The 82nd session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has concluded in Bangkok. On the sidelines of the forum, the delegation of Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy Perhat Yagshiyev, presented the country’s national vision for regional development placing particular emphasis on transport connectivity, digitalization, and climate security.

A key proposal put forward by the Turkmen delegation at the 82nd session was the advancement of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s initiative to establish a Regional Center for Combating Desertification in Ashgabat. This project is envisioned as a specialized ESCAP institution serving the countries of Central Asia.

The implementation of this initiative aims to consolidate regional capacity in the sphere of environmental protection and to serve as a significant contribution to the global UN 2030 Agenda.

At the conclusion of the session, it was announced that the next—the 83rd—session of ESCAP would be held in April 2027 in Shanghai (PRC).

One of the highlights of the session was a ministerial meeting of the member states of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). Following the meeting, a "Joint Statement" was adopted, enshrining the Program’s Development Concept through 2030.

Turkmenistan, which held the SPECA chairmanship in 2025, reaffirmed its readiness to implement large-scale infrastructure projects through the Program’s Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Particular emphasis was placed on multimodal transport corridors and the simplification of trade procedures—measures expected to significantly enhance the region's investment attractiveness.

A key highlight of the visit was the meeting between the head of the Turkmen delegation and the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. The parties noted the constructive nature of their engagement, specifically highlighting the successful preparation of Turkmenistan’s Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) regarding the Sustainable Development Goals. Ms. Alisjahbana confirmed that the Commission would continue to provide analytical support for the preparation of the third review, scheduled for 2027.

The head of ESCAP highly commended Turkmenistan’s active engagement on the international stage, recalling her visit to Ashgabat in December 2025, which gave fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation.