The United Nations system in Turkmenistan marked United Nations Day with a festive celebration on October 23, 2026, held on the sprawling lawn and outdoor courtyard of the UN Building in Ashgabat.
The event brought together representatives of the Government of Turkmenistan, members of the diplomatic corps, heads and staff of international organizations, civil society representatives, and youth, underscoring the strong partnership between Turkmenistan and the United Nations.
Key Highlights & Addresses
- Secretary-General’s Message: Ms. Xiaojun Grace Wang, the UN Resident Coordinator (RCO) in Turkmenistan, opened the official segment by reading the message of the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing global solidarity, multilateral cooperation, peace, and sustainable development goals.
- Government Representation: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Myakhri Byashimova, represented the Government of Turkmenistan. Addressing the gathering, she highlighted Turkmenistan’s ongoing commitment to constructive collaboration with the UN family, its permanent neutrality status, and joint initiatives supporting regional stability, environmental protection, and economic development.
Cultural Showcase & Culinary Sampling
The open-air courtyard was transformed into an interactive, vibrant fair celebrating multilateralism and international diversity:
- Exhibition Stalls: Diplomatic missions and UN specialized agencies set up colorful pavilions featuring rich visual displays, national costumes, and educational materials highlighting their local development projects, global initiatives, and cultural heritage.
- Gastronomic Journey: Attendees enjoyed a rich sampling of national cuisines hosted by individual embassy and UN agency stalls, providing a taste of global culinary traditions.
- Live Cultural Performances: Dance troupes and musical ensembles representing several countries performed throughout the evening, filling the lawn with music and folk dances.
Multilateral Commitment
The festive gathering served as a strong reaffirmation of Turkmenistan’s active engagement within the UN framework, reflecting ongoing joint work under the UN-Turkmenistan Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
Address of UN Secretary General, António Guterres
On United Nations Day, we celebrate not only an Organization, but an idea:
Humanity’s future depends on our ability to work together to advance peace, development and human rights.
For 81 years, the United Nations has given life to that idea.
Settling disputes — with diplomacy and laws, not weapons.
Working to eradicate poverty and hunger.
Promoting human rights.
And delivering life-saving aid to people facing war, disaster and displacement.
From transportation, trade and technology…
To safeguarding the health of people and planet…
To championing gender equality and expanding opportunity for women and girls…
To giving all countries an equal voice on the global stage…
The United Nations is an essential part of the fabric of our world.
And it’s needed more than ever.
Our world is shaken by conflict.
Battered by the climate crisis.
Scarred by rising inequalities.
And transformed by technologies speeding faster than our ability to govern them.
Now is the time to reaffirm the values that gave birth to the United Nations:
Dialogue over division.
Cooperation over confrontation.
Solidarity over fear.
On United Nations Day, I call on all countries to renew their commitment to these shared values and the obligations that underpin them.
Now more than ever, let us stand firm in our resolve to uphold the United Nations Charter and international law.
And let’s work to strengthen the United Nations to best serve people and meet the challenges of our time.
From press release by embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan
The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan participated in the United Nations Day celebration in Ashgabat, hosting a dedicated stand at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. The exhibition showcased Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural heritage, national values, and economic and tourism potential through books, brochures, and “Made in Azerbaijan” products, with its “Istisu” mineral water drawing particular interest. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myakhri Byashimova and members of the diplomatic corps visited the pavilion during the event.
Guests at the stand enjoyed traditional Azerbaijani dishes and confectionery, paired with insights into the nation’s culinary heritage and carpet-making traditions. The celebration also featured a dynamic cultural program, where performances of Azerbaijani national dances were warmly received by attendees. /// nCa, 24 October 2026
Here are some pictures from the event:
