Statement by UN Resident Coordinator, Dmitry Shlapachenko at the High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy

It is a great honour to join you today at the opening of the 2026 High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy. This year’s gathering carries particular significance, as it coincides with Turkmenistan’s Diplomat’s Day—a moment when we recognize the essential role diplomacy plays in promoting peace, cooperation, and shared progress. I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to all diplomats of Turkmenistan and acknowledge their continued contributions to fostering dialogue, solidarity, and mutual understanding in the region and beyond.

Today’s Dialogue takes place at a pivotal moment. The interconnected challenges we face—ranging from persistent communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, to the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, to the rapidly intensifying impacts of climate change—underscore the need for stronger, more innovative, and more coordinated forms of multilateral and multisector engagement. These are challenges that no nation can overcome alone. They demand evidence-based policies, inclusive cooperation, and robust investment in resilient health systems.

The power of international cooperation has been distinctly demonstrated in fighting the COVID pandemic. At a moment when conflict, political tension, and economic strain fuelled destruction and division, the COVID-19 crisis triggered an unprecedented global response, bringing together communities, governments, international organisations and development agencies to mobilise, co‑ordinate and deploy resources.  

It needs to be mentioned that Turkmenistan was among the first countries that strongly spoke of the need to promote international health diplomacy aimed at consolidating efforts in development of joint and agreed solutions in combating the coronavirus infection. The world’s sovereign governments have agreed to collaborate on a shared purpose to safeguard humanity from future—and inevitable—pandemic emergencies. It shows that even in the most fractured times, nations can unite around common threats and build collective solutions that protect everyone. 

In this regard, I want to stress the importance of the healthcare system’s preparedness to manage possible future health emergencies and uncertainties coming with it, which highlights the imperative to prepare for future risks by investing wisely today. Applying foresight to identify signals and risks will inform decisions that consider alternative scenarios for the future. It also enables to foresee and seize the opportunities offered by new developments.

A central priority for our collective efforts is health financing. According to the UN estimates, for Turkmenistan the financing gap to reach the health-related national SDG commitments till 2030 stands at 0.5% of GDP annually of total 2.8% estimated for all national SDG transitions, also including jobs and social protection; food security and water management; education; green energy transition; digital connectivity; climate change and biodiversity; peace and security. Sustainable, equitable, and efficient health financing mechanisms are essential to  advance Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that all people—without distinction—can access quality health services without financial hardship. Strengthening health financing is a cornerstone of the UN’s cooperation with Turkmenistan. Overall, addressing the SDG financing gaps is critical for Turkmenistan to achieve its National Commitments to SDG Transformation and sustain progress toward the 2030 Agenda. 

These priorities also reflect the commitments Turkmenistan put forward on the global stage in 2025—particularly during the Third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Awaza, where the Government emphasized resilience, health security, and regional cooperation as pillars of sustainable development. This Dialogue offers an opportunity to build on those commitments and translate them into concrete action.

Another priority is strengthening national data systems. High-quality, timely, and interoperable data is the foundation of effective health governance. Reliable data not only improves surveillance, early warning, and emergency preparedness, but also underpins accountability, resource optimization, and policy coherence across sectors—from climate adaptation to water safety to disease control. The more we invest in health information systems, the more precisely we can target interventions, address inequities, and accelerate progress toward national goals and the 2030 Agenda.

Within the health agenda, tobacco control also merits attention—particularly as part of prevention‑focused policies aimed at reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases. Strengthening tobacco regulation, public awareness, and cessation support aligns with both national health objectives and global commitments. 

The UN Country Team in Turkmenistan is committed to supporting these priorities, which are fully aligned with the new UN–Turkmenistan Cooperation Framework 2026–2030. The Cooperation Framework places strong emphasis on inclusive human development, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, and resilient social systems—including health. It reflects our shared ambition to translate global commitments into tangible, measurable outcomes that improve people’s lives.

Under the Cooperation Framework, till 2030 the United Nations system in Turkmenistan will aim to support the country in building a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable health system—one that delivers high‑quality services to every person. This includes advancing evidence‑based health policies, enhancing the skills and capacity of health workers, expanding digital solutions, improving the efficiency of health financing, and strengthening people‑centered primary health care through the implementation of international health classifications such as ICD‑11 and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The agenda also prioritizes effective prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases, stronger mental health and psychosocial support services, robust control of communicable diseases and building preparedness and resilience to health emergencies by promoting the “One Health” approach.

Achieving these ambitions requires partnership. The UN in Turkmenistan invites national institutions, civil society, academia, and international partners to work together in a spirit of health diplomacy. Through shared expertise, joint initiatives, and collective commitment, we can build a healthier, safer future for all people in Turkmenistan and contribute to global health security. 

Climate change adds further urgency to the health agenda. From higher temperatures to increased environmental hazards, climate impacts are reshaping disease patterns, straining water systems, and affecting air quality. Strengthened climate and health diplomacy, as well as integrated action across sectors, will be central to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of communities. Similarly, water safety remains critical—not only for preventing waterborne diseases but also for ensuring continuity of care, food security, and sustainable urban development.

In this context, I commend Turkmenistan’s decision to host this High-Level Dialogue and to champion health as a pillar of international cooperation during its Chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This leadership reinforces Turkmenistan’s long-standing engagement in preventive diplomacy and its commitment to building trust and resilience across the region.

As we begin this Dialogue, let us seize this opportunity to strengthen the partnerships, skills, and diplomatic tools needed to navigate today’s complex health landscape. By aligning our efforts—across institutions, sectors, and borders—we can accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage, enhance preparedness for emerging threats, and ensure that no one is left behind.

I wish all participants productive discussions and a successful Dialogue.
Thank you.