Turkmenistan and the United Nations: Advancing Peace, Trust, and Sustainable Development Together

Mr. Rashid Meredov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, opened the event, that brought together high-level representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Turkmenistan, reflecting the broad international support for Turkmenistan’s commitment to peace and trust. The Minister emphasised the strategic partnership between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations and highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation in advancing national and global priorities. 

In her address, Ms. Jalpa Ratna, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Turkmenistan, congratulated the Government and people of Turkmenistan on the conclusion of the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. She emphasised that“all three anniversaries reminded us of the shared responsibility to uphold multilateralism and advance sustainable development.”

Ms. Ratna highlighted the strategic and mutually reinforcing partnership between the UN system and Turkmenistan, noting that 2025 was marked by significant milestones, including the Third UN Conference of the Landlocked Developing Countries and   signing of the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030).

Ms. Ratna outlined several key areas where the partnership between Turkmenistan and the United Nations has delivered tangible results, including the achievements in the alignment of national policies with international standards in governance and rule of law, institutional strengthening and progress in advancing the normative agenda including gender equality, youth engagement, anti-trafficking measures, and disability inclusion, as well as enhancements in SDG data systems, budget tagging, and robust reporting to inform policy and accelerate progress. She also highlighted advances in digital transformation through the launch of electronic data interchange systems, digital resources for elections, and AI-enabled healthcare innovations; joint efforts in climate and environmental sustainability, such as collabaration in reduction of methane emissions, development of renewable energy roadmaps, and land restoration in the Aral Sea Basin. The UN Resident Coordinator a.i.  noted the progress in in human capital development, including government representatives, civil servants, youth, women, returning migrants, etc., drawing attention of the participants to the importance of skills development, and better alignment of education with labour market needs. Additionally, the partnership has expanded access to healthcare, improved immunisation coverage, and strengthened social protection systems.

Underscoring the need for greater attention to address equity gaps between urban and rural populations, to ensure universal health coverage and inclusive education, to mitigate climate impacts and to invest in strengthening data systems to accelerate SDG achievement, Ms. Ratna reaffirmed the United Nations’ readiness to support Turkmenistan in scaling up successful initiatives, and mobilising resources for ambitious climate and SDG targets.

“The breadth of our joint achievements in 2025 demonstrates the power of sustained partnership and shared priorities,” she concluded.