Esteemed Chairperson!
Distinguished participants!

First and foremost, I would like to thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for the invitation to participate in the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), as well as for the hospitality extended and the high level of organization of this international event.

We consider this forum as an important milestone in strengthening mutual trust regarding climate change issues and in transforming the global climate dialogue into a driving force for world development.

In this regard, I would like to emphasize that Turkmenistan, in line with its National Climate Strategy, remains firmly committed to fulfilling the international obligations arising from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

This commitment is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, and is supported by concrete measures aimed at the widespread adoption of modern, environmentally friendly technologies.

An important aspect of this is the implementation of the Global Methane Pledge. To this end, a comprehensive set of measures has been carried out to modernize the national energy supply system, reduce natural gas losses, and advance the monitoring of emissions.

Turkmenistan attaches great importance to improving the reporting and the transparency of data concerning the condition of the environment. Our country has prepared its Fourth National Communication on Climate Change and has completed work on the latest updated Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) report for Turkmenistan.

We view national efforts to implement the climate agenda as a key component of regional cooperation. The development of Central Asian countries on economic, social, environmental, conservation, water-energy, and other spheres is interlinked. We believe that, under these circumstances, a comprehensive approach will enable the countries of the region to take account of mutual interests in order to effectively address existing challenges.

One significant achievement in this regard has been the establishment of a Regional Center for Climate Change-Related Technologies in Central Asia.

As is known, Turkmenistan proposed the establishment of this Center, initiative that received support from the states of the region and international partners. We are grateful to all stakeholders for their effective and responsible approach to Turkmenistan’s initiative, as well as for their assistance and participation in its implementation.

From the platform of this forum, I would like to note that the Regional Center for Climate Change-Related Technologies in Central Asia will commence its operations at the beginning of 2027. This work will be carried out in close coordination with the United Nations and other international bodies, in accordance with agreed-upon organizational, as well as legal mechanisms and international standards.

Desertification is a critical issue for Central Asia. In this context, Turkmenistan emphasizes the importance of comprehensive, joint action, supported and facilitated by specialized United Nations agencies.

We believe that establishing the necessary cooperation mechanisms specifically within Central Asia will provide an effective path forward. This is also the objective of Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a Regional Center for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. To facilitate the practical implementation of this initiative, Turkmenistan will continue its cooperation with the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and with interested international partners.

Distinguished participants of the meeting!

The hosting of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the National Tourist Zone “Avaza” in August 2025 represented a significant contribution by Turkmenistan to the international sustainable development agenda.

During the forum, the “Avaza Programme of Action for 2024 – 2034” previously endorsed by the United Nations was officially launched. The document places special emphasis on enhancing the resilience of states to the adverse effects of climate change and developing adaptation strategies. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of implementing modern technologies and expanding access to international financial resources.

In its capacity as Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, Turkmenistan considers it essential to ensure the effective implementation of the climate-related component of the Avaza Programme of Action.

To this end, the current Conference includes a thematic session entitled “From Awaza to Antalya: Advancing Climate Action and Implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action by LLDCs”.

Recognizing the importance of consolidating international efforts to address climate-related issues and providing new content to global cooperation in this sphere, Turkmenistan proposes the following initiatives:

First, to consider the possibility of the United Nations declaring the period 2028 – 2037 as the “Decade of Climate Resilience and Adaptation”.

This initiative would enable the international community to focus on addressing specific objectives related to strengthening the climate resilience of states and ensuring the allocation of resources to countries and regions in need.

Secondly, as an open international platform for strengthening cooperation on the climate agenda, we propose establishing a new, inclusive format for engagement: the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue.

We suggest holding the first international meeting under the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, involving interested international partners, in Ashgabat in 2027.

Third, Turkmenistan proposes in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Economic Forum, and other interested international partners – to develop a Digital Atlas of Climate Change and its adverse impacts.

The primary objective of this initiative is to create a comprehensive information and analytical framework for the continuous monitoring of climate change, the assessment of its negative consequences, and the identification of the most effective adaptation measures.

Fourth, Turkmenistan proposes establishing a new multilateral cooperation framework: a global partnership for the provision of climate technologies, aimed at expanding access for developing nations to environmentally friendly modern technologies, innovative developments, and climate finance.

Fifth, with the goal of further refining the international legal framework for environmental protection, Turkmenistan proposes exploring the development of an International Environmental Code under the umbrella of the United Nations.

We believe that such a document would help streamline existing international rules, norms, and standards in areas including environmental protection, combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable use.

Distinguished participants of the meeting!

I would like to underline that Turkmenistan will continue steadily fulfilling the international commitments it has undertaken within the framework of the Paris Agreement and the arrangements reached at global climate forums.

We are ready for concrete and effective cooperation with all interested states and international organizations.

I wish everyone great success!

(Antalya, November 11, 2026)