The next issue of the quarterly scientific and applied journal "Democracy and Law", published by the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan in Turkmen, English and Russian languages, has been published.

The publication highlights the current directions of the state policy of the Motherland, as well as international cooperation in the field of law.

The issue opens with a speech by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on February 7, 2025, dedicated to the results of the work of economic sectors over the past year. As the head of state noted, as a result of the selfless work of our people, great successes were achieved in the year of the "Fount of Reason of Makhtumkuli Fragi", the planned plans were fulfilled, activities on the development and implementation of modern laws continued, and the high pace of economic development was maintained.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underlined that the authority of our neutral state is steadily growing in the international arena, and cooperation with the United Nations is consistently developing. Last year, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a number of resolutions based on Turkmenistan's initiatives. This is a clear confirmation of wide support from the world community put forward by our neutral country of proposals of universal human significance.

As the head of state noted, every year we have a certain motto. This year's motto "International Year of Peace and Trust" is of great importance and inspires us to carry out work aimed at further enhancing the authority of independent neutral Turkmenistan and the prosperity of our homeland. This places a great responsibility on us, and in this regard, we will have to work selflessly to implement the year's motto in practice.

In the speech of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, it is emphasized that a number of international events will be held in our country on the occasion of the declaration of 2025 as the "International Year of Peace and Trust" and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. In this regard, it is necessary to properly prepare for high-level events of special significance and significant dates.

It is also noted that the Program adopted for the current year includes a very large amount of work, and our main goal is the further prosperity and development of our native Homeland. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his firm confidence that together with the people, we will achieve all the new milestones planned for 2025.

The readers are provided with information about the next meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission for Ensuring compliance with Turkmenistan's international obligations in the field of human rights and international humanitarian law, which took place on February 14 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The agenda included a discussion of the results of the work carried out by the Commission for 2024 and identified promising tasks for the current year – the "International Year of Peace and Trust".

During the meeting, it was noted that in demand of reporting period a set of software measures aimed at strengthening statehood, democratization of society, improving the country's legislative base, to the practical implementation of the international obligations of Turkmenistan in the field of human rights and freedoms, interaction with authoritative organizations, primarily with UN structures.

Issues related to the development of cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Representative Office of the European Union in Turkmenistan, the Organization for security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other international organizations, as well as other important topics in the field of human rights and humanitarian law, on which relevant decisions have been taken.

Special attention was paid to the implementation of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development until 2030, the 17 Goals of which Turkmenistan has officially adopted and adapted to national plans and strategies for socio-economic development, including in the field of protection of human rights and legitimate interests.

The publication presents an article by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission of the country for UNESCO Chinar Rustemova “Peace and Trust – the Key to Well-being”, which notes that the Resolution “2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust”, unanimously adopted with the co-authorship of 86 states at the 63rd plenary meeting of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly on the initiative of Turkmenistan, serves as a vivid example of international recognition of the domestic and foreign policy of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at ensuring global peace and sustainable development.

The UN decision has become a practical embodiment of the philosophy of new international relations "Dialogue is a guarantee of peace", initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This document reflects the fundamental goals and principles of the UN Charter, in particular, obligations to resolve disputes by peaceful means and methods, and strengthen trusting relations between states.

The peacekeeping initiative of Turkmenistan is an invitation and an appeal to all States to start joint work, which includes political, ideological and practical aspects of implementing the idea of peace and trust as a fundamental principle of the world order.

As is known,  the International Year of Peace and Trust logically coincides with the 30th anniversary of the global recognition of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In this regard, the Motherland has taken the initiative to give neutral countries the legal status of priority partners of the United Nations in the Organization's peacekeeping efforts.

Turkmenistan counts on the support of neutral, non-aligned countries, all States that share the principles of non-interference and non-participation in conflicts, in combining their potentials, experience and authority to create conditions for the transition to peaceful, political and diplomatic methods of resolving potential and existing conflicts.

Articles submitted to the "Creative Work and Human Rights" contest are published on the pages of the next issue. The Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan, through the magazine "Democracy and Law", annually announces a competition in order to convey to the general public the importance of the constitutional reforms being implemented and the status of permanent neutrality of our country, as well as the triumph of freedoms and rights of citizens reflected in the current laws.

The author of the publication "Environment and Ecology in modern conditions" notes that the issues of nature protection, rational use of its resources and their restoration are a national state task, an important task of the people and the moral duty of every citizen. Today, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale measures are being taken in the country aimed at ensuring environmental well-being, preserving flora and fauna for future generations, enriching their biological diversity, efficient and sustainable use of natural resources, also turning the Turkmen land into a flourishing land.

Competitive articles on legal topics will also attract readers' attention: "The importance of the Ombudsman's work in protecting human and civil rights," "Legislative foundations for the development of a green economy," "Directions for improving legislation on administrative offenses." These materials deal with the regulatory legal acts that applicable in our country, based on the principles of legality, priority, fairness and openness, the improvement of legislation, the introduction of amendments and additions to laws arising from the requirements and conditions of the time.

Currently, the norms of international law are being successfully implemented into national legislation as part of the implementation of State policy. This contributes to ensuring the legal framework for the socio-economic development of the country, as well as to the strict implementation of international obligations and human rights standards.

In the traditional section "Chronicle", the reader is offered an overview of meetings, conferences, seminars and other events held in the country and abroad in January–February of this year, with the participation of representatives of reputable organizations.

The publication completes the procedure for submitting articles on the specified topics and requirements to this journal.