On March 31, 2026, the fifth meeting of the Turkmenistan-UN Strategic Advisory Council was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, heads and representatives of ministries and agencies, heads and specialists of permanent missions of UN agencies, and others.
During the meeting, participants discussed the coordination of joint efforts to prepare the third Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Turkmenistan. In this regard, the participants discussed the country’s current progress in achieving the SDGs, mechanisms for collecting and analyzing statistical data, and the participation of government agencies, international organizations, and civil society in the preparation of the next review.
Particular attention was paid to the need to strengthen interagency cooperation and leverage international experience for the effective preparation of the report. It was emphasized that the VNR represents a new stage in the implementation of the SDGs in the country and an important tool for assessing the results achieved.
Practical aspects of cooperation with the UN were also discussed. The parties exchanged views on the implementation of joint youth policy programs. It was noted that youth play a key role in achieving long-term development goals, and their active participation is an important factor in sustainable progress.
Continuing the meeting, the participants also focused on the environmental agenda, in particular the reduction of methane emissions. The importance of reducing methane emissions as one of the most significant factors in combating climate change and improving the environmental situation was emphasized.
Following the meeting, a signing ceremony was held for the following bilateral documents:
– Annual Work Plan between the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and UNFPA for 2026;
– Annual Work Plan between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and UNFPA for 2026;
– Annual Work Plan between the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and UNICEF for 2026;
– Annual Work Plan between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and UNICEF for 2026.