On August 7, 2025, a high-level side event entitled “International Year of Peace and Trust: building momentum towards SDG 16 that promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development” was held in the margins of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan jointly with the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.

The main topic of its agenda was the promotion of ideas of peaceful dialogue and multi-format cooperation in the regional and global dimensions. The focus was on the importance of peace, trust and inclusive governance to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16, promote peaceful, just and inclusive societies, ensure access to justice and strengthen effective and accountable institutions.

The discussion was attended by high-ranking representatives of countries, regional experts and representatives of international organizations.

In his speech, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze emphasized that peace and trust are the most important foundation for sustainable development and regional integration. "The path to prosperity for landlocked countries lies through sustainable political mechanisms, inclusive governance and good neighborly relations," he noted, reaffirming UNRCCA's continued support for Central Asian states in strengthening regional dialogue, trust and cooperation.

As is known, on March 21, 2024, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution "2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust", co-authored by 86 countries.

Our country's positions on key issues on the global agenda are reflected in the Concept of Activities and Priorities of Turkmenistan within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust, developed taking into account modern realities and challenges and aimed at consolidating the efforts of states based on constructive dialogue, mutual understanding and responsibility.

As noted in the Concept, it is obvious that this task should be solved on a systemic basis, have supporting legal and institutional mechanisms.

Peace and trust are key factors for global well-being and fruitful partnership, and are of great importance for LLDCs. Due to their geographical location, they are more dependent than other states on transit countries, the stability of transport and logistics infrastructure, supply chains, as well as climatic and other conditions, which predetermines the need for consolidated approaches and actions in solving relevant problems.

The event underscored the relevance of the Awaza Programme of Action, particularly its priority areas on trade, regional integration, and means of implementation. Participants emphasized that political stability, mutual trust, and diplomacy rooted in multilateral cooperation are key to advancing connectivity, attracting investment, and fostering sustainable economic growth.