Today, the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Environmental Well-Being and International Cooperation in the Year of Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of the Purposeful Winged Horses” was held in the building of the country’s Agricultural Complex.

The event was timed to coincide with World Environment Day and clearly demonstrates our country’s significant contribution to the international community’s efforts to ensure global environmental well-being.

Heads of relevant ministries and public organizations, as well as leaders and representatives of reputable international and regional organizations, including the UN and its specialized agencies, attended the conference.

Currently, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale programmatic activities aimed at preserving the diversity of Turkmenistan’s flora and fauna, rationally using natural resources, and ensuring environmental well-being are being successfully implemented.

Our country views environmental well-being as an essential condition for sustainable development and has established itself as a nation that consistently puts forward and successfully implements significant initiatives in the international arena in the field of environmental diplomacy.

Turkmenistan attaches great importance to international cooperation in environmental protection. The United Nations plays a key role in this area. This is confirmed by our country’s ratification of UN documents on biodiversity, combating desertification, climate change, protecting the ozone layer, protecting and using transboundary watercourses and international lakes, as well as UNESCO documents on the protection of world cultural and natural heritage.

An exhibition of Turkmenistan’s achievements in environmental protection was organized for conference participants.

At the beginning of the plenary session, a welcoming address from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to environmental workers and the people of independent, neutral Turkmenistan was read.

As emphasized in the message, the main goal of the current state environmental policy is to create favorable living conditions for our people, rationally utilize natural resources, preserve and enrich flora and fauna, respectfully treat our unique, inimitable, and beautiful nature, and preserve it for future generations in an even more flourishing form. In the current era, national traditions and customs in environmental protection inherited from our ancestors are further developed and acquiring new, profound meaning.

The head of state’s Welcoming Address heightened the significance of this event.

The Turkmen delegation noted that, under the wise leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, environmental protection and environmental well-being have become a priority of state policy. This is evidenced by the adoption of Turkmenistan’s National Strategy on Climate Change, the country’s confirmation of its contribution to the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and its accession to the Global Methane Commitment.

It is also important to note the significance of the positive initiatives our country has put forward at high-level forums, which have received widespread support abroad.

When constructing new industrial complexes, great attention is paid to meeting environmental requirements, particularly the use of advanced technologies and technical solutions that help eliminate environmentally harmful substances, which is a significant contribution to the global community’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A large-scale programmatic effort is currently underway to scientifically study and preserve our country’s rich and unique flora and fauna. Significant attention is also being paid to expanding the area of specially protected natural areas.

Today, humanity faces serious threats: melting glaciers, depletion and pollution of water resources, deteriorating soil quality, desertification, and loss of biodiversity – the consequences of global climate change. Therefore, it is important to unite the efforts of all countries in this area.

The speeches also emphasized the importance of the initiatives and proposals put forward by the head of the Turkmen state at the Regional Environmental Forum held in Astana in April of this year. This is a clear confirmation of our country’s commitment to international cooperation in ensuring global environmental well-being.

Then, representatives of international and regional organizations addressed the conference.

The first speaker was Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan.

Noting that it was a great honor for him to participate in this event dedicated to World Environment Day, the guest expressed his sincere gratitude to the Turkmen side for organizing such an important meeting and consistently strengthening cooperation with the United Nations.

World Environment Day is not just a symbolic date but also a call for universal action in the interests of environmental well-being, reminding us of the inextricable link between the environment and human health, sustainable development, and security.

Today, the consequences of climate change – rising temperatures, acute water shortages, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity – are becoming increasingly evident. These problems are global in nature, require urgent solutions, and enhanced international cooperation.

In this regard, the Turkmen government is demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change. As is known, Turkmenistan has completed the preparation of its first National Report on the State of the Environment for 2017–2022. This is an important information base, based on environmental indicators, allowing for the assessment of the state of the environment and its trends. Under current conditions, the National Report will serve as a crucial basis for decision-making in the area of sustainable development, the promotion of green economy principles, and measures to improve the overall environmental situation. The publication of the report confirms Turkmenistan’s commitment to its obligations under the Aarhus Convention.

Also of great significance is the initiative of the Turkmen government to establish a Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia. It will serve as an important platform for the implementation of innovative solutions, the exchange of experience, and the development of the regional countries’ potential in the field of climate technologies.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan continued by noting his support for initiatives to strengthen climate resilience and promote green development principles in accordance with the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

The current conference is not only an effective platform for information exchange and the promotion of effective solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable management of natural resources, but also an excellent opportunity to enhance international cooperation in this area, said D. Shlapachenko, noting that the UN Office in Turkmenistan will continue to support our country’s initiatives aimed at building a greener, more sustainable, and inclusive future for the benefit of all humanity.

Then, Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, spoke.

Warmly congratulating those gathered on World Environment Day, Narine Sahakyan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such an important event.

As noted, the work carried out this year under the auspices of the UN to raise awareness of environmental protection is of great importance for advancing sustainable development.

At a time when the entire world is facing environmental and climate challenges, it is crucial to strengthen international cooperation, mutual trust, and joint efforts to ensure environmental security.

Rational use of water resources, sustainable land management, combating desertification, and adaptation to changing climate conditions are not only linked to environmental protection but also directly impact food security, economic sustainability, and the well-being of the population.

In this context, the UN Development Programme continues to actively support the policies of the Government of Turkmenistan in the areas of environmental protection, adaptation to climate change, and the rational use of natural resources.

The active role of civil society and the private sector is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and effectively adapting to environmental challenges. In this regard, UNDP, together with the Government of Turkmenistan, is successfully implementing initiatives to raise public awareness, including among young people, on sustainable development and environmental issues.

In conclusion, Narine Sahakyan confirmed the UN Development Programme’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Turkmenistan in the areas of sustainable development and environmental protection.

Then, Jalpa Ratna, Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan, spoke and noted that it was a great honor for her to participate in today’s event. As emphasized, UNICEF views climate change not simply as an environmental issue, but as an issue directly linked to the future of children, as climate change impacts their health, education, nutrition, security, and overall well-being.

Jalpa Ratna stated that the Organization highly values Turkmenistan’s initiatives in environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate change, which serve as an important foundation for ensuring their effectiveness and sustainability at the national and global levels.

Speaking about the efforts being undertaken in Turkmenistan to improve children’s environmental awareness, the UNICEF representative particularly emphasized the role of schools. Environmental protection lessons are currently included in the curriculum in our country’s schools, helping to raise a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens. At the same time, Turkmen schoolchildren present solutions and research papers on energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste management, and biodiversity conservation in various competitions.

In conclusion, emphasizing that Turkmenistan’s environmental policy takes into account the interests of children, the UN Children’s Fund representative reaffirmed UNICEF’s active support in this area.

The conference also featured presentations from representatives of international organizations and industry agencies via digital communications.

It was noted that World Environment Day is an important event for all humanity, reminding us of our shared responsibility to respect nature and protect the environment. Climate change and mitigating its impacts are among the most pressing global challenges today.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan’s consistently pursued policies and initiatives in this area are highly commendable.

Particular emphasis was placed on the Turkmen government’s efforts to preserve biodiversity and rationally use water resources, which serve as an example for the global community.

It is important to emphasize that our country is fully implementing its obligations under the National Climate Change Strategy and other relevant international conventions.

Speakers also emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to foster environmental awareness in society and foster a responsible attitude toward the environment, confirming their readiness to further develop cooperation with Turkmenistan in the area of environmental protection.

Following the plenary session, the scientific and practical conference continued its work in thematic sections, featuring presentations by international experts, specialists, and representatives of relevant ministries and industry agencies, as well as an exchange of views.

The first section was devoted to ecology and climate law, where issues of improving international legal norms for the use of natural resources, developing environmental legislation, and increasing the effectiveness of interstate agreements were discussed. Speakers emphasized that Turkmenistan is consistently strengthening its national legislative framework in this area, actively participating in international environmental conventions, and putting forward specific legal initiatives.

The section on the role of ecology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals addressed strategic objectives such as the introduction of environmentally friendly and innovative technologies in production, the transition to a green economy, and the rational use of natural resources. It was emphasized that environmental protection is a prerequisite for achieving the UN SDGs, as well as for ensuring food and economic security.

The next section focused on improving the environmental situation in the Aral Sea region. The discussion focused on mitigating the consequences of the environmental disaster, stabilizing its ecosystem, and integrating regional and international efforts in this area. As noted, Turkmenistan’s initiatives within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and UN programs in this area are exemplary.

At the conclusion of the scientific and practical conference, “Environmental Well-Being and International Cooperation in the Year of Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses”, the participants adopted a Thank-You Address to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The address expressed gratitude to the head of state for his efforts to ensure the country’s environmental well-being, preserve Turkmen nature and natural resources, and develop international cooperation in this area.

Thus, the scientific and practical conference played a significant role in elevating international cooperation in ensuring global environmental security, preserving biodiversity, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to a qualitatively new level. During the exchange of views, new areas of effective cooperation were identified to build a greener and more sustainable world for the sake of a better life for future generations.