The current global context – the state of international relations and the trends in political, economic and social processes – objectively calls for a decisive turn towards coordinated interaction among states and international organizations in the name of safeguarding peace and security, creating conditions for progressive development and preserving the legal foundations on which the modern world order rests.
Promotion of international peace and security is a key area of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. Realizing its responsibility as a permanently neutral state, Turkmenistan is ready to take further practical steps aimed at fostering cooperation, mutual understanding and respectful dialogue – the essential conditions for ensuring stability and sustainable development at both global and regional levels.
We are confident that the practical application of the principles of neutrality is one of the most effective mechanisms for achieving these objectives. In this regard, Turkmenistan has initiated the inclusion of a new agenda item entitled “Neutrality for Peace and Security” in the work of the 80th session of the UNGA. We believe this reflects the growing recognition by the international community of the importance and potential of neutrality as a tool within the UN peace and security framework.
As is known, this year was declared by the General Assembly the International Year of Peace and Trust at Turkmenistan’s initiative. This symbolic milestone coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In December, Turkmenistan will host a major High-Level International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust. We view it as a genuine contribution to the strategic goals of the United Nations, and we look forward to broad and high-level international participation.
We believe that convergence of state approaches to global development and the systematic strengthening of trust and mutual understanding must be pursued consistently. To this end, Turkmenistan is initiating the World Summit of Culture of Peace and Trust. One of its main objectives will be the elaboration of a Global Code of International Trust, which could serve as a universal foundation for relations among states, based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as cooperation and joint solutions to global challenges.
We see peace and mutual understanding as inseparably linked with the civilizational dimension of modern development and the imperative to preserve and bring closer cultural and spiritual ties. In this context, Central Asia – for centuries a natural civilizational bridge between East and West – is once again called upon to revive this historic mission and serve as a space for dialogue, cooperation and convergence of values and world-view perspectives.
On this basis, during the current session, Turkmenistan will propose convening the International Forum “Central Asia – A Space of Peaceful Coexistence” in partnership with the United Nations, bringing together regional countries, interested states and international institutions.
Turkmenistan will also submit a draft resolution on proclaiming an International Day of Mediation, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and neutral platforms in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.
The active work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially through cooperation in transport and energy, remains another priority of our country. Being a recognized hub of multilateral dialogue on these issues, Turkmenistan will continue to promote a fair, balanced and inclusive system of international development.
This session will see Turkmenistan introducing a draft resolution proclaiming the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035). We are confident that this step will consolidate global efforts to develop resilient and accessible transport corridors for all states.
Our country will also present a draft resolution on the key role of reliable and stable energy connectivity in ensuring sustainable development.
Digital transformation is another pressing priority on the global development agenda. We believe this process must be balanced, reflect the realities and legitimate interests of all states – particularly developing countries – and remain free of politicization and one-sided approaches. For this reason, Turkmenistan intends to propose the establishment of a Global Platform for Digital Integration under UN auspices, built on the principles of equality, trust and inadmissibility of using ICTs to the detriment of peace, security and sustainable development.
During the 80th session, Turkmenistan will continue addressing environmental and climate issues, striving to ensure their systematic consideration as a fundamental approach to security, and to promote the creation of multilateral mechanisms for monitoring and responding to climatic, environmental and man-made disasters.
Turkmenistan is initiating the establishment of a Regional Center for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. We proceed from the understanding that the creation of such a center will help consolidate regional potential, strengthen cooperation in the field of environmental protection and make a significant contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in combating climate change and preserving terrestrial ecosystems.
Our country will continue to promote the Caspian Environmental Initiative, put forward during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, which is intended to become an international platform for the preservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem. An important step in this direction will be the Caspian Environmental Forum, which we propose to hold in 2026.
We are confident that it is of great importance today to strengthen the role of the United Nations in fostering broad humanitarian cooperation, promoting convergence and mutual understanding among peoples, overcoming value-based and spiritual divides and utilizing effective channels of cultural diplomacy.
To advance intercultural dialogue and ensure the practical implementation of the General Assembly resolutions on maintaining multilingualism in international relations, we propose to proclaim International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy.
Turkmenistan will continue to consistently advocate for strengthening the central role of the United Nations in international affairs. We regard the consolidation of the rule of international law, improvement of the international legal framework and enhancement of the effectiveness of implementing UN conventions, treaties, agreements and other multilateral instruments as key factors in achieving this goal. In this regard, Turkmenistan proposes declaring 2028 the Year of International Law, which would represent an important step toward reinforcing the international legal foundations of peace and cooperation.
The current session holds special significance for Turkmenistan. Thirty years ago, within these very walls, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.” For our country, this was a momentous and historic event that, in essence, defined the course of Turkmenistan’s subsequent foreign policy and international activities. The international recognition of our neutrality also contributed to the intensification of the country’s internal development, creating favourable external conditions for its progress.
I would like to take this opportunity to express on behalf of the people of Turkmenistan our gratitude to the Member States of the United Nations and the entire international community for the decision taken in December 1995 to recognize the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, which was later reaffirmed by two subsequent resolutions of the General Assembly.
Turkmenistan will always remember the trust placed in it and will steadfastly adhere to its international commitments.
New York, 23 September 2025