The opening ceremony of the High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy, organized by the Government of Turkmenistan jointly with the World Health Organization (WHO), was held yesterday at the “Yyldyz” hotel.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the event featured speeches by leaders and representatives of government agencies from Turkmenistan, the UN, the WHO, as well as relevant agencies from Central Asian countries and Armenia.

The forum focused on collective security, healthcare development, experience sharing, and the training of medical specialists.

Participants of the event noted the symbolic significance of holding the regional dialogue in Ashgabat, emphasizing that Turkmenistan consistently supports cooperation between Central Asian countries and active collaboration with the WHO to develop the healthcare system in the region.

The High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy is part of the WHO flagship programme AHEAD (Action for Health through Engagement, Advocacy, and Diplomacy), initiated by Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of Member State officials, WHO representatives, and key partners in health diplomacy.

The forum in Ashgabat will run until February 18, reflecting Turkmenistan's commitment, as host country, to the principles of multilateralism, global health, diplomacy, and international cooperation.

The dialogue takes on particular significance in the context of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS in 2026 and the declaration of that year as the Year of Health, which affirms the country's leadership in promoting the values of health and peace.