Prospects for Cooperation Between Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Programme Discussed

On 28 May 2026, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Alexander De Croo.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Programme, including within the framework of the new UNDP Country Programme for Turkmenistan for 2026–2030.

It was noted that the new programme is viewed as an important instrument for supporting the reforms being implemented in Turkmenistan, aimed at developing digital solutions, ensuring sustainable economic growth, advancing the climate and environmental agenda, and strengthening the social sector.

The parties emphasized the importance of continuing joint work in the areas of digitalization of public services, introduction of modern governance mechanisms, strengthening institutional capacity, and improving the efficiency of administrative procedures. It was also noted that new joint projects in the fields of healthcare, human capital development, and strengthening legal capacity are at a high level of readiness.

Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the healthcare sector, including issues related to strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system, modernization of the sector, procurement of medicines and medical equipment, as well as support for national public health programmes.

The meeting also addressed issues of social inclusion, support for vulnerable population groups, promotion of gender equality, and youth empowerment within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It was emphasized that Turkmenistan consistently integrates the Sustainable Development Goals into national programmes and strategies. In this regard, the importance of further cooperation in strategic planning, data analysis, and evaluation of the effectiveness of development programmes was highlighted. Special attention was also given to the ongoing preparation of the 3rd Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the SDGs, intended to demonstrate the country’s progress in achieving the global goals.

The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of climate, sustainable natural resource management, and climate change adaptation. As a promising area of cooperation, they highlighted the promotion of the initiative to establish a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies for Central Asian countries in Ashgabat.

In the context of Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, the parties noted the prospects for cooperation on issues of the rule of law, effective governance, and institutional development.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further expanding cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNDP in order to implement joint initiatives and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.