Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations in New York, spoke on behalf of the country during the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, held from September 22 to 28 at the organization's headquarters. From the high-level rostrum, he presented Turkmenistan’s peace-oriented initiatives and proposals to the global community.

Below is the text of the statement published on the website of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN in New York, as well as on UN News.

The current international situation demands a high degree of responsibility, political foresight, and a readiness for concerted action from all states. The growing potential for conflict, eroding trust, economic instability, climate risks, and the rapid development of new technologies are becoming increasingly intertwined and directly affecting the security and well-being of peoples.

Under these circumstances, it is particularly important to uphold the shared goals enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, ensure respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, their equality, and non-interference in internal affairs, and strengthen the rule of international law.

Turkmenistan is convinced that the United Nations must continue to serve as the universal and legitimate foundation for international cooperation, and as the primary mechanism for harmonizing interests and formulating solutions regarding peace, security, and sustainable development.

It is from this perspective that our country views the tasks of the 81st session of the General Assembly.

Ensuring international peace and security remains a key focus of Turkmenistan’s activities. Our country’s permanent neutrality—recognized three times by the General Assembly—serves as a practical foundation for promoting political and diplomatic methods, preventive diplomacy, mediation, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

We consider it essential to consistently strengthen a culture of trust and dialogue, and to restore the legal and humanistic substance of international relations.

In this regard, Turkmenistan intends to hold inter-state consultations under the auspices of the United Nations on the preparation of a Strategy for Universal Peace, based on the principles of peace, security, and preventive diplomacy.

To build upon this approach, we propose declaring a United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy. We are convinced that such a Decade would enable a systematic approach to the efforts of states aimed at preventing conflicts, building trust, and establishing sustainable channels of political communication.

Turkmenistan will also put forward an initiative to establish, within the framework of the UN, a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States. Its activities could help safeguard the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, strengthen dialogue based on equality, and prevent the emergence of dividing lines in international cooperation.

We attach particular importance to supporting the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, headquartered in Ashgabat. The year 2027 will mark the 20th anniversary of its establishment. We view this date as a unique opportunity to take stock of the Center’s activities and outline new avenues for practical support of peace, stability, and cooperation in Central Asia.

To this end, during the current session, Turkmenistan will present a new draft General Assembly resolution on the role of the Regional Centre. We expect the document to reaffirm the shared interest in further strengthening its mandate and practical capacity.

Consistently promoting education and scientific cooperation as key pillars of peacebuilding, Turkmenistan will continue its engagement with the UN on the implementation of the initiative to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality. As a practical step, we will proceed—at the initial stage—with consultations on establishing an Academic Center for Peace, Neutrality, and Preventive Diplomacy at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

Digital transformation is becoming a key factor in resilience and development. Artificial intelligence opens up vast opportunities but simultaneously demands responsible international regulation that precludes its use to the detriment of peace, security, and trust.

In this regard, Turkmenistan is initiating the development, under the auspices of the UN, of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. In support of this work, we propose holding an international expert dialogue in Ashgabat on digital trust and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Ensuring peace is inextricably linked to development. For Turkmenistan, one of the priorities in this area is the development of sustainable, safe, and inclusive transport systems.

The proclamation—at Turkmenistan’s initiative—of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) has launched a vital mechanism for systematic work, coordinated by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, aimed at the practical implementation of the adopted Decade Implementation Plan. Under this long-term document, our country will continue its work to create a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity—a comprehensive analytical and information tool for assessing progress, identifying infrastructure gaps, and coordinating international efforts.

During the 81st session, Turkmenistan will actively facilitate the implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (2024–2034) and the Awaza Political Declaration. In this regard, we particularly note Turkmenistan’s election as Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for the 2027–2028 term. We view the trust placed in us as a significant responsibility and an opportunity to work together with the states of the Group to give fresh impetus to the practical implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action in priority areas such as transport and energy connectivity. We proceed from the need to translate the agreements reached into concrete infrastructure, trade, and investment projects.

We propose considering the establishment of an International Center for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation in Turkmenistan under the auspices of the UN. Such a Center could serve as a practical platform for harmonizing procedures, sharing best practices, digitizing transit, and expanding access to global markets for developing countries.

Our country is also putting forward an initiative to establish, under UN auspices, a trans-regional transport corridor connecting South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea.

We are confident that its formation will foster the diversification of routes, strengthen connectivity, boost trade, and promote the economic integration of the regions.

Environmental security, climate change, and the sustainable use of energy resources are integral components of global security.

In this regard, Turkmenistan will continue to pursue a course of intensifying multilateral dialogue by proposing the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue—an open multilateral platform for regular political and expert engagement, the promotion of practical climate initiatives, and the strengthening of international partnerships.

We believe it is essential to pay special attention to the climate resilience of regions facing the severe consequences of drought and water scarcity. This requires coordinated solutions that integrate modern technologies, financing, data sharing, and regional cooperation.

In order to implement the UN General Assembly resolution "The pivotal role of reliable and stable energy connectivity in ensuring sustainable development," Turkmenistan will continue consultations on preparations for the High-Level Forum "Sustainable Energy for All." We view it as an effective platform for developing practical approaches to ensuring a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply.

On the socio-economic track, Turkmenistan will simultaneously continue its active and responsible work as a member of the UN Economic and Social Council for the 2026–2028 term, as well as its constructive participation in the activities of the Council’s subsidiary bodies.

Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the humanitarian dimension of international cooperation. Lasting peace is impossible without the full participation of women and youth, the preservation of human dignity, mutual respect, and equal opportunities.

Our country will continue to implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda by advancing the Women of Central Asia Dialogue, including through expanded cooperation with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and UN Women.

At the same time, we will support the activities of the Central Asia Youth Dialogue and facilitate broader practical participation by young people in international and regional peace initiatives, in accordance with the "Youth, Peace and Security" agenda.

Turkmenistan views the strengthening of international law as a necessary condition for a just and sustainable world order. We welcome the General Assembly’s adoption by consensus of the resolution initiated by our country proclaiming 2028 as the Year of International Law.

Within the framework of the preparations for 2027, we propose holding an international forum in Turkmenistan dedicated to the interrelationship between international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy, and sustainable development. We are convinced that the forum will help strengthen respect for the UN Charter, enhance the role of legal mechanisms, and engage the younger generation in the study and development of international law.

All of Turkmenistan’s initiatives are united by a single goal: strengthening peace and trust, fostering equal cooperation, and creating conditions for a dignified future for current and future generations.

We are ready to work together with all member states, the UN Secretariat, and international partners to implement the outlined proposals in practice.

We are confident that, given political will, mutual respect, and a commitment to dialogue, the international community is capable of overcoming existing differences and achieving real progress toward the goals of the United Nations.

Turkmenistan will continue to steadfastly adhere to the principles of permanent neutrality, good-neighborliness, peacefulness, and constructive cooperation, contributing to the strengthening of the UN’s central role in international affairs.