Ashgabat, October 24, 2025 — The Europe Today: On October 23, 2025, a conference dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
The event brought together senior officials and representatives of relevant ministries and government agencies of Turkmenistan, heads and staff of diplomatic missions, and international organizations accredited in the country. Faculty members, students of the Institute, and media representatives were also in attendance.
The conference was opened and moderated by the Rector of the Institute of International Relations, G. Yusupova, who delivered welcoming remarks.
At the beginning of the proceedings, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, read a congratulatory message from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed to the participants of the event.
The conference featured speeches by Minister Meredov, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko, Minister of Education J. Gurbangeldiyev, UNDP Resident Representative Narine Sahakyan, Minister of Health and Medical Industry M. Mammedov, WHO Resident Representative Egor Zaitsev, UNICEF Deputy Representative and Officer-in-Charge M. Bijker, Minister of Finance and Economy M. Astanagulov, and Deputy Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Ph. Saprykin.
In his address, Foreign Minister Meredov underscored Turkmenistan’s steadfast commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United Nations, noting that the Organization has served as a guarantor of global peace and security for eight decades. He emphasized that the initiatives put forward by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly demonstrate a deep understanding of contemporary global challenges and aim to enhance the UN’s role in addressing critical international issues.
Meredov highlighted Turkmenistan’s priorities in reinforcing international law, promoting peace and trust, supporting sustainable development, and advancing the interests of landlocked developing countries. He noted the adoption of the Avaza Political Declaration Resolution by the UN General Assembly as a key achievement of multilateral diplomacy and a symbol of international cooperation.
Speakers discussed a wide range of topics related to Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN, including energy and environmental security, transport connectivity, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Minister Meredov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s support for the UN Secretary-General’s “Pact for the Future” and expressed the country’s readiness to contribute to its implementation.
The conference also highlighted Turkmenistan’s active participation in international conventions and the successful execution of national and regional projects in collaboration with UN agencies. Participants emphasized ongoing cooperation in health care, education, social protection, economic development, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation.
The crucial role of Turkmenistan in promoting preventive diplomacy and fostering a climate of peace and trust in Central Asia — particularly through its collaboration with UNRCCA — was also recognized.
Speakers praised joint initiatives focused on protecting children’s rights, expanding inclusive education, improving health and social services, advancing gender equality, and promoting innovation. Special attention was devoted to environmental protection, climate change, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening coordination and expanding partnerships within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and the forthcoming Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030.
In light of the anniversary, participants reflected on major milestones in Turkmenistan–UN cooperation, including the hosting of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.
Concluding the event, participants adopted an Appeal to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and witnessed the signing of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2026–2030, which outlines strategic priorities for joint efforts in the coming years.
