Priority Positions of Turkmenistan at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Turkmenistan views the 80th anniversary session of the United Nations General Assembly as an important stage in international efforts to strengthen peace and stability. In the current complex international environment, marked by multiple challenges and declining levels of trust, the use of the UN’s potential—its political and diplomatic tools and its moral authority—becomes particularly relevant for finding mutually acceptable solutions and ensuring universal and comprehensive security.

Turkmenistan firmly upholds the principle of the integrity of security and the interconnection of its various aspects. Our country believes that political or military security cannot be long-term and comprehensive without guaranteeing economic, energy, food, and environmental security. In its foreign policy, Turkmenistan consistently follows the principles of permanent neutrality and non-interference, as well as a strong commitment to the peaceful political and diplomatic settlement of international conflicts.

Turkmenistan is a member of several UN subsidiary bodies—including the Commission on Population and Development, the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, the Commission for Social Development, the Executive Board of UN-Women, the Executive Board of UNICEF, and the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)—and will draw on its accumulated experience to advance the Organization’s key initiatives. During the upcoming General Assembly session, our country will continue contributing to the advancement of international initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan on key global and regional issues.

PEACE AND SECURITY

By consistently pursuing a course aimed at strengthening international peace and security, Turkmenistan will continue to make active efforts to advance its initiatives within the United Nations. Our country proceeds from the conviction that a policy of positive neutrality, based on trust and respect, is an effective tool for strengthening stability, preventing conflicts, and fostering international cooperation.

Turkmenistan’s peacebuilding efforts rest on the inviolable principles of the UN Charter and the universally recognized norms of international law, which provide a solid foundation for the just and peaceful settlement of any international disputes.

In accordance with UNGA Resolution 79/274 “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan”, our country intends to take an active part in the development of the Guidelines on Observance and Implementation of the Principles of Neutrality for the Sake of Peace and Security, and to initiate consultations on establishing in Turkmenistan a Chamber of Mediation for Peace under UN auspices. This will make it possible to use more effectively the potential of neutral states for peaceful negotiations and conflict resolution.

In December 2025, Turkmenistan will host in Ashgabat an International Forum on Peace and Trust, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality. Our country will use the forum as a platform to strengthen multilateral cooperation, including through the Group of Friends of Neutrality, by convening another high-level meeting.

For the first time, the agenda of the 80th UNGA session includes the item “Neutrality for Peace and Security”, creating new opportunities. In this regard, Turkmenistan is initiating the consideration of a draft resolution “The Role and Significance of the Policy of Neutrality in Maintaining and Strengthening International Peace, Security, and the Process of Sustainable Development” in the first half of 2026, building upon the resolution adopted earlier in 2020.

Our country will propose the organization in Ashgabat of an International Forum “Central Asia – A Space of Peaceful Coexistence” under the auspices of the United Nations, UNESCO, and the Alliance of Civilizations, with the participation of regional states, international experts, and institutions.

Turkmenistan will continue supporting the work of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), deepening cooperation with its program offices in Malaga. Our country will expand practical engagement on the basis of the Technical Guidance on the Protection of Critical Infrastructure from Terrorist Attacks, developed in 2024. Based on consultations with UNOCT, Turkmenistan will initiate the establishment in Ashgabat of a permanent UNOCT Program Office on Early Warning of Terrorism, operating globally and drawing on the experience of the Central Asia early warning network.

Our country will continue cooperating with UN peacekeeping structures, considering the possibility of providing resources, military and civilian personnel to contribute to the effective work of peacekeeping operations.

Turkmenistan will present for consideration a draft resolution proclaiming an International Day of Mediation, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and neutral platforms in preventing and resolving conflicts. This day will symbolize the need for active international engagement in dispute resolution through dialogue, mediation, and cooperation, while emphasizing neutrality as a tool for justice and peaceful coexistence.

Our country will initiate the holding of a World Summit on a Culture of Peace, Trust, and Mutual Respect Among Nations under UN auspices. This summit is intended to become a landmark event in the global diplomatic calendar, aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and trust among states, cultures, and peoples. One of its key objectives will be the development and adoption of a Global Code of International Trust, serving as a universal foundation for building relations between states on the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, cooperation, and joint responses to global challenges.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORT, AND ENERGY

Turkmenistan attaches special importance to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the strengthening of global economic and transport-energy ties. Our country will actively promote initiatives aimed at shaping a fair, balanced, and inclusive international development system.

Turkmenistan will initiate the proclamation of a UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) by presenting the relevant draft resolution. This step will help consolidate the efforts of the international community to develop transport corridors, enhance their resilience, and ensure accessibility for all countries, including landlocked states.

Our country intends to further advance the Ashgabat Process on Transport, turning it into an effective platform for coordinating international and regional transport initiatives. This will ensure synchronization of projects and accelerate the creation of a sustainable global transport architecture.

Turkmenistan will present to the Second Committee of the UNGA a draft resolution “The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development”, as part of the implementation of Resolution 78/149 adopted on 19 December 2023 on Turkmenistan’s initiative. Implementation of this initiative will foster transparent and reliable energy flows and the integration of renewable energy sources into the global system.

Turkmenistan intends to propose the establishment of a World Platform for Digital Integration under UN auspices, based on the principles of equality, trust, and the inadmissibility of using information and communication technologies to the detriment of peace, security, and sustainable development.

ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE, AND WATER RESOURCES

Turkmenistan considers the development of comprehensive measures to combat climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity a priority. Our country will promote initiatives aimed at preserving ecosystems, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources, and establishing international mechanisms for environmental protection.

Turkmenistan will propose the establishment of a Regional Center to Combat Desertification for Central Asian States. Functioning with the support of relevant UN structures, this center will become an important platform for coordinating the region’s efforts in land protection, ecosystem restoration, and soil degradation prevention. Turkmenistan believes that creating such a center will help consolidate regional potential, strengthen cooperation in environmental protection, and make a significant contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Our country will promote the development and adoption of Regional UN Conventions on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins. These international legal instruments will provide a solid basis for elaborating coordinated approaches and mechanisms for the sustainable, equitable, and efficient management of Central Asia’s transboundary water resources. Turkmenistan is convinced that the adoption of these documents will not only strengthen regional environmental and food security but also represent an important step towards building a long-term architecture of peace, stability, and sustainable development in Central Asia.

Together with other Central Asian states, Turkmenistan will continue systematic work on defining the main goals and objectives of a UN Special Program for the Aral Sea Basin, within the framework of ESCAP Resolution 79/8 “Consideration of Modalities for the Creation of a United Nations Special Program for the Aral Sea Basin” of 19 May 2023. This program will be aimed at comprehensively addressing the environmental, social, and humanitarian challenges of the Aral Sea region.

Our country will advance the Caspian Environmental Initiative, announced by the President of Turkmenistan at the 78th session of the UNGA, which will serve as an international platform for preserving the Caspian Sea ecosystem. An important step in this direction will be the Second Caspian Environmental Forum, proposed for 2026.

Turkmenistan will continue working on the establishment of a specialized structure—a Regional Center for Climate-Related Technologies in Central Asia. Its activities will focus on introducing new technologies for climate adaptation and mitigation, as well as promoting international cooperation in environmental innovation.

HUMANITARIAN COOPERATION

Turkmenistan considers humanitarian cooperation an important element of strengthening trust and mutual understanding among peoples. Our country will initiate and support projects aimed at developing human potential, fostering intercultural dialogue, and promoting human rights.

Turkmenistan will initiate the holding of international consultations “Women, Peace and Security” within the framework of the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue. This format will strengthen the role of women in peacebuilding processes and regional cooperation.

Our country will advance the Central Asian Youth Dialogue, expanding its activities within the framework of the global agenda “Youth, Peace and Security”. Special attention will be given to engaging youth in decision-making processes and peacebuilding initiatives.

Our country will submit to the UN an initiative to proclaim an International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy. This initiative aims to strengthen trust, mutual understanding, and dialogue among peoples through respect for linguistic and cultural diversity.

Turkmenistan will initiate the creation in Ashgabat of a Regional Platform for Youth Peacebuilding. This center will serve as an international educational and dialogue platform focused on training young professionals in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and promoting a culture of tolerance.

Our country intends to submit to the General Assembly a draft resolution “The Cultural Heritage of the Great Silk Road as a Factor of Peace and Development”, highlighting the importance of historical and cultural heritage as a foundation of trust, mutual understanding, and cooperation among peoples. This document will help foster an atmosphere of friendship and good neighborliness and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Our country will continue promoting initiatives in cultural, exhibition, and tourism activities aimed at popularizing national heritage, exchanging cultural achievements, and strengthening humanitarian ties.

INTERNATIONAL LAW AND COOPERATION WITH THE UN

Turkmenistan consistently advocates for strengthening the rule of international law and reinforcing the central role of the UN in international affairs. Our country will promote initiatives aimed at improving the international legal framework and enhancing the effectiveness of the Organization’s main bodies.

Turkmenistan will propose proclaiming the year 2028 as the Year of International Law, which will represent an important step in strengthening the international legal foundations of peace and cooperation. This initiative will also highlight the role of law in reinforcing international stability and upholding the primacy of the UN Charter.

Turkmenistan will continue actively participating in UN activities, including as a member of ECOSOC for the period 2026–2028, as well as in key commissions and bodies. Our country will campaign for election to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2031–2032 and for other elective positions, thereby reaffirming its commitment to active multilateral engagement.

As the depository of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia and a party to the main nuclear disarmament treaties, Turkmenistan will consistently uphold the principles of non-proliferation. Our country intends to actively participate in the NPT Review Conference and other forums, promote the goals of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and continue studying the possibility of joining it.

CONCLUSION

At the 80th anniversary session of the United Nations General Assembly, Turkmenistan will promote a holistic approach to security and sustainable development, based on the principles of neutrality, trust, and multilateral cooperation. Our country reaffirms its readiness for constructive engagement with all UN Member States and structures in the name of achieving universal peace, security, and prosperity.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan