THE HISTORIC FORUM TO BE HELD IN THE NATIONAL TOURIST ZONE “AWAZA

Our ancestors used to say, “People learn by asking questions,” and this was not said without reason. This principle is deeply embedded in the initiatives and philosophical views of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, which lie at the core of Turkmen diplomacy and are now spreading globally as “Dialogue — a guarantee of peace.”

At the initiative of Hero Arkadag, the United Nations declared 2025 the “International Year of Peace and Trust.” Notably, this coincides with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN’s establishment.

On July 4 this year, President of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadagly Serdar, signed a resolution to host the “Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries” in the “Awaza” National Tourist Zone. Intensive organizational preparations are underway, and valuable guidance from Hero Arkadag during his visit to the Balkan region shows the significance and state-level importance of this upcoming forum.

From August 4 to 8, various events will be held with the participation of delegations from 32 landlocked developing countries, as well as other interested UN member states, including heads of state and government, the UN Secretary-General, and his deputies. Attendance is also expected from international and regional organizations, legislative bodies, financial institutions, public associations, and private sector representatives.

The forum program includes: opening and closing ceremonies, five thematic high-level “round tables,” seven high-level forums — including a South-South Cooperation Ministers’ Meeting, a parliamentary forum, private sector forum, civil society forum, youth forum, women leaders' meeting, and a connectivity-focused event; parallel sessions from participating countries and organizations, including Turkmenistan-led events on transport, the Year of Peace and Trust, youth policy, sustainable energy, and the circular economy; thematic exhibitions, including those organized by Turkmenistan; Central Asian national days featuring concerts; and an official reception hosted by the Government of Turkmenistan.

All topics on the agenda of the UN Awaza Forum are urgent and relevant. They aim to promote harmonious and peaceful international relations through diplomacy.

Youth policy also plays a central role. In Turkmenistan, all conditions are provided for youth to be happy, educated, professionally trained, and to find their rightful place in society. In fact, some foreigners dream of having such wonderful conditions in their own countries.

The UN Awaza Forum will serve as a unique platform to turn such dreams into reality. The initiatives of Hero Arkadag are aimed at building a peaceful and prosperous life for all nations. The cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN, including its specialized agencies, is exemplary and carried out in line with the country’s neutral status.

We firmly believe that the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries — the UN Awaza Forum — will be held at the highest level and will strengthen ties among these nations.

Awaza — a place for state forums. Awaza — a harmonious space for great goals, official discussions, and cultural leisure. Awaza awaits its guests.

Annasapar Kichiyev,

Head of Department of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan.