The modern world stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges that range from political conflicts to environmental crises. At the heart of these issues lies a common denominator – a pervasive deficit of trust among nations, communities, and institutions. To counteract these fractures and foster a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, Turkmenistan has championed the designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, an initiative that has been unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
This landmark resolution is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a clarion call for nations to embrace dialogue as the cornerstone of global harmony. The International Year of Peace and Trust coincides with two significant anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations’ establishment. These milestones add profound symbolic weight to the year’s activities.
The concept of the International Year of Peace and Trust encapsulates the belief that genuine peace can only be achieved through the sustained effort to build trust among nations. This vision was articulated during a recent phone conversation between the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The call, initiated by Mr. Guterres, highlighted Turkmenistan’s active role in global diplomacy and reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for the country’s initiatives aimed at fostering peace and sustainable development.
During this conversation, Berdimuhamedov conveyed Turkmenistan’s readiness to host and lead various international events dedicated to peace and trust in 2025. He also outlined a comprehensive Concept of Activity and Priorities for Turkmenistan during the International Year of Peace and Trust. This document underscores Turkmenistan’s dedication to addressing pressing global challenges, such as security, sustainable development, and humanitarian issues, through multilateral cooperation.
The International Year of Peace and Trust aligns closely with Turkmenistan’s unique status as a permanently neutral state, recognized by the United Nations in 1995. Over the years, Turkmenistan has demonstrated how neutrality can serve as a powerful tool for conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding. By emphasizing neutrality as a practical and effective approach, Turkmenistan proposes to integrate its principles into the global framework for peace and trust.
One of the central elements of Turkmenistan’s vision is the proposed Global Security Strategy, which would address the interconnected dimensions of modern security threats – political, economic, environmental, and technological. This strategy builds on the UN’s existing resolutions, such as those on preventive diplomacy and regional peace initiatives. Turkmenistan envisions the use of preventive diplomacy, a principle embodied in the operations of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia, as a primary instrument to preempt and resolve conflicts, leveraging its own successful practices in the region.
Another pillar of Turkmenistan’s concept is the revitalization of a “culture of trust-based dialogue,” emphasizing the need for states to engage in open, inclusive conversations to resolve differences. This approach is rooted in several UN General Assembly resolutions co-authored by Turkmenistan, such as the declarations on neutrality and the role of trust in sustainable development.
Turkmenistan’s initiatives for the International Year of Peace and Trust are not limited to abstract ideals; they are deeply rooted in pragmatic solutions to regional and global challenges. For example, in Central Asia, Turkmenistan has consistently advocated for cooperative frameworks. Resolutions like the “Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation of Central Asia” and the treaty on a nuclear-free zone in the region exemplify the Central Asian region’s leadership in fostering stability.
Furthermore, Turkmenistan has extended its efforts to Afghanistan, demonstrating how neutrality can be a cornerstone for constructive engagement. Through projects like the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline, cross-border electricity transmission lines, and railway infrastructure, Turkmenistan has prioritized economic integration as a pathway to peace. The humanitarian aid provided by Turkmenistan to the Afghan people further exemplifies its commitment to supporting its neighbors in times of need.
As a Caspian littoral state, Turkmenistan is acutely aware of the importance of security in the Caspian region, a strategically significant area with unique political, economic, and environmental challenges. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has proposed convening a Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Caspian States in Turkmenistan to address regional security concerns collaboratively.
In alignment with Turkmenistan’s commitment to neutrality, the country has proposed granting neutral states the status of priority partners in the UN’s peacebuilding efforts. This would involve creating two peacekeeping centers in Turkmenistan, dedicated to fostering dialogue and preventing conflicts. These centers would operationalize the principles of neutrality to support international peace and security effectively.
The partnership between Turkmenistan and the United Nations is central to the success of the International Year of Peace and Trust. During the telephone conversation, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his admiration for Turkmenistan’s consistent advocacy of peace and its contributions to the UN’s agenda. The country has committed to enhancing national efforts while actively contributing to global initiatives, particularly in areas such as circular economy, sustainable transport, and energy security.
Key initiatives include:
- The development of a Global Framework Program for the Transition to a Circular Economy, which aims to minimize waste and optimize resource use.
- The creation of a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity, designed to enhance global trade and logistics systems.
- The establishment of an Alliance for Cooperation in Global Energy Security and Sustainability, fostering collaboration to ensure equitable access to energy resources.
These initiatives underscore Turkmenistan’s role in addressing critical economic, environmental, and technological challenges, with the support of its Strategic Consultative Council “Turkmenistan–UN,” established to facilitate collaborative efforts.
Turkmenistan’s commitment to humanitarian issues is another vital aspect of its contributions. Drawing on the success of its National Action Plan to Eradicate Statelessness (2019–2024), Turkmenistan has proposed applying its expertise in managing issues related to stateless persons and refugees in Central Asia to international practices.
Turkmenistan has also taken significant steps to align its initiatives with the broader objectives of the UN Summit of the Future and the subsequent Pact for the Future, adopted in 2024. By ensuring that its proposals complement the goals of these pivotal documents, Turkmenistan aims to contribute to a global roadmap for peace, resilience, and equitable development.
The International Year of Peace and Trust is not merely a celebration of ideals; it is a call to action for the international community to confront contemporary challenges with unity and determination. Turkmenistan has outlined a series of concrete measures to achieve this, including international forums, thematic conferences, cultural and educational events, and collaborative efforts with specialized UN agencies such as UNESCO and UNICEF, as well as humanitarian organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The culmination of these efforts will be a high-level international forum in December 2025, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality. This event will provide a platform for heads of state, international organizations, and civil society to reflect on the achievements of the year and chart a course for future collaboration.
As we step into 2025, the International Year of Peace and Trust emerges as a beacon of hope in turbulent times. It reminds us that trust is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible foundation for lasting peace and progress. Through its leadership, Turkmenistan offers a compelling model of how a neutral state can make an impact on the global stage, inspiring nations to rise above divisions and work together for the common good.
The success of this initiative depends on the collective will of the international community to embrace dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility. As we embark on this historic year, Turkmenistan’s message is clear: peace and trust are not just aspirations – they are imperatives for our shared future.
