This campaign highlights the interconnectedness of peace, sustainable development, human rights, and security, while emphasising the importance of preventive diplomacy, multilateralism, and inclusive dialogue to address global challenges and foster a culture of peace.
At the forefront of this initiative is Turkmenistan, which has played a pivotal role in championing the cause of peace and trust on the global stage.
The year 2025 marks two significant anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s recognition as a permanently neutral state and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. These milestones serve as a backdrop for Turkmenistan’s comprehensive agenda, which aims to foster a global culture of trust and cooperation. The initiative is not merely symbolic but is designed to inspire practical steps toward conflict prevention, sustainable development, and humanitarian progress.
Since being recognised as a neutral state in 1995, Turkmenistan has consistently promoted its status as a framework for conflict resolution and diplomacy.
This neutrality has been instrumental in fostering regional stability, particularly in Central Asia, and serves as a model for integrating neutrality into global peace initiatives. For example, Turkmenistan has proposed granting neutral states priority roles in the United Nations’ peacekeeping efforts, a move that underscores its belief in the effectiveness of neutrality as a tool for building trust and preventing conflicts.
Turkmenistan has outlined a comprehensive agenda for the International Year of Peace and Trust, focusing on both regional and global challenges. A proposed Global Security Strategy addresses modern security threats across political, economic, environmental, and technological dimensions. Building on the work of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia, based in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan advocates for preventive diplomacy as a cornerstone of global security.
Another element of Turkmenistan’s approach is its commitment to humanitarian issues. Through its National Action Plan to Eradicate Statelessness (2019–2024), the country has resolved all known cases of statelessness within its borders, making it the second global leader in this area. Additionally, Turkmenistan provides vital humanitarian aid to neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan, through infrastructure projects and essential supplies.
As a Caspian littoral state, Turkmenistan emphasises the importance of collaboration among regional nations to address shared challenges, including environmental protection and economic development. A meeting of foreign ministers from these states, proposed by Turkmenistan, aims to strengthen regional security and cooperation.
Furthermore, Turkmenistan has introduced several initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include a Global Framework Program for the Transition to a Circular Economy, aimed at minimising waste and optimising resource use; a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity, designed to improve international trade and logistics systems; and an Alliance for Cooperation in Global Energy Security and Sustainability, which seeks to ensure equitable access to energy resources.
Turkmenistan’s collaboration with the United Nations contributes to the broader success of the International Year of Peace and Trust, which involves the collective efforts of all Member States.
High-level engagements, such as a recent phone conversation between Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, have reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing peace and sustainable development. The partnership is further supported by the Strategic Consultative Council “Turkmenistan–UN,” which facilitates cooperative efforts in areas such as energy, transport, and the environment.
The International Year of Peace and Trust will feature a range of events, including international forums, thematic conferences, and cultural and educational initiatives. The year will culminate in a high-level international forum in December 2025, coinciding with Turkmenistan’s 30th anniversary of neutrality. This gathering will provide a platform for heads of state, international organisations, and civil society to reflect on the year’s achievements and chart a course for future collaboration.
While the initiative represents a significant opportunity to unite the international community, its success depends on the collective will of nations to prioritise dialogue and cooperation over division. The International Year of Peace and Trust serves as a reminder that trust is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical foundation for addressing shared challenges and building a sustainable future.
By leveraging its unique position as a neutral state and its extensive experience in fostering regional stability, Turkmenistan aims to inspire global action and demonstrate the transformative power of peace and trust. As we progress through 2025, the world continues to look to this initiative as a beacon of hope in a time of uncertainty.
