Arkadag, April 20, 2025 – The Europe Today: The first Ministerial Forum on Sustainable Development of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is set to take place in April this year in the city of Arkadag, Turkmenistan. The forthcoming high-level international event was announced by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov during a regular meeting of the government on Friday, according to official media sources.
The forum aims to bring together senior government officials and representatives from ECO member states, international organizations, diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, and relevant national ministries and agencies. It marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation efforts toward the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Key discussions at the forum will center on strategies to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identify priority areas for collaboration, and develop a unified and comprehensive regional strategy for sustainable development. The event is expected to conclude with the adoption of a Final Document outlining agreed objectives and commitments.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov underscored the importance of enhancing the nation’s cooperation with ECO and directed Deputy Prime Minister Geldimyradov to ensure the highest organizational standards for the forum. He emphasized that Turkmenistan is committed to advancing sustainable development and regional integration through multilateral platforms like the ECO.
Established in 1985, the Economic Cooperation Organization is a regional intergovernmental body comprising 10 member states: Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan. Headquartered in Tehran, the ECO focuses on promoting economic, trade, energy, transport, and tourism cooperation among its members.
The upcoming Ministerial Forum is expected to serve as a pivotal step in aligning regional initiatives with global development goals and reinforcing the commitment of ECO nations to sustainable and inclusive growth.
