Resident Coordinator Reaffirms UN Support for Regional Cooperation on Caspian Sea

Chaired by Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the conference brought together representatives of the Caspian littoral states, other countries, international organizations, United Nations entities and government institutions.

Addressing the conference, Ms. Wang described the Caspian Sea as “a source of life and identity, a source of opportunity and shared prosperity,” emphasizing that the complex challenges facing this unique ecosystem cannot be addressed by any country alone.

She commended the leadership of Turkmenistan and its partner countries’ efforts in advancing cooperation in the Caspian region and recognized the important cooperation programmes already undertaken by UNDP, UNEP, UNOPS, IOM, FAO and other UN entities. She reaffirmed the United Nations’ readiness to bring together the expertise and capacities of the UN system in support of Turkmenistan and regional cooperation on the Caspian Sea.

Ms. Wang highlighted the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea and the Tehran Convention as important foundations for collective action. She also noted the significance of the UN General Assembly resolution initiated by Turkmenistan proclaiming 2028 as the International Year of International Law, emphasizing that effective cooperation depends on strong institutions, shared commitments and respect for international law. She further linked Caspian cooperation with implementation of the Awaza Political Declaration and Programme of Action, including its priorities on resilience, climate adaptation, sustainable connectivity, digital transformation and financing for sustainable development.

Looking ahead, Ms. Wang emphasized that responses to the challenges facing the Caspian Sea should be grounded in science, accelerated by innovation, driven by people, strengthened through partnerships and enabled by international law.

She called for stronger regional scientific networks, expanded data sharing and consideration of a Caspian Science Partnership connecting universities, research institutions, and multi-disciple experts across the region.

She also highlighted the potential of advanced technologies and innovation, including digital tools, earth observation, remote sensing, artificial intelligence and advanced data platforms, as accelerators for progress. In this context, Ms. Wang noted that Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia could become an important platform connecting science, policy, finance and innovation and accelerating practical solutions for climate adaptation, water management, renewable energy and ecosystem restoration.

She also stressed that people must remain at the center, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge, community participation and greater opportunities for young people across the Caspian region to contribute to environmental and climate solutions.

Minister Meredov expressed appreciation for the United Nations’ contribution to regional cooperation and highlighted Turkmenistan’s longstanding cooperation with UN specialized agencies on environmental issues. He welcomed stronger scientific cooperation and greater engagement of young people. Particular attention was given to Turkmenistan’s Caspian Ecological Initiative. The Foreign Minister called for United Nations’ support for its implementation and expressed Turkmenistan’s readiness to discuss practical approaches with interested countries and partners.

Concluding her remarks, Ms. Wang reflected on water as a force that connects and converges different streams, nourishes and sustains diver lives, emphasizing that Caspian Day calls for “our collective wisdom and collaborative actions, and ultimately our shared commitment to a more resilient and sustainable future for all.”

The United Nations remains committed to working with Turkmenistan and countries across the Caspian region, mobilizing the expertise and capacities of the UN system and its partners to advance practical solutions for a resilient and sustainable Caspian Sea.