Tariq Saeedi Logistics on the Eurasian landmass has quietly outgrown its traditional definition. No longer merely a mechanical function of shipping containers, timetables, and transit hubs, it has emerged as the invisible architecture governing modern existence. To view logistics today simply as the movement of physical freight from a point of origin to a destination is … [Read more...]
Meeting with a Representative of UN-Habitat Held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
On 4 November 2026, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Bayashimova met with Interregional Adviser of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Katja Schaefer. During the meeting, the parties reviewed the current areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UN-Habitat, paying particular attention to the sustainable development of … [Read more...]
Everyday Impact—Personal Habits That Drive Global Goals
Elvira Kadyrova, Tamir Shakirov While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are often discussed in international summits and government ministries, their ultimate success depends on the choices billions of individuals make every day. The scale of global challenges can feel overwhelming, leading to apathy or the belief that single actions do not matter. However, … [Read more...]
Why the SDGs Matter—And How to Reignite the Global Promise
Tariq Saeedi It is easy to treat the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as bureaucratic jargon or repetitive headlines. Over a decade into the 2030 Agenda, a sense of “SDG numbness” has set in. When people hear the acronym repeated endlessly in policy forums without clear connections to their daily lives, the goals risk becoming abstract background noise. Yet, to lose … [Read more...]
The Power of Grassroots Engagement in Driving Sustainable Development
Elvira Kadyrova and Liliya Zhirnova The recent series of practical workshops on SDG localization across Turkmenistan’s regions—jointly organized by UNDP and the Ministry of Finance and Economy—highlights a crucial aspect of modern international development: real impact happens at the grassroots level. When specialized UN agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the … [Read more...]
UNDP and Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Strengthen Regional Mechanisms for SDG Implementation
ASHGABAT, 12 October 2026 — From 30 September to 9 October 2026, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, conducted a series of practical workshops on the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the joint project “Partnering for SDG Acceleration, Phase IV.” The … [Read more...]
Avaza Health Conference Moves from Discussion to Final Outcome
AVAZA, Turkmenistan – A second international conference on universal health coverage in Avaza has moved from broad discussion of healthcare priorities to a more concrete regional policy outcome, following thematic sessions on primary healthcare, access to medicines and sustainable health financing. The conference, “Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development … [Read more...]
Avaza Demography Conference Adopts Final Document on Sustainable Development
AVAZA, Turkmenistan – Demographic change, population structure, family policy, labour markets and migration have emerged as increasingly important elements of sustainable development policy following an international conference in Avaza that brought together parliamentarians, United Nations specialists and experts from across the region. The International Conference … [Read more...]
Avaza Women’s Dialogue Opens With Regional Voices Linking Women’s Leadership to Peace, Climate and Development
Raviliya Kadyrova at Awaza The International Women's Dialogue in Turkmenistan has opened with a question that goes beyond women's rights: how can women's participation in public life, diplomacy and economic development support peace and resilience in a region facing climate change, water and food insecurity, economic instability and social change? The dialogue, titled … [Read more...]
UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Outlines Three Principles for Sustainable Development of the Caspian Sea
The future of the Caspian Sea depends on successfully bringing together all three dimensions of sustainable development—economic, social, and environmental. Putting people and future generations at the center, ensuring science and evidence inform policy choices, and using international law as the framework for cooperation—it is on these three principles that the United Nations … [Read more...]
85% of SDG Targets Integrated into Turkmenistan’s National Development Programmes, Deputy Finance and Economy Minister Says
Turkmenistan has integrated 85% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its national and sectoral development programmes, with 131 national SDG targets and 175 indicators officially adopted. The announcement was made by Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held under … [Read more...]
UN and National Partners Convene Technical Meeting to Strengthen SDG Data Reporting in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, 13 July 2026 – The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Turkmenistan, in cooperation with national counterparts, convened a technical meeting to discuss discrepancies and gaps in reporting on selected Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. The meeting brought together representatives of key government institutions, including the Ministry of Health … [Read more...]
Foresight in Action: Accelerating the SDG Transitions in Turkmenistan
Uladzimir Valetka, ECONOMIST In Turkmenistan, systems thinking and strategic foresight have helped the UN Country Team (UNCT) engage the Government more effectively to identify strategic entry points for advancing national development aspirations and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This shift did not happen overnight. It followed a phased … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Parliament Discusses Environmental Cooperation with Konrad Adenauer Foundation
Turkmenistan's Majlis hosted a meeting between parliamentary representatives and André Algermissen, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's regional representative for Central Asia. As reported by THP, the discussions centered on Turkmenistan's key environmental policy priorities, including ecological protection, environmental security, and international partnership. The Turkmen … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan launches rollout of Third Voluntary National Review on SDGs
A round table dedicated to the preparation of Turkmenistan’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was held today at the United Nations Building in Ashgabat, bringing together government representatives, UN entities, and civil society organizations. The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs … [Read more...]
SCO at 25: Expanding beyond security into sustainable development
Chen Ziqi, Reporter at CGTN The official emblem of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on display in Qingdao, China, May 12, 2020. [Photo: VCG] 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). As one of the world's largest regional bodies, the SCO spans countries across much of Eurasia, representing nearly half of the global population … [Read more...]
UNDP and Government of Turkmenistan Sign Co-Financing Framework Agreement under the 2026–2030 Country Programme for 2026–2030
Ashgabat, 3 June 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Turkmenistan today signed a Co-Financing Framework Agreement, marking a significant milestone in their long-standing partnership and creating a strategic foundation for jointly financing development initiatives under the new UNDP Country Programme for 2026–2030. Building … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and UN partners convene “Hard Talk” on strengthening SDG financing
Ashgabat, 2 June 2026 — A high-level expert dialogue in the “Hard Talk” format was held today in Ashgabat, focusing on strengthening Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) financing through improved public finance systems and integrated financing approaches. The event was jointly organized with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Finance and Economy of … [Read more...]
Neutrality in Action: How Turkmenistan is Positioning Peace as the Central Imperative of the Emerging World Order
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova At a moment when the international system is visibly straining under the weight of wars, geopolitical fragmentation, economic coercion, and institutional fatigue, the voice coming from Turkmenistan at the United Nations this week carried unusual clarity and strategic coherence. The participation of Rashid Meredov in the … [Read more...]
Advancing Peace, Trust, and Sustainable Development: The UN–Turkmenistan Partnership in 2025
By Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan As the year 2025 comes to a close, I would like to stick to a tradition of drawing conclusions to the joint cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN system in the country. As always, the partnership has remained strong and mutually reinforcing. Throughout 2025, the United Nations Country Team in … [Read more...]
Building a world of common prosperity through win-win cooperation
CGTN podcast “China is always a builder of world peace, contributor to global development, defender of the international order, and provider of public goods. China will continue to bring the world new opportunities through its new development.” China will bring the world new opportunities through its new development; this was the solemn commitment to the world from … [Read more...]
The Untapped Tech Talent of Central Asia’s Steppes
Tariq Saeedi Every morning across rural Central Asia, a teenager might wake before dawn to track down a wandering camel across miles of steppe, calculate which sections of cropland can be irrigated with the day's limited water supply, or improvise a repair on broken farm machinery using whatever materials are at hand. These aren't the activities we typically associate … [Read more...]
Can green development really bring us together?
About the author: Niu Honglin is a producer and host with CGTN. She is also one of the editors of Stories of Xi Jinping. This article comes from a podcast series I’ve been working on that looks at global governance through a simple but demanding idea: a shared future for humanity. Each episode focuses on one dimension of that question — security, development, cultural … [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...]
International Forum in Awaza: Women – the Key Link in Sustainable Development and International Cooperation
Elvira Kadyrova, Raviliya Kadyrova, Liliya Zhirnova On 11 December 2025, in the National Tourist Zone of Awaza of Turkmenistan, the International Conference "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation for Sustainable Development" took place. The conference was organized jointly with the United Nations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the … [Read more...]
Women, Diplomacy, and Neutrality: Turkmenistan Hosts International Conference
Elvira Kadyrova at Awaza, Liliya Zhirnova in Ashgabat AVAZA, Turkmenistan — Against the backdrop of the Caspian Sea's turquoise waters, the resort town of Avaza is hosting an international conference that brings together government ministers, foundation leaders, and civil society representatives from across continents. The two-day gathering, focused on "The Role of Women … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality: A Strategic Path to Sustainable Development
Tariq Saeedi As Turkmenistan prepares to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality with an international conference in Ashgabat on 12 December 2025, the world has an opportunity to reassess this unique status not as a passive stance, but as an active strategic choice that creates tangible benefits for humanity and the planet. Far from being a retreat … [Read more...]
UN and Government of Turkmenistan Advance Joint Programmes for Sustainable Development
Ashgabat, 13 November 2025 – The United Nations in Turkmenistan and the Government of Turkmenistan convened a meeting of the Interdepartmental Coordination Commission to discuss and align efforts on joint programmes that will support the country’s national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting, chaired by Mammetguly Astanagulov, Minister … [Read more...]
From Türkiye to Turkmenistan: Sharing Best Practices for Child Rights
31 October 2025, Ashgabat – The Ombudsman’s Office of Turkmenistan, in partnership with UNICEF, hosted a week-long capacity development training to advance its efforts for promoting and protecting children’s rights. The training sessions, held from 26 to 30 October 2025, focused on enhancing practical approaches in child-sensitive case management, complaint handling, and … [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...]
Central Asia: The Quiet Powerhouse Shaping a Stable Future at UNGA
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova As the world gathers for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, there's a palpable sense that this meeting carries more weight than many in recent memory. With the theme "Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights," it arrives at a time when global cooperation … [Read more...]
TIF 2025 Final Day Opens with Focus on Digital Transformation and Trade
Awaza, 19 September 2025 – The final day of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025) began today with sessions focused on modernizing the nation's economy through technology and strengthening its position in global trade. The day's agenda opened with "Session 5: Digital and Green Transformations in the Interest of Sustainable Development". Moderated by the Head of the … [Read more...]
TIF 2025: On the Path to Green Energy – Turkmenistan to Convert Four Power Plants to Combined-Cycle Operation
Elvira Kadyrova Awaza, 19 September 2025 – Deputy Minister of Energy of Turkmenistan, Serdar Saparov, addressed a session at the "Investment Forum of Turkmenistan" titled "Digital and Green Transformations for Sustainable Development Interests," highlighting the sector's pivotal role in the country's sustainable growth. Dynamic Sector Growth: From Reliable Supply to … [Read more...]
TIF-2025: Where Vision Meets Investment in a Connected World
Tariq Saeedi in Karachi, Elvira Kadyrova and Raviliya Kadyrova at Awaza As we stand here at the pristine shores of Awaza, watching the Caspian Sea stretch toward the horizon, it's impossible not to feel that something significant is unfolding. The Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2025, taking place on September 18-19, isn't just another business gathering where suits … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and UNDP Collaborate on Financing Tools to Achieve the SDGs
Ashgabat, 17 September 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, conducted a two-day training on Financing for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The training took place on September 16–17, 2025, in Ashgabat and brought together representatives from relevant … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Showcases Sustainable Development Achievements at Almaty Forum
From 3 to 5 September 2025, the Ninth Multilateral Forum of North and Central Asia on the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the preparation of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event was organized by the Sub-Regional Office of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), as … [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...]
Awaza: World Celebrates First International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries
Elvira Kadyrova and Ravilya Kadyrova, Awaza, Turkmenistan On 6 August 2025, the global community marks the first International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries, established by the United Nations General Assembly resolution on July 25, 2025. This day represents a significant milestone, aimed at highlighting … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the first plenary session of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries
Your Excellencies: Dear Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, Dear Chairman of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Philemon Yang, Dear President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, Lok Bahadur Thapa, Dear Heads of State, Governments, international organizations, heads and members of delegations! Ladies and … [Read more...]
Moscow to Host International Youth Forum “Generation of Unity”
On September 19, Moscow—the capital of the Russian Federation—will serve as the venue for the International Youth Forum "Generation of Unity," held as part of the World Public Summit. The forum is expected to welcome young leaders, public figures, entrepreneurs, volunteers, students, and representatives of youth organizations from over 15 countries. The event aims to … [Read more...]
“Geography Does Not Determine Destiny”: President of Kazakhstan on the Potential of Landlocked Developing Countries
On 5 August 2025, speaking at the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Awaza, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the initiative to convene the conference and expressed gratitude to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his commitment to addressing the challenges and realizing the opportunities … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon highlights priorities for Landlocked Countries at UN Conference
President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon spoke at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held in Awaza. In his speech, Emomali Rahmon emphasized the critical importance of the conference for assessing the outcomes of the Vienna Programme of Action for 2014–2024 and defining new priorities for the upcoming period. He … [Read more...]
Belarus and Turkmenistan Exchange Expertise on Sustainable Development Goals implementation
On 3 June 2025, a meeting took place in Minsk between a Turkmen delegation and Belarusian officials as part of a cooperative initiative with the United Nations Development Program. The visit aimed to study Belarus' experience in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the Ministry of Economy of Belarus. The Turkmen delegation, comprising … [Read more...]
UNECE and ESCAP Convene Regional Stakeholder Consultations on Energy Connectivity in Central Asia
As part of the joint Programme on Energy Connectivity in Central Asia and the Caucasus, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) hosted regional stakeholder consultations in Astana, Kazakhstan, to explore pathways for financing enhanced energy connectivity in Central … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Defines National Steps for Adapting to Cryosphere Changes
A national workshop was held in Ashgabat on 12–13 May 2025 as part of the GEF–UNDP–UNESCO project “Strengthening the resilience of Central Asian countries by enabling regional cooperation to assess glacio-nival systems to develop integrated methods for sustainable development and adaptation to climate change.” The workshop aimed to translate regional priorities into concrete … [Read more...]
Central Asia Conference on Climate Change
The Central Asian Conference on Climate Change began on May 13, 2025, at the Yyldyz Hotel in Turkmenistan's capital. Organized by Turkmenistan's Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC), the event brought together scientists, experts, and UN representatives from Central Asian countries. Key highlights: - The … [Read more...]
A meeting with the delegation of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
On May 6, 2025, a meeting was held between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Mahri Bashimova and members of the assessment mission, consisting of international experts from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The main topic of the negotiations was the expansion of bilateral cooperation within the framework of the current Memorandum … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy sources in electricity production to 40% by 2030
Boriy Alikhanov and Narimon Umarov, deputies of the Legislative Chamber Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Today, many countries are radically revising their policies in the transition from the traditional model, in which environmental protection is considered a burden on the economy, to an engine of sustainable environmental development - a green … [Read more...]
UNDP and the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan Host the Second Coordination Meeting of the Development Partners Sustainable Economy and Finance Group
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan jointly convened the Second Coordination Meeting of the Sustainable Economy and Finance (SEF) Working Group on 20 March 2025. The participants of the meeting, representing the Government of Turkmenistan and the country's diplomatic community, were informed about the current and planned … [Read more...]
UN General Assembly Establishes Regional Centre for Sustainable Development in Almaty
In a landmark decision underscoring global commitment to sustainable development, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution to establish the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan. The resolution, spearheaded by Kazakhstan on behalf of Central Asian states, garnered support from 152 UN member … [Read more...]