Participation of the Turkmen delegation in the Regional Forum on SDGs in the Swiss Confederation, Geneva
In the Epoch of the Revival of a new era of powerful state of Turkmenistan under the leadership of our Esteemed President continues consistently implement the foreign policy course, based on the status of permanent neutrality, the principles of peacefulness, good neighborliness, mutual respect and equal constructive partnerships.
Demonstrating a responsible and proactive approach to issues regional and international cooperation, our country contributes an effective contribution to the consolidation of efforts to develop solutions to relevant tasks of the present. In this regard, particular importance is attached to multi-vector cooperation with the United Nations.
Our country stands for the optimal use of the potential the United Nations, its political and diplomatic tools and high authority in order to reach constructive solutions and ensure universal and comprehensive security as a key condition for the fulfillment of all strategic tasks of the UN, including achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In this scope, on March 13-14, 2024, the delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myahri Byashimova participated in the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development held under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) at the Palace of Nations located in the Swiss Confederation, Geneva.
During the forum Ms. Byashimova presented several initiatives promoted by Turkmenistan that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives focus on economic development, transportation, communication, and energy sectors, such as: cooperation in developing a Global Framework for the Transition to a circular economy; creation of a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity and establishment of an Alliance for Global Energy Security and Sustainable Development.
As our highly Esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized: "Well-informed, educated, healthy youth is a powerful force, a bright future for our state”. The formation of a patriotic, erudite, physically and morally healthy, intelligent young generation is one of the main strategic objectives of the development of Turkmenistan in the Revival of a new Era of the Powerful state. Given the huge determining role in the further sustainable and comprehensive socio-economic development of our Motherland, strengthening its leadership positions on the world stage, youth is a priority of national and state interests. Accordingly, 2023 was declared the year “Happy Youth with Arkadag Serdar” in Turkmenistan.
Moreover, Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan has been fruitfully working to educate spiritually strong and devoted to the Motherland generation on the development of our country. Therefore, it is important to mention about the Law “On State Youth Policy” which was adopted in 2013 and in 2022 the new version of the Law “On State Youth Policy” was signed. Youth Policy is aimed at creating the most favorable conditions for the development and personal growth of young Turkmen people as well as expanding opportunities for the implementation of their intellectual, creative and spiritual potential in the interests of society and state. For the successful realization of the main goals and principles of the law, the State Program in the field of state youth policy of Turkmenistan for 2021-2025 and the Action Plan for its implementation were approved within the framework of which large-scale systematic measures are being taken.
In the context of youth engagement in the national and international policy, on March 14, 2024, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN Office in Geneva organized a side event at the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. The event, titled “Involving Youth in the Processes of Achieving the SDGs: Global and National Policy Challenges,” focused on youth participation in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Turkmenistan is a logical continuation of the social policy of the country and is focused on improving the general wel¬fare of the population, the widespread adoption of a healthy lifestyle, creating conditions for inclusive, equal and high-quality education for all, en¬suring gender equality, digitalization and innovation in all spheres of the economy. Turkmenistan as an active member of the international community was among the first states to have formally accepted all 17 SDGs. The Youth is at the focus in the process of implementing Sustainable Development Goals. In Turkmenistan with the support of the UN, Young SDG Ambassadors are selected among the representatives of the younger generation of the country where they offer new ideas, make suggestions and contribute to the development of a cooperation platform at the National and regional levels, help to disseminate and raise awareness of the population on sustainable development issues. Since 2019, more than 100 enthusiasts from all over Turkmenistan have taken part in the “Young SDG Ambassadors” competition. It has been launched the selection of the cohort No.4 of “Young SDG Ambassadors” for 2024-2025 in Turkmenistan.
In this regard, it is crucial to note that the Youth Policy is being implemented in our country in the context of achieving the SDGs, within the framework of national legislation and on the basis of international principles.
As well, the event featured a presentation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s book, “Youth is the Support of the Motherland,” which emphasizes the importance of youth in shaping a better future. The book of our Esteemed President has become a real gift and guide for younger generation. The President of the country in his book puts a sense of patriotism and love for the Motherland at the head of the personal qualities of Turkmen youth and dedicates to the activities and achievements of Turkmen youth in the socio-economic, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres. At the same time, the book of our President has become an important step on the realization of the “Strategy for International Youth Cooperation for 2023-2030”.
As part of the panel discussions, the event participants shared the experiences of their countries and exchanged views on possible areas of interaction to synchronize policies in this area both in the region and beyond.
Holding of such events and forums will become important steps towards the implementation of the “Strategy for International Cooperation of the Youth of Turkmenistan for 2023-2030” which is of great importance for further strengthening ties with the youth of other countries in the name of building a better future.
Akgozel Rasulova,
the 4th year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.