The Civil Society Forum, held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), continues in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. Forum participants called for a review of current approaches to sustainable development, focusing on the role of local communities and the need for equitable partnerships. The representative of Zambia noted that sustainability is not possible without inclusive economic planning that addresses the needs of vulnerable groups, including farmers and workers in the informal sector. Particular attention is being paid to the involvement of women, youth and communities in decision-making. Experts also stressed the importance of transitioning from a resource-dependent economy to a model based on equality, dignity and environmental sustainability as a guarantee of long-term growth.
The Deputy Chairman of the National Trade Unions Centre of Turkmenistan, Kadyr Amandurdyev, spoke at the Civil Society Forum in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. K. Amandurdyev emphasised the importance of sustainable development for the country and noted the active role of trade unions in this process. According to him, particular attention is being paid to issues of gender equality, the ‘green’ economy and the involvement of workers in transformation processes. Trade unions contribute to legal reforms, improving working conditions and international exchange of experience. K. Amandurdyev called for strengthening the partnership between the state, employers and civil society, emphasising that ‘people must remain at the centre of everything.’
Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which is being held in the ‘Avaza’ tourist zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum is held every ten years and aims to take stock of previous programmes and develop new development guidelines. The focus is on international cooperation, transport infrastructure development, trade facilitation, climate resilience and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the UN forum in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, participants discussed key issues of fair environmental transition and sustainable economic growth. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The representative of Uganda stressed that ‘green’ growth should not exacerbate existing global inequalities. In her opinion, this requires serious structural changes in the economy, including the development of manufacturing, increasing added value and the formation of modern service sectors. Particular attention was paid to strengthening national sovereignty in environmental policy. The participant expressed concern that many environmental and trade standards are developed outside developing countries and do not take into account their specific characteristics. European initiatives that create barriers for small producers and informal sectors were cited as examples. Proposals included the development of national green industrial strategies, the development of local and regional production chains, support for sustainable industries and the transition to a circular economy. The importance of the state's role in coordinating processes, attracting investment, transferring technology and providing sustainable financing was emphasised. The need to reform the international trade and financial systems to create fair and inclusive rules that ensure equal opportunities for landlocked countries was also discussed.
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum is being held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone and brings together delegations from various countries, international organisations and businesses. The Prime Minister of Nepal was met at the airport by official representatives. The participation of the Prime Minister of Nepal underscores the country's commitment to contributing to international efforts to support countries facing geographical isolation and to strengthening regional cooperation.
At the Civil Society Forum held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a representative of Uzbekistan presented a number of initiatives aimed at achieving the SDGs, developing infrastructure and addressing environmental issues. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. He noted that due to reforms, the poverty level in the country has decreased from 18% to 7% since 2016. Transport integration was a key focus of the presentation, with the Trans-Afghan Railway Corridor project connecting Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan being presented. In the environmental section, Uzbekistan presented its National Climate Strategy, which aims to reduce emissions by 35% by 2030. Special mention was made of the work of the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region, supported by the UN, which implements projects in the fields of water supply, medicine and employment. Emphasising the role of civil society, the representative of Uzbekistan called for the joint implementation of social initiatives and expressed support for the Awaza Programme of Action.
First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Minister of Economy and Development Nyam-Osoryn Uchral arrived at Turkmenbashi International Airport to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC-3), which is being held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. On the sidelines of the forum, participants will discuss key issues related to strengthening transport connectivity, digital integration, sustainable development and overcoming geographical barriers faced by landlocked countries. The main outcome of the conference will be the adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action until 2034, a strategic document designed to guide international cooperation and support for landlocked countries for the coming decade.
On 4 August 2025, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ivana Zivkovic. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed key areas of cooperation, including sustainable development, digitalisation, economic sustainability, inclusive growth and climate adaptation. The parties paid special attention to UNDP's contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. I. Zivkovic confirmed her readiness to continue the partnership and support joint projects, and wished success in the preparation of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3).
On 4 August, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somalia Isaak Mohamud Mursal in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres, and also noted the effectiveness of interaction within international organisations, including the UN. The Somali side expressed support for Turkmenistan's peace initiatives and interest in further constructive dialogue. Special attention was paid to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3).
On 4 August, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Alemu Sime Feisa. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to transport issues. The Ethiopian side emphasised the significance of the visit of the Turkmen delegation headed by the Chairman of the Democratic Party, A. Serdarov, to Addis Ababa this year, as well as the importance of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). Mutual interest was noted in developing ties in the areas of transport, ecology and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Ethiopia expressed its readiness to participate in Turkmenistan's initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and sustainable development. Special attention was paid to the upcoming International Forum on Peace and Trust, to be held in Turkmenistan in December. At the end of the meeting, the Ethiopian minister thanked the Turkmen side for its hospitality and contribution to the organisation of the conference.
On the sidelines of the Third UN Conference in Avaza and related events, bilateral negotiations aimed at developing international partnerships are continuing. This was reported by Orient. A delegation from the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, led by Galina Romanova, Head of the Department of State Finance and Economic Policy, held a meeting with Aleksandr Prodan, Senior Transport Economist at the World Bank. They discussed issues of coordinated investment policy and the creation and development of international transport corridors. The parties paid particular attention to the financial and economic aspects of implementing projects that contribute to the expansion of the global market for freight and passenger transport.
On 4 August, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Liu Hua. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties emphasised the high level of cooperation, paying particular attention to current joint projects, including the use of the agency's technical potential in the field of healthcare. They also discussed the coordination of the draft Framework Programme for the country for 2025-2029 between the Government of Turkmenistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency, which is planned to be signed in the near future. Liu Hua thanked the Turkmen side for hosting the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), noting its importance.