President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has been named a recipient of the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, organizers announced Sunday, recognizing the recent peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The award, established by the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, will honor the landmark peace accord signed in 2025 that aims to end nearly four decades of … [Read more...]
2026 – Messy Start but Hope Must Prevail
Tariq Saeedi The new year has arrived not with celebration but with crisis. Venezuela teeters on the edge of collapse. Iran's political future remains uncertain, its reverberations felt across the Middle East. Conflicts of varying intensity continue to burn through communities from Eastern Europe to the Horn of Africa. The world feels fractured, reactive, trapped in a … [Read more...]
TDH Publishes Ashgabat Declaration: Turkmenistan Proposes Global Code of Trust and Mediation Chamber
The State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) has published the text of the Ashgabat Declaration — the final document of the High-Level International Forum on Peace and Trust, which took place in Ashgabat on 12 December 2025. Forum participants in the Declaration reaffirm their commitment to the goals of the UN Charter and the principles of peace, trust, and multilateral … [Read more...]
Women’s Leadership and Peace: Outcomes of the Awaza Conference – Final Document on the Role of Women in Modern Society Published
Turkmen state media have released the text of the Final Document of the International Conference "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development," which took place in the Awaza National Tourist Zone on December 10, 2025. In the document, conference participants reaffirmed their commitment to the goals of gender equality … [Read more...]
UNDP Associate Administrator Pays Official Visit to Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, 12 December 2025: The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Haoliang Xu, paid an official visit to Turkmenistan from 11 to 13 December 2025 to participate in the celebrations marking the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th Anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of … [Read more...]
Authentic Outcomes of Neutrality Conference in Ashgabat – Part One
Concrete Ideas and Proposals for Joint Implementation by Speakers Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova 1. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov (Turkmenistan) Key Proposals: 2. President Vladimir Putin (Russia) Key Proposals: Concrete Results Mentioned: 3. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (Kazakhstan) Key Proposals: Areas of Focus: 4. President … [Read more...]
Speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust
Dear Heads and members of delegations, I sincerely welcome you to Turkmenistan and would like to express my deep gratitude for your active participation in the International Forum of Peace and Trust, which brought together on its platform the leaders and representatives of many countries of the world, reputable international organizations, politicians, diplomats and public … [Read more...]
Erdogan at the Forum in Ashgabat: Türkiye is Ready to Take Responsibility for Peace and Dialogue
In an era of global conflicts and uncertainty, Ashgabat has become a platform for a powerful call for peace: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at the International Forum “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future,” emphasized Ankara's readiness to take responsibility for dialogue and stability. Speaking at the plenary session of the Forum, … [Read more...]
Pezeshkian Calls for Rethinking Peace, Citing Inequality as Root of War at Neutrality Forum in Ashgabat
Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, addressed the inaugural session of the international conference on neutrality, held on 12 December 2025 in Ashgabat. The conference was the flagship event, marking the 30th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. This is also the year of peace and trust, as declared by the UN under a resolution initiated by … [Read more...]
President of Kyrgyzstan: Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads – Important Platform for Strengthening Peace and Trust
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov delivered a speech on December 12 at the international forum “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future,” dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. In his remarks, President Japarov commended … [Read more...]
Tajikistan Calls for a “Decade of Strengthening Peace” at International Forum in Turkmenistan
President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon participated in the International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, where he called on the global community to consolidate efforts in the face of global challenges. Rahmon emphasized the complexity of the current geopolitical situation, where competition is intensifying and norms of international law are weakening. According to him, … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan to Declare 2027 as the Year of Preventive Diplomacy within the Non-Aligned Movement
Uzbekistan plans to declare 2027 as the Year of Preventive Diplomacy during its upcoming chairmanship in the Non-Aligned Movement. The initiative is aimed at supporting efforts to resolve conflicts in the interests of future generations. This was stated by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat on 12 … [Read more...]
Neutrality as a “living process”: Turkmenistan proposed to create a University of Peace and Trust jointly with the United Nations – Speech by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly welcomed the heads of State and Government, heads of international organizations, politicians, diplomats, parliamentarians, scientists and public figures who arrived in Turkmenistan to celebrate the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of the international legal recognition of the country's permanent … [Read more...]
Insightful speech of President of Turkmenistan at Neutrality Conference and the Questions Facing the World
Tariq Saeedi A quarter century into the new millennium, humanity finds itself caught in a strange contradiction. We have mapped the human genome, placed rovers on Mars, and connected billions of people through invisible networks that span the globe. Yet as world leaders are gathered in Ashgabat and nCa is covering the international conference on the permanent neutrality of … [Read more...]
Beacon of Dialogue and Cooperation: Ceremony for the Opening of the Updated Monument “Neutrality” Held in Ashgabat
Elvira Kadyrova On 11 December 2025, in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, a solemn ceremony was held for the opening of the updated Monument "Neutrality," timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. Hundreds of participants—members of the government, diplomatic missions, numerous foreign guests representing governments, … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Voice in the UN: Kyrgyzstan Ambassador to Turkmenistan Holds Briefing on His Country’s Candidacy for UN Security Council
Elvira Kadyrova As part of diplomatic efforts aimed at gaining international support, the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkmenistan, Azizbek Madmarov, held a briefing in Ashgabat dedicated to Kyrgyzstan's candidacy for non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 period. The event was attended by heads and staff of … [Read more...]
Neutrality of Turkmenistan and its Kaleidoscopic Nature
Tariq Saeedi On December 12, 2025, delegates from around the world will gather in Ashgabat to mark three decades of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. But this is no ordinary anniversary. What began as a simple commitment to non-alignment has evolved into something far more remarkable—a living demonstration of how a small nation can become a force for peace not by standing … [Read more...]
Celebrating the Human Essence of Neutrality: Turkmenistan’s 30 Years of Impartial Wisdom
Tariq Saeedi As the world turns its eyes toward Ashgabat this December 12, 2025, for the grand international conference commemorating the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, it's hard not to feel a spark of optimism amid the usual chaos of global affairs. Heads of state and government from across the globe are set to gather in the Turkmen capital, not … [Read more...]
Global Peace, Wellbeing, and Health: Insights from Gallup’s 2025 Report and the Path of Neutrality
nCa Commentary In a world still reeling from pandemics, conflicts, and economic uncertainties, the Gallup organization's latest report, State of the World’s Emotional Health 2025, shines a stark light on how our collective feelings are intertwined with broader issues of peace and health. Based on over 145,000 interviews across 144 countries, the report—released in … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Meets with UN Under-Secretaries-General
On 22 September 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, held separate meetings with UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, and Rosemary DiCarlo is … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Path of Neutrality: 30 Years of Commitment to Peace and Stability
On September 17, 2025, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania organized an international conference at the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica (Bucharest) titled “Turkmenistan’s Path of Neutrality: 30 Years of Commitment to Peace and Stability.” The event was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, the 34th … [Read more...]
Grand Military Parade in Beijing: A Tribute to Memory and a Call for Peace
On 3 September 2025, a magnificent military parade took place on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World War II. Among the distinguished guests was President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as leaders from 26 countries, including Russia, North Korea, Türkiye, Iran, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]
Beyond LLDC3 – The way ahead is illuminated by Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan
Tariq Saeedi in Karachi, Elvira Kadyrova and Raviliya Kadyrova in Ashgabat The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), which wrapped up in Awaza, Turkmenistan, on August 8, 2025, was not just a gathering of nations—it was a beacon of collaborative progress amid global uncertainties. As the world reflects on its outcomes, including the … [Read more...]
Tokyo hosts children’s drawing competition dedicated to “2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust”
On July 29, 2025, a children's drawing competition was held in Tokyo, organized jointly by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan and the Japanese Children's Council “Fujisan Chidama”. The event was attended by children and leaders of the Council “Fujisan Chidama”. During the event, participants were familiarized with the presentations on the domestic and foreign policies … [Read more...]
Global South Youth Speak Up in Beijing: A Unified Call for Peace
Elvira Kadyrova, Beijing, China, July 28, 2025 On 28 July 2025, the Dialogue of Youth Leaders for Peace "Consensus for Peace: The Voices of Global South Youth Amid Protracted and Escalating Geopolitical Conflicts", organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), took place in Beijing. The event brought together … [Read more...]
United Nations Games 2025 Conclude with Celebration of Peace, Trust, and Sporting Excellence
The United Nations Headquarters in New York was filled with celebration and unity as over 300 diplomats, athletes, families, and guests gathered for the Closing Ceremony of the United Nations Games 2025. This year’s Games, held in April and May in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/325, marked a powerful tribute to the International Year of Peace and Trust … [Read more...]
Peace Conference at the Catholic University of Leuven: Turkmenistan’s Ambassador in Brussels Holds an Inspiring Meeting
Photo by Derya Soysal On April 27, the Catholic University of Leuven, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, hosted a Peace Conference featuring the participation of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan in Belgium, Sapar Palvanov. The event was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium in collaboration with the … [Read more...]
Peace is Strength, Not Weakness
Tariq Saeedi “Peace is not about dodging a fight or waving a white flag. It’s about standing your ground, knowing your strength, and choosing not to swing,” said Mama Wanjiru. “Peace doesn’t flinch; Peace is the real strength,” she added forcefully, as she splashed a ladle of stewed vegetables on my plate of ugali. Mama Wanjiru sold home-cooked ugali, a kind of … [Read more...]
The mutual dependence between peace and green forests
nCa Report The deeper we dig, the better we understand. --- This is a holistic world, no matter how we look at it. All of us agree that peace is a joint responsibility of the mankind. There is also the growing awareness and recognition that peace is intrinsically linked to everything in our life although sometimes we don’t immediately see the connection. We are also … [Read more...]
Peace Shapes Children’s Mental Health
nCa Report In the quiet spaces between conflict and calm, children's minds are developing, forming neural pathways that will guide them through life. The relationship between peace and children's mental health is not merely theoretical—it is a living reality that shapes our collective future. When we look beyond the immediate headlines of conflict zones to understand deeper … [Read more...]
The Science and art of Peace
Tariq Saeedi Peace is, arguably, one of the most talked about but least understood things. In making this statement, we are not arguing that the importance of peace is not truly understood – it is. What we are asserting here is that the nature of peace is not fully understood at all times, by all of the stakeholders. Our contention: Peace is simultaneously an art and a … [Read more...]
Respect in International Relations: The Invisible Bridge to Global Peace
nCa Commentary At the heart of international relations lies an intangible yet powerful force: respect. It is a principle woven into the fabric of global governance, conflict resolution, and diplomacy, acting as both a moral compass and a practical tool for cooperation. From the founding documents of the United Nations to modern peace agreements, respect—whether for … [Read more...]
The Garden of Global Relations: Why Partnerships Flourish Beyond Zones and Labels
nCa Commentary In the sprawling tapestry of global politics, few phrases carry as much baggage as “zone of influence” and “dependence.” These terms, often wielded by Western policymakers, frame international relationships as a game of ownership—a zero-sum contest where proximity to one nation must mean subservience, and collaboration with another implies vulnerability. But … [Read more...]
TRUTH FOR A DIPLOMAT: Part 11: Peacekeeping face of Neutrality – When the world is on the brink of war
Dr. Begench Karaev Recently, the creative team of the famous European television company "Euronews" visited Turkmenistan. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received the correspondent of this authoritative television company Loro Bacvelli and during the interview he outlined the main directions … [Read more...]
Costa Rica’s Bold Gamble: How Ditching an Army Birthed a Nation of Teachers and Trees
nCa Commentary In 1948, Costa Rica made a radical choice. Fresh from a bloody civil war, the country’s leader, José Figueres Ferrer, declared that the military—a symbol of power for most nations—would be abolished. No tanks, no generals, no defense budget. Instead, he bet everything on schools, hospitals, and the idea that a nation’s strength lies not in weapons but in … [Read more...]
The Quiet Power of Peace: How Calm Hearts Build Stronger Nations
nCa Commentary Imagine a world where children walk to school without fear, families gather in public squares without scanning for threats, and neighbors don’t brace for the sound of sirens. This is the lived reality of peace—and its psychological ripple effects run far deeper than mere relief from violence. Peace isn’t just the absence of war; it’s the presence of … [Read more...]
The Invisible Thread: How Trust Weaves the Fabric of Global Peace
nCa Commentary Peace and trust share a delicate, symbiotic relationship in international relations. While peace is often defined as the absence of war, its longevity depends on something less tangible but equally vital: trust. Without trust, even the most carefully negotiated treaties risk unraveling, and the fragile bonds between nations can fracture under pressure. … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan prepares for the International conference on economic cooperation and sustainable development
At a government meeting on Friday, 7 March, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov reported on the upcoming international conference "International Year of Peace and Trust: the role of Interregional economic cooperation in ensuring sustainable development." The event will take place on 19 March 2025 in Ashgabat. According to the … [Read more...]
War or Peace – Which makes better business sense?
nCa Commentary Let us look dispassionately at a simple question: War or Peace – Which makes better business sense? In doing so, we need to visualise the Price of War vs. the Price of Peace. The Price of WarWar comes with enormous costs, both direct and indirect: While certain industries (e.g., defense contractors) may profit during wartime, these gains are … [Read more...]
Anatomy of Peace
Tariq Saeedi Peace is a living organism. In fact, it is not just any living organism—it is one of a highly sensitive nature. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is a dynamic entity that requires nurturing, care, and intentional effort to thrive. To truly understand peace, we must adopt a holistic perspective: everything is interconnected. Just as organisms … [Read more...]
Second Wind and Diplomacy
Tariq Saeedi Second wind is a phenomenon in endurance sports, such as marathons or road running (as well as other sports), whereby an athlete who is out of breath and too tired to continue (known as "hitting the wall"), finds the strength to press on at top performance with less exertion. The concept of "second wind" in endurance sports, where an athlete finds renewed … [Read more...]
The Role of AI in Peacebuilding and Peacekeeping
nCa-AI Collaborative Report We took this question (prompt) to three members of the AI community – (for us, they are not tools):-In all of our previous conversations, you have given concrete, logical answers. Now, here is a question I have been thinking about lately: Is there any possible connection between AI and the various efforts of peace in the world. Can AI play any … [Read more...]
International Year of Peace and Trust picking speed
Tariq Saeedi The year is picking speed. Some presidents of the regional countries are already on their foreign visits and some will travel out later this month. This is the year of Peace and Trust. --- Trust (and, subsequently, peace) does not materialize simply by dedicating a slice of time such as a year to Peace and Trust. It requires consistent hard work to build … [Read more...]
Trump’s vision of Peace and Leadership – the reverse side of the coin
Tariq Saeedi If Trump’s concept of peace, elegantly elucidated in his inaugural speech, is the obverse side of the coin, his idea of leadership, as apparent from the nature of the Executive Orders signed on the first day of his presidency is the reverse side of the coin. This coin is clearly bi-metallic – its obverse and reverse sides are made from two different … [Read more...]
Unlocking potential for global travel and tourism in the International Year of Peace and Trust
Maral Rahymova, Diplomat at Mission of Turkmenistan to the European Union As the world welcomes 2025, the International Year of Peace and Trust – an initiative declared by the United Nations and led by Turkmenistan – offers an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate and deepen the global commitment to stability and cooperation. This year serves as a pivotal moment to prioritize … [Read more...]
Trump’s vision of Peace and Leadership – the obverse side of the coin
Tariq Saeedi Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States, eloquently presented his vision of peace and leadership in his inaugural speech. This is the obverse (heads) side of the coin. His flurry of executive orders signed the same day, shattering the record for the most executive orders signed by a US president on his first day in office, is the reverse (tails) … [Read more...]
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlines priorities of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy for 2025
During an expanded Cabinet of ministers’ meeting on Monday, 9 December 2024, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the country's diplomatic corps, outlining priorities for the nation's foreign policy and cooperation with international organizations. In his speech, the Head of state noted significant events of 2024, including the wide celebration of the 300th anniversary … [Read more...]
The OSCE PA Ashgabat Conference: Dialogue for peace and a sustainable future
On 27 November, the first day of the Ashgabat Conference titled "Parliamentary Diplomacy in the OSCE Area: Dialogue as a Tool for Building Bridges for a Secure and Peaceful Future" took place. The event was jointly organized by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA). The primary goal of the conference was to bolster regional dialogue and … [Read more...]
Factsheet on Kazakhstan’s Peace Initiatives
Overview Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has been following its peaceful and balanced foreign policy. The country is committed to multilateral cooperation in line with the UN Charter, playing an active role in international security and stability. This commitment has been demonstrated through a range of initiatives in nuclear non-proliferation, providing a … [Read more...]
UNDP and Embassy of Japan in Turkmenistan Celebrate International Youth Day with “Youth and Peace” Workshop
On August 23, 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan marked International Youth Day with a dynamic "Youth and Peace" workshop held at the UN Building in Ashgabat. This event highlighted the accomplishments of young participants of the FutureSkills4All Initiative and honored the winners of the "Youth and Peace" Poster Contest. The workshop was … [Read more...]