The President of Turkmenistan presented environmental initiatives at the Regional Summit in Astana

On April 22, 2026, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as part of a working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, took part in the Regional Environmental Summit and the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS).

At the International Exhibition Center “EXPO,” President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was warmly welcomed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The high-level meeting was attended by heads of state, as well as leaders and representatives of international organizations.

Before the start of the Summit, heads of delegations ознакомились with the international exhibition “RES 2026 EXPO,” held in Astana as part of the Regional Environmental Summit. The exhibition featured developments from leading global companies and innovative enterprises in the field of energy transition.

The national pavilion of Turkmenistan at the “RES 2026 EXPO” became a vivid reflection of the unique harmony between the country’s rich cultural heritage and its achievements in the modern environmental system, attracting visitors with its diverse content.

A representative of Turkmenistan introduced high-level guests to the exposition, which, along with the country’s unique nature and rich culture, reflected key directions of state policy in environmental protection, as well as initiatives, programs, and projects implemented in this area.

After visiting the exhibition, the heads of delegations proceeded to the Congress Center, where the Regional Environmental Summit was held under the theme “A Shared Vision of a Sustainable Future.”

Following the joint official photograph ceremony, a plenary session was held.

The Summit agenda included issues related to adaptation and economic resilience to environmental and natural risks, regional food security, sustainable management of natural resources, combating air pollution, mechanisms for achieving environmental goals, a fair and inclusive transition, as well as environmental and digital practices , and others.

Welcoming the participants, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude for accepting the invitation to attend the Summit, noting that the participation of heads of state, international organizations, and partners enhances the significance of the forum.

The floor was then given to the Summit delegates.

In his speech, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly greeted the participants and expressed gratitude to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for initiating the convening of the Regional Environmental Summit, as well as for the hospitality, cordial reception, and high level of organization.

The current forum is an extraordinary event. For the first time, our countries are discussing an expanded environmental agenda at the highest state level – in its complexity, integrity, and truly regional dimension, said the head of Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to actively contribute to transforming the Summit into an effective platform for exchanging views, proposing constructive ideas and initiatives in ecology, rational use of water resources, and other key areas of environmental development, including related economic, humanitarian, and legal issues.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov continued by noting that today the countries of the region face serious environmental challenges. The main one is climate change, which negatively affects all spheres of life. There is a reduction in water resources, land degradation, intensification of desertification processes, loss of biodiversity, and an increase in migration from territories becoming unsuitable for living.

As noted, under these conditions, the consolidation of efforts of all states becomes especially relevant. One of the significant instruments of such cooperation is the establishment of specialized UN Regional Centers in the territories of the countries of the region.

At this Summit, Turkmenistan presented initiatives to create a Regional Center for Climate Technologies, as well as a Regional Center for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that locating these structures close to their areas of activity would allow more precise, competent, and experience-based responses to environmental risks and threats, as well as the development of effective solutions and cooperation with national institutions.

Highlighting practical measures to reduce the negative impact of climate change and adapt to its consequences, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of promoting “green” development principles in all sectors of the economy and the need to intensify regional dialogue on environmentally sustainable growth and the implementation of modern environmental standards.

As noted, to increase the effectiveness of the proposed initiatives, it is important to establish a mechanism for their promotion. In particular, the head of state emphasized the expediency of preliminary discussion and refinement of proposals at regional or interregional environmental meetings and conferences held at the expert level. If a common vision and approaches to implementing specific proposals are developed there, it was proposed to convene ministerial meetings only after consensus is reached and, with a high degree of coordination of relevant documents, to include these issues in the summit agendas.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that special attention should be given to the issue of rational and equitable use of transboundary water resources, presenting Turkmenistan’s official position.

As emphasized, Turkmenistan advocates that water issues on transboundary rivers and watercourses should be resolved based on three main principles: strict compliance with fundamental conventions and other international acts on water issues, equal consideration of the interests of all states located along transboundary rivers, and broad participation of international organizations, primarily the United Nations.

In this regard, it was noted that Turkmenistan has put forward an initiative to create a Regional Council on Water Use in Central Asian countries under the auspices of the United Nations, which could become an effective structure coordinating efforts in the water sector.

“We have presented the Caspian Environmental Initiative at the United Nations and prepared a Concept for its implementation, which has been sent to all Caspian countries,” said the head of state.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that at the beginning of October this year, another high-level meeting is planned, following which it is expected to reach a new stage of cooperation among Caspian region countries on environmental well-being and the preservation of the Caspian Sea and its unique nature, emphasizing the importance of saving the Aral Sea.

“We expect that the Regional Environmental Forum will become an effective international platform for developing coordinated solutions,” said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In this regard, Turkmenistan highly appreciates the prospects of this format of cooperation and expressed confidence that today will give a strong impulse for future systematic work.

In conclusion of his speech, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants on the opening of the Regional Environmental Summit and wished them productive discussions and exchange of views.

As a result of the Summit, the Declaration on Environmental Solidarity in Central Asia was adopted, focusing on regional cooperation in ecology and sustainable development.