership, heads of transport ministries of SPECA countries, delegations from UNECE and ESCAP member states, as well as representatives from the European Union, the International Road Transport Union (IRU), DEKRA, and other stakeholders.

During the meeting, key issues related to the implementation of the SPECA Roadmap for the digitalization of multimodal data and document exchange were discussed. Special attention was given to the adoption of UN/CEFACT international standards aimed at the digitalization of transport and trade processes in the region. These processes are crucial for improving the efficiency and resilience of transport systems in the context of globalization.

Additionally, participants discussed ongoing national and regional developments aimed at creating sustainable multimodal routes that will enhance connectivity between Europe and Asia. They addressed the challenges and prospects of implementing new technologies and standards at the national and regional levels in SPECA countries, as well as opportunities for collaboration with involved stakeholders in this direction.

The discussions also included cooperation with key international organizations, including the EU, IRU, and other partners, in supporting digitalization projects and the creation of sustainable transport corridors. It is important to highlight that the prospects for creating joint projects that will take into account the interests of all parties and promote the harmonization of transport routes within the region were discussed.

A key part of the discussion was initiatives and projects aimed at improving interregional connectivity and creating new opportunities for attracting private and public investments to improve transcontinental transport corridors. Specifically, attention was given to the development of digital data and document exchange platforms, which play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of multimodal transport.

The Turkmen delegation at the event was represented by AHudayberdiyev, Deputy Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.

This event is significant as it marks a new level for the SPECA format in terms of strengthening interregional connectivity and opening new prospects for cooperation between Europe and Asia.