Ashgabat, January 20 | ORIENT. The Turkmen capital is hosting the Week of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). In his address to the participants of the SPECA Economic Forum, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan, as the Programme's chair, views the region not simply as a geographical zone, but as a unified, innovative, and high-tech market.

Analyzing the President's address, key areas can be identified that will be the main topics of discussion in the capital:

Caspian Connectivity: Turkmenistan prioritizes "external energy connectivity." This means transforming the Caspian region into a major energy hub, feeding Eurasian markets.

Digital and Green Growth: Including e-commerce and clean technology projects on the SPECA agenda. Ashgabat proposes that member countries create a common market for innovation and investment.

Transport Diplomacy: Building on six UN resolutions adopted on Turkmenistan's initiative, the country proposes moving toward "concrete joint steps" to create reliable infrastructure in the context of a changing global economy.

Water and Energy Balance: Particular attention will be paid to the work of the SPECA task force on water and the environment—an issue of critical importance for all of Central Asia.

Concept 2030: The Forum should become the launching platform for the long-term development strategy of the Program for the next decade.

"The Economic Forum will confirm that Turkmenistan is actively promoting the transformation of SPECA into a broad platform for peace, trust, and cooperation," the head of state emphasized in his address.

SPECA Week Events

This key event of the year for the region brings together diplomats, economists, and world-class experts to shape a new cooperation architecture through 2030. The program of events at the Yildiz Hotel covers all vital areas of the region's economy:

Tuesday, January 20 — Expert Day

— Working group meetings on two key tracks:

Water and energy resources, ecology

Sustainable transport, transit, and connectivity.

Wednesday, January 21 — Start of the Economic Forum

— Opening and session of the SPECA Economic Forum. The main discussion panel of the year.

Thursday, January 22 — Strategy Day

— Continuation of the Forum: Discussion of the 2030 Development Concept.

— Meeting of Economists: Dialogue between the Permanent Coordination Missions of the UN and SPECA Member States.

Friday, January 23 — Investments and Leadership

— 20th Session on Leadership Development.

— 3rd Meeting of the Steering Committee of the SPECA Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MTF). This meeting will address funding issues for future projects.

SPECA Week in Ashgabat is more than just a series of meetings. It's a transition from discussions to concrete financial instruments. The Fund's Steering Committee meeting on Friday will determine which of Ashgabat's initiatives will receive real financial support in the coming years.