Turkmenistan at the 82nd session of ESCAP: priorities of regional integration and climate resilience

Within the framework of the ongoing 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, the delegation of Turkmenistan actively participated in key thematic discussions, presenting the national vision for developing regional partnership and addressing modern challenges.

One of the important events held on the margins of the session was the ministerial meeting of the participating countries of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), which resulted in the adoption of a Joint Statement. During the ministerial meeting of the SPECA participating countries, special attention was paid to the institutional mechanism of the “Concept for the Development of SPECA with the Definition of Goals and Objectives for the Further Development of Economic Partnership within the Programme until 2030.”

The head of the Turkmen delegation emphasized that systematic work on the implementation of the SPECA Work Plan for 2024-2025 had laid a solid foundation for moving toward the practical implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects. During the discussions, it was noted that the development of multimodal transport connectivity, the simplification of trade procedures, and the introduction of advanced digital solutions are of fundamental importance for increasing the investment attractiveness of the SPECA region.

Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness for active cooperation in implementing projects financed through the SPECA Multi-Partner Trust Fund, which will make it possible to effectively use the existing economic potential and stimulate inclusive growth among the participating countries. It was also noted during the ministerial meeting of the SPECA participating countries that significant work in this area had been carried out in 2025 under the chair of Turkmenistan.

Speaking at the 82nd session of ESCAP, the head of the delegation of Turkmenistan placed special emphasis on the initiatives of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov aimed at strengthening the climate resilience of the region. A central element of the statement was the promotion of global initiatives aimed at combating climate change and land degradation. Emphasizing that environmental security is a fundamental basis for sustainable development; the representative of Turkmenistan substantiated the need to consolidate the efforts of Central Asian countries in this area.

The key proposal of the Turkmen side was the presentation of the initiative of the Government of Turkmenistan to establish a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia as a specialized institution of ESCAP. The implementation of this project is intended to consolidate regional potential in environmental protection and become a significant contribution of the region to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Active participation in these discussions once again confirmed Turkmenistan’s status as a responsible partner and its proactive position aimed at forming a sustainable infrastructure of cooperation capable of effectively responding to modern challenges and ensuring the well-being of future generations, as well as promoting inclusive development based on the norms of international law and the central role of the United Nations.

Following the results of the 82nd session of ESCAP, a decision was adopted to hold the 83rd session of the Commission in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, from 26 to 30 April 2027.