Turkmenistan is preparing an extensive package of diplomatic, political, economic, environmental and humanitarian initiatives for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with permanent neutrality, preventive diplomacy, international peace and security, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation forming the core of its agenda.
Turkmenistan says the upcoming General Assembly session will serve as an important platform for consolidating international efforts to address pressing challenges related to peacebuilding, international security and sustainable development. As an active participant in global affairs, the country plans to present its vision for addressing major contemporary challenges and put forward practical initiatives for their resolution.
The country’s foreign policy continues to be based on its universally recognized status of permanent neutrality, support for constructive dialogue, strengthening peace and stability, and expanding regional and interregional cooperation. Turkmenistan considers the peacebuilding character of neutrality and its cooperation with the United Nations closely aligned with the shared objectives of preserving peace, strengthening international security and achieving sustainable development while taking national, regional and global interests into account.
A major focus will be placed on preventive diplomacy. Turkmenistan intends to continue promoting mechanisms for preventing conflicts and strengthening dialogue, drawing on UN General Assembly resolutions adopted on its initiative, including “Peace and Trust,” “Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace,” and “The Role and Importance of a Policy of Neutrality in Maintaining and Strengthening International Peace, Security and Sustainable Development.”
At the 81st General Assembly, Turkmenistan plans to organize intergovernmental consultations under UN auspices on developing a Strategy for Universal Peace, based on the principles of peace, security and preventive diplomacy. It will also propose declaring 2027–2037 the United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, aimed at further developing a culture of trust, dialogue and peaceful conflict prevention.
Another proposal will call for the establishment, within the UN framework, of a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States, designed to reinforce multilateral cooperation and respect for the equality of sovereign states.
Turkmenistan is also continuing work on President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s proposal to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality. As a next step, consultations are planned on establishing an Academic Center for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy under the Department of Peace and Neutrality at the Institute of International Relations of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
AI, Digital Trust and International Relations
The development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence will constitute a separate priority of Turkmenistan’s international agenda.
Ashgabat plans to initiate the development, under UN auspices, of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. With UN support, an international expert dialogue is also planned in Ashgabat on digital trust and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Turkmenistan will further support the work of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, based in Ashgabat. The country intends to submit for consideration a successive draft resolution entitled “The Role of the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.”
Sustainable Transport and Regional Connectivity
Sustainable development and international transport cooperation will also feature prominently in Turkmenistan’s agenda.
Ashgabat highlights the adoption during the 80th UN General Assembly session of the resolution “UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035,” initiated by Turkmenistan. During the upcoming session, the country will continue efforts to develop a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity, intended as a comprehensive analytical and information tool for monitoring progress toward the goals of the decade.
Turkmenistan will also continue participating in the practical implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034 and the Awaza Political Declaration.
The country plans to propose consideration of establishing an International Center for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation in Turkmenistan under UN auspices.
It will also promote the creation of a transregional transport corridor linking South and Central Asia with Europe through the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistan says such connectivity initiatives would help expand international transport networks, facilitate trade and strengthen economic cooperation among the regions.
Climate, Environment and Energy Security
Environmental protection, climate change and the rational use of energy resources remain key areas of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN and its specialized agencies.
Turkmenistan plans to propose the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, envisioned as a new multilateral platform for cooperation on climate-change initiatives and the strengthening of international institutional partnerships.
It will also put forward measures to strengthen the climate resilience of regions facing severe drought and water shortages.
In order to advance implementation of the UN resolution “The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development,” consultations will be held in preparation for the high-level forum “Stable Energy for All.”
Women, Youth and Peacebuilding
Humanitarian cooperation will remain an important element of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy.
The country plans to continue developing the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia and expanding cooperation with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and UN Women under the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Turkmenistan will also seek to strengthen the participation of young people in international relations, peace initiatives and regional cooperation. It will support the activities of the Central Asian Youth Dialogue and promote greater practical involvement of the younger generation under the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
International Law
Another major priority will be strengthening the role of international law in contemporary international relations.
At the initiative of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan has proposed declaring 2028 the Year of International Law, an initiative that Ashgabat says underscores the continuing importance of the UN Charter and international legal norms governing relations between states.
As part of preparations for the proposed Year of International Law, Turkmenistan plans to propose an international forum dedicated to the relationship between international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan’s Role within the UN
Turkmenistan will continue its active participation in the UN system as a member of ECOSOC for the 2026–2028 term, as well as through its work in other UN bodies, commissions and structures.
The country is also conducting preparations to seek election during the 81st General Assembly session to the UN Security Council for the 2031–2032 term, alongside nominations for other elected UN bodies.
Turkmenistan says its broad package of initiatives reflects the consistent principles of its foreign policy, centered on permanent neutrality, peaceful relations, constructive dialogue, mutual trust, sovereign equality and multilateral cooperation.
The initiatives cover peace and preventive diplomacy, artificial intelligence and digital trust, sustainable transport, trade logistics, climate resilience, energy connectivity, women and youth participation, international law and regional cooperation. Ashgabat maintains that these proposals are intended to contribute to stronger international peace and security, sustainable economic and social development, deeper regional and global cooperation, and the protection of common interests for present and future generations.
