Turkmenistan will organize a national pavilion at the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), which will take place from November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Türkiye. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection Nury Jumashov during a high-level UN round table held within the framework of the CIET-2026 exhibition and conference in Ashgabat.

According to him, the pavilion will host thematic events dedicated to national and regional environmental initiatives. Plans also include presenting the country’s key climate-related documents: the Fourth National Communication, the Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC-3), and the Biennial Transparency Report. Special attention will be given to the involvement of youth in the development and implementation of climate solutions.

Jumashov noted that sustainable urban development is a key priority of Turkmenistan’s state policy. A modern city, he emphasized, must ensure high air quality, the rational use of water and energy resources, accessible green spaces, effective waste management, and infrastructure that is resilient to climatic and natural factors.

The Deputy Minister noted that the foundation of the country’s environmental policy consists of the laws "On Renewable Energy Sources" and "On Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation," the National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Energy up to 2030, the National Forest Program, and the National Strategy on Climate Change. Turkmenistan is a party to the Paris Agreement and has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

According to Jumashov, millions of saplings are planted annually as part of the National Forest Program. This helps improve the urban microclimate, protect the soil, and mitigate the impact of dust storms. The plant species used are those adapted to arid conditions. In cities, he added, green zones, forest parks, and protective plantings are being established, all of which are considered part of the ecological infrastructure.

He spoke about the project "Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated Green Urban Development in Ashgabat and Awaza," which was implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. Within the framework of this initiative, electrical networks were upgraded, modern power transformers and energy-efficient LED lighting were installed, and environmental monitoring capabilities were strengthened. The Ministry, for instance, conducts regular—including daily—observations of atmospheric air quality and collects samples of water, air, and soil, with a particular focus on assessing the impact of transport and industry.

As an example of modern urban development, the Deputy Minister cited the city of Arkadag—the country’s first smart city—which incorporates considerations for energy efficiency, landscaping, and the rational use of resources.

Furthermore, as Jumashov stated, Turkmenistan is consistently implementing initiatives to establish a Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia and a Regional Center for Combating Desertification. They should serve as a platform for countries in the region to develop their scientific and technical capacity, access climate finance, prepare projects, and share experience.

"A sustainable city is the result of comprehensive and consistent work in which environmental requirements, modern technologies, and the interests of the population are treated as an integrated whole," the deputy minister stated.

The International Exhibition and Conference "Development of the Construction, Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Sectors of Turkmenistan" (CIET-2026) is taking place in Ashgabat from November 3 to 5. The forum has brought together over 800 delegates from 60 countries. The event is timed to coincide with the Day of Workers of the Construction and Industrial Complex of Turkmenistan.