Today, a conference dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of United Nations was held at the Institute of international relations of the Ministry of foreign affairs of Turkmenistan. It was attended by the heads of the MFA, the Ministry of finance and economy, the Ministry of health and medical industry, and the Ministry of education, as well as the heads of UN missions accredited in our country, as well as faculty and students from higher education institutions.

    In the institute foyer, forum participants viewed exhibits dedicated to the national values of our people and areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN. Songs and musical performances added a vibrant touch to the event.

    The audience listened with deep attention to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's congratulatory address to the conference participants dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Organisation of United Nations. As the head of Turkmenistan noted: «In the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the Powerful state, we consistently pursue a policy of neutrality based on the principles of goodwill, good neighbourliness, mutual respect, equality, and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries of the world. The adoption by the UN General Assembly, at Turkmenistan's initiative, of a number of important resolutions on peace, security, and sustainable development contributes to the expansion of cooperation and further strengthening the authority of our neutral country on the global stage».

    As is well known, the UN Charter, an authoritative international organization uniting all independent states on the planet, entered into force on the 24th of October in 1945. Since then, this date has been celebrated as the founding day of the Organisation of United Nations, created to ensure peace and security throughout the world and to develop and strengthen interstate partnerships. The goals set forth in the UN Charter are primarily aimed at uniting the efforts of the international community in preventing and combating threats to humanity, peacefully resolving emerging conflicts, and further strengthening friendly, benevolent, and equal relations among peoples.

    Today, 193 countries are members of the Organisation of United Nations. Since gaining state sovereignty, Turkmenistan has made cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies a priority of its foreign policy. Since the 2nd of March of 1992, our independent, neutral country has been a member of the UN, with which it actively cooperates.

    The main organs of the Organisation of United Nations are the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. Specialised UN agencies include the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and others.

    On the 12th of December in 1995, Turkmenistan became the first neutral state recognised by the Organisation of United Nations. Today, this date is widely celebrated globally as International Neutrality Day. Thanks to the visionary initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero Arkadag, and the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, our country's cooperation with this major international organisation has consistently developed on a strategic basis. Over the past years, the evolution of Turkmen neutrality has proven its alignment with the fundamental values and goals of the UN and has been recognised as a common asset of the global community. International initiatives put forward by Turkmenistan, with the unanimous support of countries around the world, are regularly enshrined in special resolutions of the UN General Assembly, a fact emphasised in the speeches of conference participants.

    As emphasised, this year the international community celebrates two significant dates: the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of United Nations and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's legal status of permanent neutrality. In this regard, the speakers extended their heartfelt congratulations to everyone. In honour of these anniversaries, at the initiative of our country, this year has been declared the «International year of peace and trust». At the beginning of the year, in order to widely celebrate these events and further coordinate our country's and the UN's efforts in the international arena to maintain global peace, promote sustainable development, and strengthen friendly and fraternal relations, the Concept of Turkmenistan's Activities and Priorities within the Framework of the International year of peace and trust was adopted. It is noteworthy that this anniversary year, Turkmenistan's legal status of permanent neutrality was recognised for the third time. This was further confirmation of the international community's universal support for the country's neutrality, recognising it as an effective tool for strengthening global peace and security.

    In August, the Third UN Conference on landlocked developing countries was held at a high level in the «Avaza» National tourist zone. Delegations from 104 countries and 46 international organisations participated. Following its conclusion, the Avaza political declaration was adopted. This document, which also recognises the results of the Vienna programme of action for 2014–2024, defines a new strategic agenda for 2024–2034, identifies specific areas for joint efforts, and emphasises the importance of international cooperation in addressing the structural challenges facing LLDCs. The significant international significance of the Avaza political declaration is clearly demonstrated by the recent adoption of a special Resolution by the UN General Assembly.

    Furthermore, during the Third UN Conference on LLDCs, on the 6th of August was declared the International day of awareness of the special needs and challenges of landlocked developing countries. All of this clearly demonstrates that the large-scale Forum held in Avaza was filled with important historical events. The corresponding Resolution adopted by the Organisation of United Nations General Assembly calls on all UN member states and observers, UN system organisations, and other international and regional organisations to observe this International day together with other stakeholders, civil society, non-governmental and financial entities, the private sector, and local authorities by holding events aimed at raising awareness of existing problems.

    The year's highlight will be a major international forum scheduled for the 12th of December, dedicated to the International year of peace and trust, International neutrality day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. Our country is preparing for it at a high organisational level.

    As is known, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, speaking at the plenary session of the 80th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly, put forward new initiatives. This once again demonstrated our country's unwavering commitment to the universal values enshrined in the UN Charter and to multilateral cooperation with the Community of Nations.

    Conference participants emphasised the significant international significance of the initiatives announced by the head of state. These include the inclusion of a separate agenda item entitled «Neutrality for peace and security» in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly; holding a World summit on a culture of peace and trust; the International Forum «Central Asia – a space of peaceful coexistence»; and the Caspian environmental forum; the proclamation of the UN decade of sustainable transport for 2026–2035; International mediation day; and the International day of multilingual diplomacy; declaring 2028 the Year of international law; and other proposals.

    For many years, UN specialised agencies and representative offices have served as long-term strategic partners in implementing our country's socioeconomic development programs. To intensify and coordinate joint activities, the «Turkmenistan–United Nations» Strategic advisory council was established in March 2024 with the assistance of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

    Conference participants also discussed in detail the projects being implemented by our country jointly with relevant UN agencies. Mutual interest in their implementation provides a powerful incentive for successfully achieving the objectives set forth in the context of further strengthening long-term cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Organisation of United Nations. UN representative offices in our country make a significant contribution to the development of this collaboration.

    As noted by Dmitriy Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, the UN-Turkmenistan Sustainable development cooperation framework for 2026–2030 reaffirms the commitment of parties to a strategic partnership to implement national development priorities and the SDGs. This Framework enshrines a shared aspiration to create a future that provides equal opportunities and takes into account the interests of every person. It was also noted that achievements in implementing the Framework, which covers 2021–2025, will be published as methodological guidelines. In honour of this significant date—the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN—Turkmenistan plans to organise various events, including a photo exhibition, a symphony concert, and competitions aimed at promoting peace, unity, and a healthy lifestyle among the population.

    As noted, Turkmenistan and the UN have a rich history of cooperation in various fields, from healthcare and education to digitalisation of public administration and environmental sustainability. In this regard, the UN Cooperation Framework serves as the primary tool for aligning national interests with the Global Agenda – the Sustainable development goals – and the programs of UN specialised agencies.

    Over the past period, Turkmenistan has put forward a number of initiatives to achieve the SDGs. In this context, it was emphasised that careful environmental conservation is a key criterion for the large-scale socioeconomic reforms launched in the country. Our country is successfully implementing a national environmental strategy. In this area, Turkmenistan actively and effectively cooperates with major international organisations, primarily the UN. Particularly noteworthy is its collaboration with the UN development programme in areas such as the transition to a circular economy and social protection.

    UNDP resident representative in Turkmenistan Narine Saakyan noted that the UN development programme is key partner of our country in strengthening trade, economic growth, and regional connectivity through digital transformation. The new UNDP country programme aims to promote the continued active use of innovation and technology to create more efficient and responsible institutions and equal opportunities for people.

    Cooperation with the UN in the field of healthcare is developing dynamically in areas such as primary health care, immunisation, non-communicable disease prevention, maternal and child health, digitalisation of this sector, and improved emergency preparedness.

    Extensive work is underway to protect human health, the highest value for society and the state, to prevent and eradicate diseases, and to develop a healthcare system and medical industry that meets international standards. This comprehensive work is supported by a close partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative Office in Turkmenistan.

    As Yegor Zaytsev, Head of the WHO Representative Office, noted: «Health is not simply the absence of disease; it is the foundation of sustainable development, prosperity, and peace. When people have access to quality healthcare, the entire economy, society, and state become stronger». It was also emphasised that the Avaza political declaration's priorities of sustainable development, health, and strengthening regional cooperation fully align with national goals of Turkmenistan.

    Close international ties between Turkmenistan's healthcare institutions and their active participation in the implementation of global, regional, and country strategies and programs are an integral component of the «Saglyk» state program. In this crucial work, our reliable and long-term partners include UNDP, UNICEF, and the United Nations population fund. In this context, the conference particularly emphasised Turkmenistan's commitment to further developing international cooperation in the field of public health and well-being.

    Science and education are among the priority areas of cooperation with the UN. As is well known, our country was unanimously elected to the Executive Board of the UN Children's Fund for the period 2024–2026, demonstrating the effectiveness of our long-standing cooperation with UNICEF. Key aspects of the bilateral partnership include objectives related to health, nutrition, early childhood development, social protection, and access to high-quality inclusive education. Turkmenistan is consistently improving the relevant legal framework. In this regard, systematic collaboration with UNICEF within the framework of the National action plan for the Implementation of Children's Rights in Turkmenistan for 2023–2028 is noteworthy.

    The conference provided a detailed overview of the joint work accomplished and prospects for further cooperation. In this regard, confidence was expressed in the consistent advancement of a fruitful partnership in its relevant areas in the context of the implementation of the 2030 agenda. The presentations also emphasised the objectives outlined in the 2026–2030 cooperation Framework.

    The conference participants expressed their sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag, for their constant attention to the development of constructive interaction with authoritative international organisations.

    During the forum, a Framework program for cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2026–2030 was signed.

    The conference participants adopted an Address to the name of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.