Turkmenistan Proposes UN Development of a Global Peace Strategy and an AI Diplomacy Code
On September 28, during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Vepa Hajiyev, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, presented a comprehensive program of the country's international initiatives, grounded in the philosophy of trust-based dialogue and neutrality.
Fulfilling this important mission, the diplomat conveyed sincere wishes for peace and prosperity to the forum participants from President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. He also congratulated Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st session of the General Assembly and expressed appreciation to his predecessor, Annalena Baerbock, for her leadership during the previous session.
Assessing the modern geopolitical landscape, the representative of Turkmenistan emphasized that escalating conflict risks, the erosion of mutual trust, economic instability, environmental threats, and the rapid advancement of new technologies are becoming increasingly intertwined factors that directly impact the security and well-being of peoples.
Under these circumstances, the international community is called upon to demonstrate the highest level of responsibility and political foresight, and to strictly adhere to the principles of the UN Charter—including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, the sovereign equality of states, non-interference in internal affairs, and the unwavering rule of international law. Turkmenistan firmly reaffirmed its unwavering belief that the UN must remain the sole universal and legitimate platform for devising solutions in the realms of peace and sustainable development.
Ensuring international security remains a key priority for Ashgabat. Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality—recognized three times by the UN General Assembly—serves as a practical foundation for employing methods of preventive diplomacy, mediation, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. To foster a sustainable culture of dialogue, Turkmenistan is initiating the convening of intergovernmental consultations under UN auspices to develop a Global Strategy for Peace; the logical next step would be the proclamation of a Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy.
In parallel, Turkmenistan has proposed establishing a "Group of Friends of Multilateral Cooperation and Sovereign Equality of States" within the UN framework to uphold the fundamental norms of the UN Charter and prevent new rifts.
Support for the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) holds a special place in Ashgabat’s peace-building agenda. Ahead of the Centre’s 20th anniversary in 2027, Turkmenistan is presenting a draft General Assembly resolution at the current session aimed at evaluating the work accomplished and strengthening the entity's operational capacity.
From a socio-humanitarian and scientific perspective, Ashgabat proposes viewing education as an effective tool for peacebuilding: while continuing work on the establishment of a University of Peace and Neutrality, the country is launching consultations to set up a specialized scientific center under the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
Responding to the global challenges of the digital age, Turkmenistan has submitted a timely initiative to the UN General Assembly: to develop, under UN auspices, an International Code for the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. Noting that the immense potential of AI requires responsible international governance, Turkmen diplomacy has proposed convening an expert-level International Digital Dialogue in Ashgabat focused on digital trust and the responsible application of AI technologies.
In the realm of transport connectivity and geoeconomics, Turkmenistan is building upon the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035)—launched on its initiative—and the Action Plan coordinated by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). As part of this long-term strategic direction, work continues on the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity, an analytical tool for infrastructure monitoring.
As the Chair-elect of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, Turkmenistan aims to ensure the practical implementation of the Avaza Programme of Action (2024–2034) and the Avaza Political Declaration.
To translate these agreements into concrete infrastructure and trade projects, a proposal has been made to establish—under UN auspices—an International Center for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation, as well as to develop an interregional transport corridor (the Middle Corridor) connecting South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The environmental and energy segments of the address featured a proposal to establish the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue—a permanent platform for implementing practical initiatives and transferring technology to regions suffering from drought and water scarcity.
In pursuance of the UN resolution on the pivotal role of reliable energy connectivity, Turkmenistan will initiate consultations to prepare for a High-Level Forum on Sustainable Energy for All. Concurrently, the country intends to play an active and responsible role as a member of ECOSOC for the 2026–2028 term.
The humanitarian aspect of the address covered the implementation of the "Women, Peace and Security" agenda through the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue, the development of the Central Asian Youth Dialogue, and the strengthening of international legal frameworks.
Recalling the resolution adopted on Ashgabat’s initiative to declare 2028 the International Year of Law, Turkmenistan proposed hosting an international forum in its capital in 2027 dedicated to the interrelationship between international law, disarmament, neutrality, and preventive diplomacy.
Reaffirming its readiness for close cooperation with all member states and the UN Secretariat, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative expressed confidence that, given political will and mutual respect, the international community is capable of overcoming any differences for the well-being of future generations.
