Turkmenistan presents modern approaches to migration policy at the Second UN International Migration Review Forum in New York

From 5 to 8 May 2026, the Second International Migration Review Forum is being held at the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York under the auspices of the UN General Assembly. The Forum serves as the principal global intergovernmental platform for discussing the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, exchanging advanced international practices, and developing further approaches to strengthening international cooperation in the field of migration.

The Forum brought together high-level representatives of UN Member States, heads of international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration, officials from relevant UN agencies, as well as representatives of civil society and expert communities.

During plenary meetings, thematic round tables and policy debates, participants discussed issues related to improving migration governance, protecting the rights of migrants, developing digital migration management mechanisms, strengthening international cooperation, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Turkmenistan is represented at the Forum by the Chairman of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, Amanmuhammet Sazakov.

Addressing the plenary session of the Forum, the delegation of Turkmenistan reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to the principles of multilateral cooperation, international solidarity and humanism, consistently implemented under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, based on the state policy foundations laid down by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

It was particularly emphasized that Turkmenistan, as a responsible member of the international community and a committed supporter of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, consistently implements the provisions of the Global Compact for Migration by integrating its objectives into national plans, legislation and sustainable development programmes. This work is carried out through an inclusive approach and interagency coordination under the National Coordination Mechanism.

Special attention in the statement was devoted to the humanitarian and practical orientation of the initiatives promoted by the Leadership of Turkmenistan. It was noted that, guided by universally recognized norms of international law and the nation’s longstanding traditions of humanism, Turkmenistan creates all necessary conditions for migrants, refugees and stateless persons. In this regard, information was presented that over the years tens of thousands of individuals, including refugees and stateless persons, have acquired the citizenship of Turkmenistan, while thousands more have been granted permanent residence in the country.

It was underlined that one of Turkmenistan’s major achievements was the complete eradication of statelessness in 2024, ensuring that all persons concerned received legal identity and proper documentation. It was also highlighted that migrants residing in the country have access to essential public services on an equal basis with citizens of Turkmenistan, while their integration contributes to the country’s sustainable socio-economic development.

In this context, special emphasis was placed on the ongoing efforts to improve the national system of identification documents. In particular, in accordance with the international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan issues modern biometric documents, including identity and travel documents for refugees and stateless persons, as well as residence permits equipped with multi-level security protection.

An important part of the statement focused on the international initiatives of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov aimed at promoting digital interaction and strengthening trust among States. In this regard, reference was made to the initiative announced by the President of Turkmenistan during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in 2025 on the establishment of a Global Digital Integration Platform based on the principles of equality and trust amid the accelerated development of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence systems.

The Turkmen side reaffirmed its readiness to further strengthen international cooperation in the migration sphere, expand the legal framework for cooperation, develop digital exchange of information and experience, and participate actively in international programmes and initiatives in the fields of sustainable development and humanitarian cooperation. It was emphasized that effective migration governance is possible only through coordinated efforts by States and constructive international dialogue.

During the discussions and working dialogues held within the framework of the Forum, international participants highly appreciated Turkmenistan’s efforts in the field of migration and the practical effectiveness of its national migration policy.

The broad support for Turkmenistan’s active position at the high-level international Forum became another confirmation of the country’s growing international authority and the consistent implementation of the peace-oriented foreign policy pursued by the Leadership of Turkmenistan.

The participation of the Turkmen delegation in the Second International Migration Review Forum continues. A meeting between representatives of Turkmenistan and the Director General of the International Organization for Migration, Amy Pope, is scheduled for 8 May.