STATEMENT at the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Peace and Trust, 2025

Statement

at the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Peace and Trust, 2025

Date: January 17, 2025

Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a profound honor to address this distinguished assembly at the opening of the International Year of Peace and Trust, an initiative that reflects our shared commitment to fostering dialogue, cooperation, and harmony among nations.

For Turkmenistan, 2025 is especially significant, as it marks the 30th anniversary of our country’s status of permanent neutrality, sealed by the United Nations General Assembly resolutions in 1995 and 2015. Over the past three decades, our commitment to neutrality has served as a foundation for promoting peace, trust, and constructive international cooperation.

It is this legacy that inspired our main sponsorship of the General Assembly Resolution 78/266, which proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the timeless words of Magtymguly Fragi, the eminent Turkmen poet and philosopher: “May the world be filled with harmony, let the hearts of people be united as one… A peaceful world is a treasure beyond price; a harmonious heart is a blessing without equal.”

Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” In the face of global challenges such as poverty and conflicts, this year provides a unique platform to promote mutual respect and equal partnerships as foundation for lasting peace.

This year, we have a unique opportunity to advance these ideals through meaningful action. Turkmenistan is proud to host the culminating International Forum for Peace and Trust in December 2025 in the beautiful city of Ashgabat. This event will bring together stakeholders from all corners of the globe to consolidate progress, celebrate peace-oriented campaigns, and pave a forward-looking path to reinforce the global culture of peace.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan His Excellency Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in his conversation with the United Nations Secretary-General, conveyed a generous invitation to attend the International Peace and Trust Forum. We express this invitation to all members of the international community with official letters coming soon through diplomatic channels.

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to working closely with all Member States, international organizations, academia, civil society, and other stakeholders.

Please find the Road Map and Concept of the Year of Peace and Trust before you on the tables and to be published on a dedicated website. The Road Map is a concrete list of events to be incorporated into your esteemed calendars, which is open for any peace & trust-focused initiatives. Turkmenistan is here to support your proposals.

Let us ensure that the ideals of peace and trust are not confined to words but translated into tangible outcomes that improve lives and promote harmony.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to the United Nations Member States, UN system organizations, and all esteemed participants for their dedication to these shared goals. Together, inspired by the wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi and other voices of peace, let us make the International Year of Peace and Trust a landmark initiative that exemplifies the power of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.

Thank you.