Today, on the eve of the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Environmental Aspects of the Implementation of Innovative Technologies in the Development of Hydrocarbon Deposits,” a high-level UN round table was held on the topic “Support for the Development of Policy and National Potential for the Transition to Green Energy in Turkmenistan.”

The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the country's sustainable energy future. The moderator was UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko.

The roundtable became an open platform for dialogue between representatives of government agencies, international organizations, academia and young SDG Ambassadors, according to a UN press release.

In his speech, Dmitry Shlapachenko emphasized that the transition to “green” energy is not only an environmental necessity, but also a chance to modernize Turkmenistan’s economy, improve the health of the population and create new jobs.

“This is an investment in a cleaner, more inclusive and sustainable future,” he said.

He also reported that the UN Country Team has mobilized 250 000 USD in seed funding from the SDG Joint Fund to launch the UN Joint Programme on Green Energy Transition in Turkmenistan, focusing on:

• Strengthening the legal and policy framework for renewable energy,
• Reducing emissions, especially methane, in the energy sector,
• Strengthening institutional and technical capacity to effectively manage the transition.

The roundtable participants noted that significant progress is possible only with close cooperation between sectors and with the international community. It was noted that UNECE, UNEP, UNDP, UNOPS, ESCAP, as well as the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the EU and the US Embassy play an important role in promoting Turkmenistan’s climate strategy, mobilizing green finance and introducing new technologies.

Of particular value were the speeches by the young SDG Ambassadors of Turkmenistan, who called for more inclusive climate policy, expanded space for innovation and active participation of civil society, emphasizing the importance of youth as the driving force for a sustainable future.

The event concluded with a common commitment to accelerate Turkmenistan's transition to green energy. This requires joint efforts and sustainable partnerships at the national and international levels.