The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressed the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. This was reported by TDH.

At the outset, Hero Arkadag thanked the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, the leadership of UNIDO and the Austrian Foreign Affairs Ministry for the invitation and for organising the forum. It was noted that the broad range of participants reflects the high level of interest in energy and climate issues.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people stated that Turkmenistan is participating in the implementation of UN strategies in the field of energy sustainability and the climate agenda. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan emphasised that the current global situation makes energy and climate issues particularly sensitive.

Separately, Hero Arkadag outlined Turkmenistan’s approach as one of the major energy producers. According to him, the country is pursuing a consistent policy aimed at developing equal international cooperation in the energy sector.

Key initiatives were presented in the speech. These include the development of a Global Security Strategy, in which the energy component is regarded as one of the fundamental elements.

It was also proposed to promote the idea of a UN ‘Energy Code’, which would enshrine the rejection of the politicisation of energy cooperation. Special mention was made of the initiative to create a universal international legal document on the production, transit and consumption of energy resources.

Hero Arkadag emphasised the need for guaranteed and non-discriminatory access to energy for all countries, regardless of their economic and political situation.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled that Turkmenistan had already sponsored three UN General Assembly resolutions on energy issues, and announced the preparation of a new initiative on energy connectivity.

In the climate section of the speech, commitment to the Paris Agreement was reaffirmed. The development of projects in the fields of solar, wind and hydrogen energy was highlighted. An initiative was also proposed to establish a 10-year global programme for the transition to hydrogen energy.

It was announced that preparations were underway to launch the UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia in Ashgabat.

Particular emphasis was placed on supporting landlocked developing countries. The need for equal access to water resources and international support for such states was emphasised.

Hero Arkadag recalled the holding of the Third UN Conference for such countries in 2025 and the adoption of the Awaza Declaration, stating Turkmenistan’s intention to work towards its implementation.

In conclusion, Hero Arkadag noted the country’s readiness to continue working with the UN and international organisations, including UNIDO, on the implementation of climate and energy initiatives.