Continuing the series of publications dedicated to thematic events within the framework of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), which will be held in August in the «Avaza» National Tourist Zone, it should be noted that day by day, Turkmenistan's cooperation with the UN is expanding in all areas. One of its most important areas is culture.

At the regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on the 4th of July of this year, the President of Turkmenistan signed the Resolution «On holding the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries», ordering to take the necessary measures in this regard.

As is known, our Fatherland, being the initiator of global progressive transformations, in the implementation of its state strategy successfully uses the opportunities of cultural diplomacy in order to develop broad cooperation, build up multifaceted ties with the countries of the region and the world, and strengthen international authority.

The consistent efforts of the state to promote a culture of peaceful and trusting dialogue in the international community are confirmed by the adoption of the Resolution on the 21st of March 2024 at the 63rd plenary meeting of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly on the proclamation of 2025 as the «International Year of Peace and Trust». This initiative of Turkmenistan, co-authored with 86 countries, is aimed at developing a Global Security Strategy based on the principles of the UN Charter and generally, recognised norms of international law, taking into account the current realities and trends of global development. 

The international support for Turkmenistan's initiatives is also evidenced by the fact that the General Assembly, with its new Resolution at the 63rd plenary meeting of the 79th session, approved the holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in August of this year in the «Avaza» National Tourist Zone.

The organisation of such an important Conference and accompanying events on the Caspian Sea coast in the International Year of Peace and Trust, marked by the 30th anniversary of the permanent neutrality status of Turkmenistan and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, will be a significant event in the new history of the Fatherland. The upcoming forum is designed to promote the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations of the participating countries to a new level and play an important role in deepening cooperation in preserving national heritage and cultural values, their popularisation and dissemination in the world.

As an integral part of the positive neutrality policy implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, cultural diplomacy symbolises the triumph of peace, friendship, mutual understanding, high goals and principles of humanism, unites peoples in the name of a bright future. This is the idea that was laid down in the concept of the friendship concert and the festival of national cuisine dishes planned in the «Avaza» National Tourist Zone on the occasion of the national days of the Central Asian countries.

The head of state defined the main goal of cultural policy as the construction of a new philosophy of being, creatively correlating historical social experience and national cultural heritage with the tasks of the modern formation of the country, as well as strengthening international ties in this direction.

Each time, addressing workers in the cultural sphere, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov notes the main aspects of the further development of national culture, emphasising that a creative approach to work should be its key criterion. This leads to the saturation of the lives of citizens of Turkmenistan with rich spiritual content, sets new horizons, inspiring accomplishments and achievements.

At present, the national culture is at the stage of dynamic development, absorbing modern trends, styles and trends, without losing the invaluable historical and cultural heritage, which has become an eloquent background for all the positive changes taking place in the country. And it is from this perspective that work is being carried out on the widespread popularisation of the culture of the Turkmen people in the international format, the intensification of the dialogue of cultures with representatives of foreign countries, on the diversity of creative contacts and exchanges.

Numerous Days of Culture of dozens of countries, international music and theatre festivals, scientific conferences and forums dedicated to the historical past and present day of Turkmenistan, its national heritage are only a small part of the large-scale activities carried out in this area.

It should be noted that during a working visit to the Balkan velayat on the 24th of July, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov got acquainted with the course of preparatory work carried out by the State Organising Committee in order to hold the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries at a high level.

Hero-Arkadag emphasised the great importance that should be attached to the organisational level of cultural and humanitarian events on the sidelines of the forum, especially the friendship concert, the festival of national cuisine, and gave recommendations on this matter.

One of the central events of the LLDC cultural program will be a gala concert that will bring together cultural figures and artists from the Central Asian states on one stage. Music, dances and traditional costumes of the participating countries will demonstrate the incredible richness and diversity of world cultures.

This event will become a symbol of unity in diversity, where each performance reflects the history, spiritual values and traditions of peoples. During the cultural exchange, artificial barriers will be eliminated, mutual understanding will be strengthened and friendly ties will be established.

The concert will also serve as a foundation for interaction between workers in the relevant sphere of the Central Asian countries and the development of long-term cultural dialogue in the region.

The festival of national cuisine will bring together representatives of different countries at one dastarhan in a magnificent corner of «Avaza» in order to demonstrate the peace and unity of peoples.

It should be noted that the cuisine of Central Asia is a centuries-old layer of gastronomic traditions formed under the influence of geographical, historical and cultural factors. Situated at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, the countries of the region – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – have both common features and unique characteristics in their culinary practices.

Traditional dishes of Turkmen cuisine, prepared on the basis of culinary recipes that have become an integral part of the culture of our hospitable people for many centuries, as well as other national values, make a worthy contribution to the world treasury.

The Turkmen people put special meaning into the concepts of brotherhood, friendship, peace and solidarity. Even in the national cuisine, features are revealed that affect the natural and geographical conditions, material and cultural standard of living of the peoples of the Central Asian countries.

The phrase «Turkmen sachak» has absorbed the same organicity and centuries-old glory as the expressions «Turkmen horses», «Turkmen carpets», «Turkmen melons», and has become a symbol of the generosity and hospitality of our people.

National cuisine is one of the most interesting topics when studying the culture of any country. It reflects the traditions and features of the way of life of the nation. Eastern nations have always been famous for their hospitality, serving guests the best dishes, seating them in a place of honour. Therefore, the shortest way to become familiar with the culture of any nation is through its cuisine as a vivid manifestation of national specificity.

And in this regard, the Festival of National Cuisine Dishes will provide participants with the opportunity to get acquainted with the culinary heritage of the Central Asian countries. The aromas and tastes of national cuisines will become another language of communication, demonstrating the hospitality and uniqueness of each culture.

The organisation of such events within the framework of the upcoming Conference emphasises Turkmenistan's continued commitment to the principles and goals of the UN.

Cultural events held at international venues are positioned as a manifestation of the peace-loving nature of the Turkmen people and their desire for global stability. And this became possible thanks to the «open doors» policy initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and now successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In this context, Turkmenistan actively acts as a platform for organising various events – international conferences, festivals and major forums.

Evidence of this is the International Dance and Folklore Festival «Awaza-2023» held in 2023 in the National Tourist Zone «Avaza», which brought together dance and music groups from Iran, India, Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, Russia, Romania and Uzbekistan, as well as the scientific and practical conference «Traditions of Folklore Creativity and Folk Dance», within the framework of which creative meetings and master classes in choreography were organised.

In October of the same year, the International Film Festival «Dawn of Arkadag» was held at the State Drama Theatre named after Aman Gulmammedov in the city of Arkadag, where films created by masters of cinematography of Central Asian countries were presented.

Such an event, held for the first time in Turkmenistan, further strengthened cultural ties and became an excellent opportunity to enrich cooperation between creative figures and groups of Central Asian states, as well as to present the city of Arkadag to the world community.

In November 2023, the IV International Festival «Theatre Art of the Happy Era» was held in Ashgabat, bringing together groups of famous drama, music, youth theatres, stage art specialists and theatre critics from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye.

For several days, domestic theatres hosted masters of theatrical art from friendly countries. Performances of different genres, regardless of the form of presentation of acting, directing and scenography works, were distinguished by sincerity, deep originality, originality of interpretation of images, commitment to eternal themes - honour and duty, love and friendship, moral purity and dignity of man, the search for the meaning of life.

Culture and art, being a unique means of communication, contribute to the rapprochement of states and peoples, uniting them in the pursuit of peace, beauty, harmony and progress for the sake of the common good. A clear confirmation of this is the II Theatre Festival of the member countries of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the international film festival «Gorkut ata», the tradition of holding Viennese balls in Turkmenistan, etc.

Another evidence of the large-scale work carried out in the country within the framework of cultural diplomacy - an important component of the constructive foreign policy of Turkmenistan, was the international festival «Music of Peace», held in May of this year in Ashgabat.

Composers, conductors, the best opera singers and musicians from the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, France, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan took part in the creative event dedicated to the motto of 2025 – «International Year of Peace and Trust» and the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality.

In addition, on the 4th of June, 2025, the international dance and folklore festival «Avaza - the Land of Friendship» was held in the «Avaza» National Tourist Zone with the participation of cultural figures and artists from Iran, India, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The international forum contributed to familiarising the peoples of the world with the Turkmen national dance art and ancient folklore, as well as expanding intercultural ties.

Our Motherland is a country with a rich, centuries-old national heritage and modern achievements, having become the centre of cultural interaction in the region, is actively promoting its historical and cultural heritage and art.

Thanks to the policy aimed at strengthening and increasing the spiritual and intellectual potential of the Turkmen society, effective measures are being taken to improve the cultural sphere, thoroughly study, and carefully preserve historical, cultural and natural monuments.

The integral system of unique material and spiritual values, passed on from generation to generation, is the richest original heritage of the Turkmen people. That is why our state is expanding ties with the structures of the United Nations, in particular with UNESCO, having become its full member in 1993. This specialized UN agency plays an important role in international activities to preserve cultural monuments and natural landscapes, and works to create conditions for an open dialogue based on respect for universal values.

The great importance of long-term cooperation is clearly demonstrated by the National Commission for UNESCO operating in our country.

In recent years, traditional interaction with this specialised UN agency has reached a qualitatively new level, constantly enriching its content. Based on many years of positive experience of joint work, Turkmenistan aims to further active partnership with the specialised UN agency on education, science and culture, for which there is solid potential and the necessary legal framework.

By joining the fundamental international documents of UNESCO, including the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, our country demonstrates its continued commitment to the obligations it has assumed.

Taking a look back at the history of bilateral cooperation, it should be noted that many unique historical and cultural sites have been identified and registered on the territory of Turkmenistan. All of them are under state protection. Domestic scientists, with the participation of UNESCO experts and foreign specialists, conduct relevant research work on them.

Thus, the UNESCO World Heritage List includes the monuments of Ancient Merv and Koneurgench, the Parthian fortresses of Nisa. At the suggestion of Turkmenistan, together with the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan, the transnational serial nomination «The Great Silk Road: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor» and others have also been included in this List.

In recent years, several secondary schools in Turkmenistan have been included in the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, which unites educational institutions around the world around a common goal – promoting peacekeeping and humanistic values, developing fruitful intercultural dialogue. In addition, UNESCO departments and clubs have been created in a number of domestic universities. The National Committee for the Man and Biosphere Program has been established in the country, and specific steps have been taken to implement it.

In this way, all upcoming thematic events planned for August at the «Avaza» National Tourist Zone as part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, including a friendship concert and a festival of national cuisine, will send a powerful message to the world community about the importance of cultural exchange, about the strength of unity in diversity, as well as about Turkmenistan's unwavering commitment to the principles of peace and trust.