On 30 January 2026, the United Nations in Turkmenistan convened the Annual Meeting of the Development Partners Coordination Group (DPCG), bringing together representatives of the Government of Turkmenistan, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and development partners to review progress in 2025 and chart a strengthened path for cooperation in 2026.
The hybrid meeting was hosted at the UN House in Ashgabat and moderated by Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. In his opening remarks, Mr. Shlapachenko highlighted the DPCG’s essential role as a “trusted platform for dialogue, coordination, and collective problem‑solving,” underscoring that effective partnership is increasingly vital amid global uncertainty and overlapping development challenges. He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for continued engagement and thanked development partners for their commitment throughout 2025.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Ms. Mahri Bashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan where she also the national development priorities for 2026, outlining areas where strengthened support from partners can accelerate sustainable progress.
Development Partners reviewed the joint achievements in 2025 presented by co‑chairs of the five thematic areas of cooperation:
- Human Rights & Governance (EU & UNFPA)
- Sustainable Economy & Finance (US & UNDP)
- Environment & Climate Action (UK & UNDP)
- Health & Social Protection (WHO)
- Education (US & UNICEF)
In reflecting on the Joint Work completed in 2025, Mr. Shlapachenko emphasized that the value of collective action lies in reducing fragmentation, aligning development priorities, and delivering meaningful results for the people of Turkmenistan. He noted that the new Cooperation Framework 2026–2030 marks an important milestone, prioritizing governance, economic diversification, climate action, and social sectors — with gender equality, human rights, and social inclusion at its core. He encouraged partners to leverage the Framework to deepen cooperation and deliver greater impact.
The meeting then continued with an open discussion, offering development partners an opportunity to raise emerging issues, propose collaborative initiatives, and align efforts within the new Cooperation Framework.
In closing, Mr. Shlapachenko reaffirmed the UN Country Team’s readiness to support Turkmenistan’s development ambitions: “The strength of the DPCG lies not in any single institution, but in our collective willingness to work together, adapt, and innovate.” He thanked all participants for their dedication and encouraged continued partnership throughout the upcoming year.
About the DPCG
The Development Partners Coordination Group is the primary platform for strengthening harmonization and alignment among development actors in Turkmenistan. It aims to enhance transparency, coherence, and synergy across development assistance aligned with national priorities. ///nCa, 3 February 2026 (in cooperation with UN Turkmenistan)