Ashgabat Hosts International Conference on Peace, Sustainable Development and Migration in Central Asia
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: An international conference on Peace, Sustainable Development, and Migration convened in Ashgabat on June 12, 2025, bringing together government officials, experts, and representatives of international organizations from Central Asia and neighboring regions. The event was held within the framework of the UN Resolution declaring the International Year of Peace and Trust, an initiative strongly supported by Turkmenistan.
The hybrid-format forum, initiated by Turkmenistan, emphasized the pivotal role of trust in fostering regional and global cooperation, particularly in the context of migration management and sustainable development. Participating countries included Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with additional contributions from experts and officials from Azerbaijan, Iran, the Russian Federation, and Turkey—nations with advanced practices in migration governance.
In opening remarks, speakers underlined the conference’s mission to serve as a platform for the practical implementation of peace, mutual respect, and trust in policymaking. The focus was particularly placed on the protection of migrants’ rights, strengthening environmental resilience, and the promotion of effective migration policies.
The conference was structured into five thematic sessions addressing key regional priorities:
- Session I: Modern Approaches to Identity and Document Regulation
This session facilitated an exchange of best practices in enhancing the security and efficiency of migration management systems. Delegates discussed strategies to combat document forgery and illegal migration, and shared innovations in identification technologies. - Session II: Environmental Challenges and Migration
Participants examined how climate change and environmental degradation are driving new migration trends. The session highlighted global and regional initiatives aimed at adapting to environmental challenges and building climate-resilient communities. - Session III: Addressing Statelessness
This session focused on legal mechanisms and policy tools to eradicate statelessness, with speakers stressing the importance of regional collaboration and international legal frameworks in ensuring the right to identity and nationality. - Session IV: The Future of Migration – Innovations and Digital Solutions
Discussions revolved around the integration of digital technologies in migration systems, including the use of electronic visas, digital migration cards, and artificial intelligence to improve transparency, efficiency, and security in migration governance. - Session V: Regional Cooperation – Peace and Trust as the Foundation of Migration Policy
This final session explored mechanisms for regional cooperation, including the exchange of best practices in managing migration flows and identifying avenues for joint action to support sustainable development.
The hosting of this high-level event reaffirms Turkmenistan’s active role in promoting international dialogue and cooperation on critical issues affecting the region and the world. By providing a platform for collective engagement, Ashgabat continues to contribute meaningfully to global efforts aimed at fostering peace, advancing sustainable development, and enhancing the integrity of migration processes across Central Asia.
