STATEMENTS
Statement by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the Plenary Meeting of the Leaders’ Summit of COP31
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Mr. Chair,
Distinguished Participants,
First of all, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, for the invitation to participate in the thirty-first session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), as well as for the hospitality extended to us and the excellent organization of this international event.
We regard this forum as an important event for strengthening mutual trust on climate change issues and making the global climate dialogue a driving force for development worldwide.
In this regard, I would like to note that, in accordance with its National Climate Strategy, Turkmenistan is firmly committed to fulfilling its international obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
These efforts are aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency and are supported by concrete measures to promote the widespread introduction of modern environmentally sound technologies.
An important aspect of this work is the implementation of the Global Methane Pledge. A comprehensive set of measures is being undertaken to modernize the national energy supply system, reduce natural gas losses and improve emissions monitoring.
Turkmenistan attaches great importance to improving reporting and the transparency of environmental data. Our country has prepared its Fourth National Communication on climate change and completed work on its updated third Nationally Determined Contribution.
We regard national efforts to implement the climate agenda as a key component of regional cooperation. The development of the countries of Central Asia in the economic, social, ecological, environmental, water and energy, and other spheres is interconnected. We believe that, in these circumstances, an integrated approach will enable the countries of the region to take one another’s interests into account in effectively addressing existing challenges.
One important achievement in this area has been the establishment of the Regional Centre for Climate Technology for Central Asia.
As is well known, Turkmenistan proposed the establishment of this Centre, an initiative that received the support of the countries of the region and international partners. We are grateful to all stakeholders for their effective and responsible approach to Turkmenistan’s initiative and for their assistance and participation in its implementation.
From the rostrum of this forum, I would like to note that the Regional Centre for Climate Technology for Central Asia will begin its activities in early 2027. Its work will be carried out in close cooperation with the United Nations and other international organizations, in accordance with agreed organizational and legal arrangements and international standards.
Desertification is a key issue for Central Asia. In this context, Turkmenistan emphasizes the importance of comprehensive and joint action with the participation and support of the relevant United Nations bodies.
We believe that establishing the necessary cooperation mechanisms within Central Asia itself will provide an effective way forward. This is also envisaged in Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a Regional Centre to Combat Desertification for the countries of Central Asia.
To advance the practical implementation of this initiative, Turkmenistan will continue its engagement with the secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and interested international partners.
Distinguished Participants,
The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the Awaza National Tourist Zone in August 2025, constituted a significant contribution by Turkmenistan to the international sustainable development agenda.
The Conference formally launched the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034, previously endorsed by the United Nations. The document places particular emphasis on strengthening countries’ resilience to the adverse effects of climate change and developing approaches to adaptation. It also underscores the importance of introducing modern technologies and expanding access to international financial resources.
As Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, Turkmenistan considers it necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the climate-related component of the Awaza Programme of Action.
To this end, a thematic session entitled “From Awaza to Antalya: Implementing the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries and Advancing Climate Action” is envisaged within the framework of this Conference.
Recognizing the importance of consolidating international efforts to address climate-related issues and giving fresh impetus to global cooperation in this field, Turkmenistan puts forward the following initiatives.
First, to consider the possibility of the United Nations proclaiming 2028-2037 the Decade of Climate Resilience and Adaptation.
This initiative will enable the international community to focus on specific tasks to strengthen countries’ climate resilience and ensure the allocation of resources to countries and regions.
Second, to establish a new inclusive format for cooperation, the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, as an open international platform for strengthening cooperation on the climate agenda.
Within the framework of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, we propose holding the first international meeting, with the participation of interested international partners, in Ashgabat in 2027.
Third, Turkmenistan proposes developing a Digital Atlas of Climate Change and Its Adverse Impacts jointly with the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Economic Fund and other interested international partners.
The main objective of this initiative is to develop a comprehensive information and analytical approach for continuous monitoring of climate change, assessing its adverse impacts and identifying the most effective adaptation measures.
Fourth, Turkmenistan proposes establishing a new format for multilateral cooperation, a global partnership for the provision of climate technologies, aimed at expanding developing countries’ access to modern environmentally sound technologies, innovative solutions and climate finance.
Fifth, to further improve the international legal framework for environmental protection, Turkmenistan proposes considering the development, under the auspices of the United Nations, of an International Environmental Code.
We believe that this document will help systematize existing international rules, norms and standards in such areas as environmental protection, combating climate change and biodiversity conservation.
Distinguished Participants,
I would like to emphasize that Turkmenistan will continue to strictly fulfil its international commitments under the Paris Agreement and the agreements reached at global climate forums.
We stand ready for concrete and effective cooperation with all interested States and international organizations.
I wish everyone every success.
(Antalya, 11 November 2026)