Foresight Diplomacy: What Rashid Meredov Discussed at the Dubai Summit
Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov presented a strategy at the World Government Summit (WGS-2026) in Dubai that experts have already dubbed "foresight diplomacy." In a world accustomed to dealing with the aftermath of crises, Ashgabat proposes building alliances on a foundation of verified data and preventative management.
ORIENT highlighted the key points of this speech.
From Crisis Management to Forecasting: Turkmenistan proposed creating a Multilateral Platform for Preventive Governance – an international structure that would share early warning models to help mitigate risks before they develop into crises and undermine trust between partners.
This represents a new level of mutual accountability between states. "Effective cooperation requires a shift from crisis management to preventive governance... Preventive measures entail significantly lower costs than coordinating actions after problems arise."
The Rule of Law Instead of the Rule of Force: Turkmenistan is promoting, under the auspices of the UN, an initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. The goal is to strengthen and restore respect for existing legal foundations, their comprehensive and indivisible nature.
"We view 2028 and the period leading up to it as an opportunity for a broad dialogue on the role of international law in the context of global transformations, shifting balances of power, and the emergence of new forms of conflict, as well as for strengthening the legal foundations of preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes."
Trust in Data and AI: Meredov stated the need for universal principles of data reliability. In the age of AI and fake news, Turkmenistan advocates for a system of "data verification" in political decision-making. This is a response to the challenges of the digital age, where leadership is determined not by dominance but by the ability to foresee.
"Such principles could help strengthen trust between partners, ensure consistency in decisions, and enhance state responsibility for the use of digital tools, including artificial intelligence."
Transport Atlas and the Environment: The Minister recalled the success of Turkmenistan's initiative—the UN's announcement, on Turkmenistan's initiative, of the Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035), with the establishment of the Sustainable Transport Atlas as a roadmap and monitoring tool for achieving the decade's objectives.
The Sustainable Transport Atlas project will serve as a monitoring tool that will link logistics and the environment into a single digital map. "This experience demonstrates that cooperation based on trust, inclusiveness, and clear goals can yield tangible global results."
The speech in Dubai demonstrates the transformation of Turkmenistan's image. We are no longer simply an "energy power." We are a country that offers intellectual solutions for global governance. The initiative to declare 2028 the "Year of International Law" is an attempt to return the world to clear rules of the game.
"In the 21st century, leadership and alliances are determined not by the ability to dominate, but by the ability to foresee, build trust, and ensure compliance with shared rules."
