WNAM REPORT: The concept of activities and priorities of Turkmenistan within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust is published on the website.
The concept, in particular, states:
Turkmenistan considers the decision to hold the International Year of Peace and Trust in 2025 as a global event, a real opportunity for a qualitative transition to a new stage in international relations. In essence, Turkmenistan’s initiative is an invitation and call to all states to begin joint work, including political, ideological and practical aspects of implementing the idea of peace and trust as a fundamental principle of the world order.
It is obvious that this task should be solved on a systemic basis, with supporting legal and institutional mechanisms. Following this logic, in 2023, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov put forward an initiative to develop a Global Security Strategy from the rostrum of the UN General Assembly. We see it as a system of views and principles for the organization of interstate and international relations in the 21st century.
The strategy assumes a comprehensive approach to solving global problems, based on the interconnectedness of all aspects of security – military-political, economic, energy, environmental, biological, man-made, informational.
Based on this, the Global Security Strategy is intended to serve as an updated international legal framework for relations between states, reflecting the existing objective realities and needs of global development. Therefore, in conceptual terms, Turkmenistan considers the idea of developing the Strategy to be a logical and organic link in the affirmation of the principles of peace and trust.
It is proposed to include a number of areas of UN activity, in particular:
– preventive diplomacy as a tool for preventing and neutralizing conflicts (based on UN General Assembly Resolutions 72/7, 75/272, 77/273 “The Role of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia” of 17 November 2017, 16 April 2021 and 24 February 2023, respectively);
– using the potential of neutrality for the peaceful, political and diplomatic settlement of disputes and contradictions (based on UN General Assembly Resolutions 75/28 “The role and significance of the policy of neutrality in maintaining and strengthening international peace, security and the sustainable development process” of December 7, 2020 and 71/275 “International Day of Neutrality” of February 2, 2017);
– restoration of a culture of trusting dialogue (based on UN General Assembly Resolutions 73/338 “2021 – International Year of Peace and Confidence” of 12 September 2019; 77/32 “International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace, 2023” of 6 December 2022; 78/266 “International Year of Peace and Confidence, 2025” of 21 March 2024).
Thus, in proposing the idea of developing a new mechanism aimed at ensuring global security, Turkmenistan strictly relies on the solid international legal framework of the UN, which reflects the views of the world community on current challenges and ways to overcome them.
The year 2025 is intended to highlight a much more pronounced and effective role of developing countries in world affairs. Genuine trust can only be built on the basis of an equal and balanced dialogue that provides for the recognition of the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, respect for their political sovereignty, concerns about the fair distribution of energy resources, access to technology, non-discriminatory approaches to the problem of atmospheric emissions and environmental conservation. It is obvious that sustainable security and stability on a global scale can only be ensured if the above conditions are met.
In the International Year of Peace and Trust, Turkmenistan proposes to place special emphasis on regional security issues.
In this context, our country proceeds from the need for the most attentive attitude to the problems of Central Asia and adjacent regions, the entire complex of problems existing here – political, social, humanitarian, environmental, energy, water management issues and others. The basis for this is the following UN General Assembly Resolutions adopted at the initiative of Turkmenistan: “Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation in Central Asia”, “Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia”, “Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea”.
Turkmenistan advocates for giving the UN activities a distinct regional dimension, both in terms of content and structure. We believe that such an approach is intended to bring due specificity to joint work, and to enhance its functionality and effectiveness.
There is a firm belief that the time has come to launch an inclusive, full-scale, multi-level and systemic dialogue between Central Asia and the UN. This direction will become one of the priorities of Turkmenistan’s activities during the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The International Year of Peace and Trust logically coincides with the 30th anniversary of the recognition of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 50/80 “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan”, unanimously adopted on December 12, 1995. The neutral status of our country was once again confirmed by General Assembly Resolution 69/285 of June 3, 2015.
Over the past years, the evolution of our neutrality has proven its compliance with the basic values and goals of the UN, and has been recognized as a common asset of the world community. This was confirmed, among other things, by the proclamation by the General Assembly, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, of December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality.
Based on this, neutrality, its principles, and practical tools should be used much more widely by the international community. The potential of neutrality is enormous, it is not only a national model of foreign policy for a number of states that have brought them peace, good neighborliness, and prosperity, but also an effective platform for resolving emerging contradictions by peaceful means, at the negotiating table.
In this logic, Turkmenistan has come up with an initiative to grant neutral countries the legal status of priority partners of the UN in the peacekeeping efforts of the Organization. We are confident that this will become an effective and inspiring stimulus for more active and substantive use by the world community of the arsenal of neutrality and preventive diplomacy.
Turkmenistan counts on the support of neutral, non-aligned and non-bloc countries, all states that share the principles of non-interference and non-participation in conflicts, in the matter of combining their potential, experience and authority to create conditions for the transition to peaceful, political and diplomatic methods of resolving existing and potential conflicts. In this sense, the International Year of Peace and Trust provides an opportunity to translate neutrality into practice as a platform for the consolidation of all healthy and responsible forces, states or groups of countries that reject a confrontational approach in principle.
Noting the role of the Community of Nations, Turkmenistan hopes that in the International Year of Peace and Trust, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, all Member States will reaffirm their commitment to the UN Charter and its mandate as the only international organization with universal legitimacy.
Right now, in the difficult conditions of international escalation, a strong, effective UN is needed as never before in its history. Its leading mission should not be questioned, but on the contrary, strengthened and supported. Today, not a single truly serious global problem can be solved alone. This is already a proven fact. And therefore, only the UN with its unique experience can play a central, key role in ensuring universal peace, stability and security. Turkmenistan will make every effort to achieve this.
In the International Year of Peace and Trust, Turkmenistan proposes to intensify a comprehensive cooperation strategy to promote the Sustainable Development Goals.
Their achievement is possible only by ensuring conditions for the full participation of all states in the main processes of the modern world order, the formation of new approaches to the economy of the future – without dividing lines, one-sidedness, politicization and discrimination.
Turkmenistan’s steps are also aimed at joint work in the field of Sustainable Development Goals, to create viable and long-term models of geo-economics. The decisive role in this is given to the implementation of two strategic priorities: energy transformation and transport connectivity.
It is necessary to seek understanding and support for the proposals put forward by Turkmenistan to create a Global Alliance for Cooperation in Energy Security and Sustainability and a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity.
Turkmenistan has taken a strategic course to implement energy transformation through the transition to low-carbon energy. It is believed that this process also requires approaches that would guarantee equal and equally favorable conditions for states seeking to follow this path, create prerequisites for their access to energy-saving technologies, and allow them to use their climatic and geographical advantages for the purpose of maximum use of renewable energy sources.
This approach assumes the unconditional priority of environmental criteria in the economy, trade, transport, industry, extraction and processing of raw materials, a number of other areas, increasing the environmental literacy of the population, education and enlightenment.
Today, a combination and harmonious compatibility of traditional energy sources with new ones based on the “green” agenda is required. In the International Year of Peace and Trust, Turkmenistan will pay special attention to “green diplomacy”, promoting on the world stage such forms of interaction that would be based on joint responsibility, overcoming corporate and group interests, and would work for the common good and the future.
Turkmenistan will defend the same principles in matters of global food security, accessible healthcare, prevention of infectious diseases, and overcoming the consequences of global epidemics.
In this regard, Turkmenistan believes that it is appropriate to strengthen and support the role of the World Health Organization. It is considered necessary, with the assistance and coordination of WHO, to establish a more effective and fair logistics system for the timely and uninterrupted delivery of medicines and medical equipment to the most vulnerable states from this point of view.
Turkmenistan views 2025, the International Year of Peace and Trust, as a critical period in the humanization of international relations.
The directions of our activities in multilateral structures will be related to the following goals:
– ensuring the rights of refugees and stateless persons;
– support for motherhood and childhood;
– creation of conditions for the comprehensive development of youth, the realization of their potential in science, creativity, and sports.
Turkmenistan’s approach to these issues is based on the active use and increased effectiveness of channels of interaction with humanitarian organizations – UNESCO, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and other organizations.
The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care plays a major role in resolving humanitarian issues. Using the capabilities of the Foundation, large-scale humanitarian support to people in need in different countries will be continued during the International Year of Peace and Trust.
Constructive and mutually respectful cooperation with human rights structures and UN bodies in improving democratic institutions, procedures for ensuring the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of citizens, and international partnership in these matters is relevant.
We are convinced that the humanitarian agenda is called upon to become an important and integral part of inter-civilizational communication, building bridges of mutual understanding, respect and sympathy between peoples, overcoming prejudices, stereotypes and complexes. Parliamentary and public diplomacy, cultural exchanges, women’s, youth and sports contacts are called upon to play a significant role in this process.
The year 2025, the “International Year of Peace and Trust”, is considered by Turkmenistan in the context of the practical implementation of the “Pact for the Future”, adopted in September 2024 at the “Future Summit” convened at the initiative of the UN Secretary-General. Turkmenistan will make efforts to achieve all the goals stated in the final document.
The approaches and views outlined are a common political platform for the implementation of the following specific measures and events proposed by Turkmenistan in the International Year of Peace and Trust:
1. International forums and conferences:
– the official opening of the International Year of Peace and Trust in January 2025;
– thematic conferences and dialogues, including within the framework of the UN Security Council and General Assembly, the Non-Aligned Movement, the UN Peacebuilding Commission and other international platforms;
– forum for interparliamentary dialogue;
– regional meetings on strengthening peace, confidence and security;
– regular meetings of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development;
– international events on the role of women and youth in advancing the agenda for peace and security;
– conference on neutrality at UN headquarters.
2. Information and educational activities:
– development and publication of information materials on the principles of neutrality, their role in preventing conflicts and achieving sustainable development;
– organization of educational events, including lectures, trainings and interactive seminars;
– using social media and digital diplomacy tools to promote ideals of peace and trust, with an emphasis on global youth engagement.
3. International cultural events:
– “World Music” festival;
– International youth competition “Peace and Trust”;
– international sporting events;
– holding the United Nations Games;
– scientific competitions and conferences for students;
– open lessons in schools about peace and trust.
4. Activities at the level of the UN and other international organizations:
– thematic meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality;
– meeting of the UN General Assembly on the Zone of Peace;
– regional meeting on financing for development.
5. Webinars and video conferences:
– webinars with partners about neutrality;
– video conferences between universities on international relations.
6. Regional and specialized events:
– meetings on Caspian issues;
– multilateral dialogues on cooperation issues in Central Asia;
– seminars through specialized international organizations.
The culminating event will be the holding in December 2025 of a major international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
To implement the goals of this Concept and carry out relevant activities, Turkmenistan is ready to provide its political space and all available infrastructure.
All interested States and international organizations, structures and institutions are respectfully invited to cooperate and engage in constructive joint activities.
