Turkmenistan’s nomination for non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council for 2031-2032 is a natural continuation of the country’s foreign policy, based on the principles of permanent neutrality, peacekeeping, preventive diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. Over 30 years of independence, Ashgabat has developed an effective model of engagement with the Organization, integrating national interests with the global objectives of ensuring peace and sustainable development.
The foundation of the state’s international authority remains its status of permanent neutrality, first recognized by the UN General Assembly on December 12, 1995, and subsequently reaffirmed by its resolutions. Under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the policy of positive neutrality has transformed into an active instrument of international diplomacy aimed at preventing conflicts, developing trusting dialogue, and strengthening international law. A clear sign of recognition of this contribution was the unanimous adoption by the UN General Assembly of a resolution declaring 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust, at the initiative of Turkmenistan.
Today, relations between Turkmenistan and the UN have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The new Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030 integrates issues of international security, human rights protection, sustainable economic development, the climate agenda, digitalization, and the rule of law. This approach reflects the modern understanding of security within the UN Security Council, where not only the military aspect is of key importance, but also social security, economic stability, and the strength of state institutions.
A compelling argument in favor of Turkmenistan’s candidacy is its many years of practical experience interacting with the Security Council. Since 2007, the one-of-a-kind UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), established with the support of Security Council member states, has been operating in Ashgabat, underscoring the high level of trust the international community has in the country’s neutral status.
Furthermore, Turkmenistan regularly puts forward large-scale international initiatives to improve the security architecture. These include the development of a Global Security Strategy under the auspices of the UN, the proposal to declare 2028 the International Year of International Law, and the consistent promotion of the “Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace” concept, which directly aligns with the Security Council’s key conflict prevention objectives.
