The United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Week has kicked off in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory letter to participants of the Economic Forum taking place as part of the event. In his address, the president highlighted the strategic importance of regional cooperation and positioned the forum as a key platform for advancing peace, trust, and collaboration across the region.
The event is being held in a symbolically significant year, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. As SPECA chair in 2025, Turkmenistan — hosting the high-level week in January 2026 — is actively pushing initiatives to build an efficient regional market for goods, services, investment, and innovation.
Key priorities outlined by President Berdimuhamedov include:
Digitalization and green growth — Member states support expanding SPECA’s scope to encompass projects in e-commerce, digital transformation, and sustainable “green” development.
Energy security — Emphasis is placed on strengthening external energy interconnections in the Caspian region and beyond. The president recalled that three UN General Assembly resolutions on sustainable energy have already been adopted at Turkmenistan’s initiative. He proposed refocusing SPECA’s Working Group on Water and Energy Resources, as well as the Environment, on several critical energy-related issues.
Transport integration — Turkmenistan stands for the development of new international legal instruments in the transport sector. Berdimuhamedov noted that six UN resolutions on sustainable transport, initiated by his country, have been adopted over the past decade.
Caspian sea
Special attention was given to the Caspian Sea region and water resources. During its chairmanship, Turkmenistan — through consultations with other participating states and UN specialized agencies — has put forward important initiatives aimed at addressing key sustainable development challenges in the region, including those related to the Caspian Sea.
The president expressed confidence that the Economic Forum will demonstrate Turkmenistan’s active role in supporting member states’ efforts to transform SPECA into a broad platform for peace, trust, and multifaceted cooperation.
SPECA Concept of Development until 2030
A major focus of the forum will be discussions on the SPECA Concept of Development until 2030.
Berdimuhamedov described the event as results-oriented, offering wide opportunities for dialogue, joint efforts, strategy development, and the creation of actionable implementation plans.
Participants will also have the chance to examine Turkmenistan’s investment strategy in detail, along with its industrial and innovation policies, the introduction of scientific and technical advancements and cutting-edge technologies into production, and the country’s overall economic potential and achievements.
The SPECA Economic Forum and related high-level meetings are taking place in Ashgabat from 20 to 23 January 2026 under Turkmenistan’s chairmanship. ///nCa, 21 January 2026