Turkmenistan Reaffirms Commitment to SDGs at UN High-Level Political Forum
New York, The Gulf Observer: Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its strong commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while participating in the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
On July 15, 2026, the Turkmen delegation took part in the High-level Segment General Debate of ECOSOC, held under the theme, “Getting Better Results: Accelerating Urgent and Transformative Action for the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”
Addressing the forum, the head of the Turkmen delegation, Perhat Yagshiyev, underscored that expanding comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations and its specialised agencies remains a key priority of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. He stressed that peace, stability and security are essential prerequisites for sustainable development and the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Yagshiyev highlighted Turkmenistan’s steady progress in localising the 2030 Agenda, noting that 85 percent of the SDG targets have already been integrated into national and sectoral development programmes. He added that the country has approved 131 national targets and 175 SDG indicators to monitor implementation.
The statement placed particular emphasis on environmental protection, sustainable water resource management, climate action and combating desertification. Turkmenistan reiterated that water-related issues should be resolved in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law while taking into account the interests of all countries in the region.
The delegation also highlighted the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to establish a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries, describing it as an important contribution to addressing regional environmental challenges.
Turkmenistan further outlined its efforts to promote a green economy by expanding the use of environmentally friendly technologies, implementing major energy projects and fulfilling its international commitments to reduce methane emissions.
Special attention was given to the city of Arkadag, described as the first smart city in Central Asia built on the principles of sustainable development, inclusiveness and environmental sustainability. The delegation noted that Arkadag has been included in an OSCE project on sustainable and climate-resilient cities and has received several international awards and certifications.
The delegation also underscored the importance of strengthening international transport connectivity, highlighting Turkmenistan’s continued implementation of major transport and transit initiatives along the East–West and North–South corridors, including the Trans-Caspian Route. These projects, it said, contribute to expanding international trade and supporting the development of landlocked countries.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Turkmen delegation is studying international best practices for preparing Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), which will support the preparation of Turkmenistan’s third Voluntary National Review, scheduled for presentation at the United Nations in 2027.
