Speech by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the Regional Ecological Summit

Distinguished Heads of State,
Esteemed participants of the Summit,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for the initiative to convene the Regional Ecological Summit, as well as for the warm hospitality extended and the high level of organization of this event.

This forum represents an event of particular importance. For the first time, an expanded environmental agenda is being discussed at the highest state level by our countries in a comprehensive, unified, and truly regional dimension. In our view, this clearly demonstrates the readiness of all participating states to move toward more effective, systematic, and forward-looking approaches to addressing environmental protection, climate change, and the socio-economic issues associated with them.

Turkmenistan regards this forum in precisely this context and stands ready to provide full support in transforming it into an effective platform for exchanging views, advancing constructive proposals and initiatives on environmental protection, rational use of water resources, and other key areas of ecological development, as well as economic, humanitarian, and legal matters.

Today, we are all facing serious environmental challenges. Climate change, which adversely affects all aspects of life, is the most pressing among them. We are witnessing the depletion of water resources, land degradation, intensification of desertification, loss of biodiversity, and an increase in migration from areas unsuitable for habitation.

In such conditions, it is of particular importance to consolidate the efforts of our states and to expand cooperation with international organizations, primarily the United Nations and its specialized agencies. The establishment of UN specialized regional centers within our countries serves as an important tool for such cooperation.

At this summit, Turkmenistan proposes the establishment of a Regional Center for Climate Technologies, as well as a Regional Center for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries. We believe that locating these structures in close proximity to operational facilities will enable a more precise, effective, and practice-oriented response to environmental risks and challenges, while also facilitating the development of solutions and strengthening cooperation with national institutions.

We particularly emphasize the importance of taking practical measures to mitigate and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. Promoting the principles of “green” development across all sectors of the economy is equally essential. It is necessary to intensify regional dialogue on sustainable development and the introduction of modern environmental standards.

To enhance the effectiveness of proposed initiatives, it is important to create mechanisms for their advancement. In particular, we consider it appropriate to conduct preliminary discussions and refinement of proposals at the expert level through regional and interregional environmental meetings and conferences. Once common approaches and perspectives for implementation are developed and consensus is achieved, and relevant documents are fully agreed upon, we propose convening ministerial-level meetings and subsequently including these issues in summit agendas.

The rational and equitable use of transboundary water resources requires special attention. Turkmenistan’s position on this issue is clear and transparent. We advocate that water-related matters concerning transboundary rivers and flows be resolved on the basis of three fundamental principles:

First, strict adherence to key international conventions and other legal instruments on water issues;
Second, equal consideration of the interests of all states located along transboundary rivers;
Third, broad participation of international organizations, primarily the United Nations, in this process.

In this regard, Turkmenistan has put forward an initiative to establish a Regional Council on Water Use in Central Asia under the auspices of the United Nations. This council could serve as an effective structure for coordinating efforts in the water sector.

At the same time, as a Caspian littoral state, Turkmenistan actively addresses all environmental issues related to the Caspian Sea. We have proposed a Caspian Environmental Initiative at the United Nations, developed its implementation concept, and circulated it among all Caspian states.

Furthermore, in August last year, Turkmenistan organized a meeting at the level of deputy prime ministers of coastal states on Caspian environmental issues within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. Building on this experience, we plan to hold another high-level meeting in early October this year. We hope that its outcomes will mark a new stage of cooperation aimed at ensuring the ecological well-being of Caspian states and preserving the unique ecosystem of the Caspian Sea.

The issue of saving the Aral Sea also remains of critical importance. Today, a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the founding members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea will take place. I am confident that necessary decisions will be adopted to advance joint efforts in this direction.

Distinguished participants of the Summit,

We hope that the Regional Ecological Forum will become an effective international platform for developing coordinated solutions. Our shared history and cultural ties, as well as the spirit of good neighborliness, solidarity, and mutual support inherent in our peoples, oblige us to do so.

In this regard, Turkmenistan places high value on the future of this format of cooperation. We are confident that today’s discussions will provide strong momentum for our future systematic work.

In conclusion, I would like to congratulate all participants on the opening of the Regional Ecological Summit and wish you fruitful discussions.