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

The publication opens with a speech by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on December 9, 2024. In his address, the head of state summarized activities related to international cooperation and outlined the key vectors of the country’s foreign policy, as well as priority tasks in this direction for 2025.

Special attention was given to the broad celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great son of the Turkmen people Magtymguly Fragi in 2024, both domestically and internationally. Numerous events of international significance were dedicated to this anniversary. Among these, a particularly important event was the International Conference "Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – The Basis of Peace and Development", held in Ashgabat. Additionally, the head of state emphasized large-scale events planned for the upcoming period to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the declaration of 2025 as the "International Year of Peace and Trust"by the UN General Assembly, at Turkmenistan's initiative. 

Readers are also presented with an article titled "Trade Unions of Turkmenistan in the Political System of Society." This article is dedicated to the main goals and objectives of trade unions, their role in progressive democratic and socio-economic transformations initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and consistently implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The publication provides information about the legislative framework for trade union activities and their structure as major public organizations with a long history in Turkmenistan. It is noted that with Turkmenistan's declaration of state independence in 1991 and changes in its political and social system, the socio-political role of trade unions also evolved. This was further influenced by Turkmenistan becoming a full member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and ratifying its fundamental conventions.

Among other materials in this issue is an article titled "Legislative Foundations for Ensuring Information Security." It emphasizes that during the era of Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state under President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's leadership, comprehensive programs and projects are being implemented to modernize and diversify the national economy. Priority is given to digitalization, innovation adoption, and advanced technologies. In this context, the author cites a quote from the book of the head of Turkmenistan "Ýaşlar – Watanyň daýanjy": "Innovation, modern science, nanotechnology, and digital systems are sources of human progress."

The article dedicated to the role of information technology (IT) in Turkmenistan’s socio-economic development notes that digital transformation is one of the key conditions for steady progress in the country today. For this reason, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has identified active IT implementation across various economic sectors and creating secure specialized infrastructure as one of the national strategic priorities for the medium term.

As a vivid example of the successful use of digital technologies in all areas of life, the author highlights the construction of the unique "smart" city Arkadag in the picturesque foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains. This initiative, led by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid special attention to environmental aspects and the implementation of "green" technologies, whose importance in the digital world and society continues to grow.

The publication also notes that digital communications, artificial intelligence and the automation of production processes are rapidly becoming part of daily life. In Turkmenistan, significant attention is being given to forming legal frameworks for digitalization, with legislation in this area being systematically improved. In this context, the author emphasizes concepts such as intellectual property, digital and intellectual law, as well as digital security.

The article dedicated to Turkmenistan's international initiatives as a neutral state in ensuring environmental well-being highlights that careful treatment of nature, preservation, enhancement and rational use of its resources, as well as the adoption of a "green" economy, are priorities of state policy. These principles are an integral part of national legislation and adopted national and sectoral programs. The large-scale work initiated by Hero-Arkadag and now consistently continued under the leadership of Arkadagly Hero Serdar is aimed at addressing these tasks.

As the author notes, by joining dozens of UN conventions on environmental protection, Turkmenistan makes a significant contribution to strengthening international cooperation on important issues directly related to achieving sustainable development. This is evidenced by Turkmenistan's ecological and climate initiatives, which have received support and recognition from the global community.

Readers will also be interested in the article titled "Principles of Patriotic Education in Magtymguly’s Works." The publication notes that the poetic heritage of the great poet and thinker, which embodies the deep-rooted traditions of the Turkmen people, serves as an invaluable resource for educators and those working in education. The noble qualities of human character celebrated in Magtymguly Fragi’s works serve as an exemplary foundation for fostering patriotism and high moral values in younger generations—values passed down by glorious ancestors.

The pages of this issue also feature a publication on the results of two competitions: "Creative Work and Human Rights," organized by the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan together with "Democracy and Law" magazine of the Institute of State, Law and Democracy; and the international scientific competition titled "Opportunities for Transport-Transit Corridors in Reviving the Great Silk Road," announced by the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The results were summarized on December 7, 2024, during a festive forum at the IIR under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dedicated to Turkmenistan’s 29th anniversary of neutrality and International Human Rights Day. The publication also includes information about a newly announced 2025 competition for scientific-practical articles titled "Creative Work and Human Rights."

The latest issue concludes with its traditional "Chronicle" section, which provides an overview of events, forums, meetings, and other activities held within Turkmenistan and abroad throughout 2024.