(Dubai, UAE, December 1-2, 2023)

Excellency, Mr. President, Distinguished Heads of States and Governments, Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, allow me to express gratitude to the Leadership and Government of the United Arab Emirates for their warm hospitality and excellent conditions for our productive work.

Turkmenistan considers its participation in this conference as a milestone in advancing its international strategy on climate change issues. An important part of this strategy is to ensure the steadiness and consistency of implementing initiatives put forward by our country since the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), other major forums, and Turkmenistan's continual efforts.

The National Climate Change Strategy, adopted in 2012, served as the starting point for guiding Turkmenistan's full engagement in the global climate agenda. Our country's joining the Paris Agreement became the next logical step. In 2019, a revised version of the National Climate Change Strategy was approved. This inclusive document contains a comprehensive set of measures for adapting almost all key sectors of the economy and the social sphere to the new conditions. Special attention is given to the fuel and energy complex, where significant efforts are being made to reduce emissions by increasing the utilization of associated petroleum gas and minimizing natural gas losses during transportation.

As a responsible state, Turkmenistan recognizes the need to continue targeted efforts on both the international and national fronts to ensure further progress in combating climate change and its consequences. One of its important aspects is our country's contribution to international efforts to reduce methane emissions. At the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Glasgow, Turkmenistan expressed support for the new initiative on the Global Methane Pledge and expressed its interest in studying this document in detail and participating in its implementation.

In line with the recommendations of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and with the active support of the United Nations Development Program, in May 2022, our country prepared and approved the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of Turkmenistan to the Paris Agreement on climate. This strategic document assumes a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 compared to 2010 levels.

Today, from the high rostrum, Turkmenistan officially declares its joining of the Global Methane Pledge. At the same time, Turkmenistan will continue its current cooperation with international organizations and partner countries within existing projects and programs aimed at the practical implementation of commitments rising from the Global Methane Pledge.

In the context of broad international cooperation in addressing climate issues in Central Asia, which were promoted by our country for many years, it is essential to highlight the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) signed on November 13 this year. This memorandum aims to develop regional programs for transferring climate technologies to Turkmenistan and Central Asian states. We consider this document as a first step and a significant legal basis for considering the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Climate Technology for Central Asia in Turkmenistan. Thus, Turkmenistan’s initiative to create this specialized UN Centre for a region with a population of almost 80 million, unique natural resources and biodiversity, and, at the same time, located in a zone of serious environmental risks, is now gaining real prospects.

Fully committed to continuing multilateral cooperation within global climate initiatives, Turkmenistan welcomes the proposed Declaration on Climate and Health and considers it important to support this Declaration to confirm our collective determination and unity on healthcare issues in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Recognizing the exceptional significance of the impact of climate change in ensuring global food security, Turkmenistan fully supports the Emirates Declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and climate action.

Recognizing the importance of coordination between national and sub-national governments to combat climate change, Turkmenistan is ready to support the Initiative to create the COP-28 Coalition for High Ambition Multi-Level Partnerships in combating climate change.

We are ready to further strengthen cooperation at regional and global levels in the fields of agriculture, ecology, energy, finance, and health with all interested parties to achieve the goals of the Emirates Declaration, taking into account the national interests of Turkmenistan.

Thank you for your attention, and wish all participants of the conference success in their activities.