On 2 September, the High-level Forum on the implementation of the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, under the theme “Women’s Leadership to Promote a Culture of Peace” was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Forum was convened by the President of the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 80/294, “Follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace”.
The Forum brought together the leadership of the United Nations, representatives of UNESCO, prominent international peacebuilding advocates, as well as delegations of UN Member States.
During the plenary meeting, the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, delivered a statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development, as well as in his national capacity.
The statement highlighted the close relationship between the culture of peace and the policy of neutrality, as reflected in General Assembly resolutions 80/294 and 80/262, “The role and importance of a policy of neutrality in maintaining and strengthening international peace, security and sustainable development” initiated by Turkmenistan.
Particular attention was given to expanding women’s participation in preventive diplomacy, peace negotiations and early-warning mechanisms, as well as to supporting women mediators, peacebuilders and women-led organizations.
Turkmenistan’s participation in the Forum represented a continuation of the country’s consistent efforts within the United Nations to promote a culture of peace and trust, preventive diplomacy and the potential of neutrality as an effective instrument for maintaining international peace and security.
