ASHGABAT,20 August 2026(News Desk): Turkmenistan has outlined its priority areas and international initiatives for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, placing peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy, international security, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation at the center of its agenda.
As a firm advocate of its internationally recognized policy of permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan said it would continue promoting constructive dialogue, mutual trust and regional and interregional cooperation as tools for strengthening peace, stability and security.
A major initiative to be presented during the upcoming UN General Assembly session is the proposal to develop a Strategy for Universal Peace, based on the principles of peace, security and preventive diplomacy. Turkmenistan also plans to propose declaring 2027–2037 the United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy and establishing a UN Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States.
Turkmenistan will further advance its proposal for establishing a University of Peace and Neutrality, including consultations on the creation of an Academic Center for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy under the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Digital technologies and artificial intelligence will also feature prominently on Turkmenistan’s international agenda. The country plans to initiate the development, under UN auspices, of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy.
An international expert dialogue on digital trust and the responsible use of artificial intelligence is also planned in Ashgabat, while Turkmenistan intends to continue supporting the work of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
Sustainable development and international transport cooperation will remain another major priority. Turkmenistan will continue efforts to implement the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035, including work on a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity.
The country will also propose considering the establishment of an International Center for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation under UN auspices.
Another significant proposal is a transregional transport corridor connecting South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea, aimed at expanding international connectivity, facilitating trade and strengthening economic cooperation among regions.
Climate change, environmental protection and the rational use of energy resources will remain key components of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the United Nations.
Turkmenistan plans to propose the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, a multilateral platform designed to strengthen international cooperation on climate change. It will also promote measures to enhance the climate resilience of regions affected by drought and water scarcity.
Humanitarian cooperation will also receive special attention, particularly the participation of women and young people in international peace and development efforts.
Turkmenistan intends to continue developing the Dialogue of Women of Central Asian States, while expanding cooperation with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and UN Women under the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
The country will also seek greater participation of young people in international and regional initiatives through the Central Asian Youth Dialogue and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
Strengthening international law remains another important priority. Turkmenistan plans to promote its proposal to declare 2028 the Year of International Law and intends to host an international forum examining the links between international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan will also continue serving as a member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2026–2028 term. Preparatory work is underway for the country’s nomination for election to the UN Security Council for the 2031–2032 term, alongside other UN elected bodies.
Turkmenistan said its initiatives for the 81st UN General Assembly reflect a consistent foreign policy based on permanent neutrality, peacefulness, constructive dialogue and mutual trust, with the broader objective of contributing to international peace and security, sustainable development and cooperation for the benefit of present and future generations.