On October 30, 2026, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Vepa Hajiyev participated in an event dedicated to World Cities Day 2026 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The meeting was organized by the Group of Friends of UN-Habitat, Sustainable Urbanization and the New Urban Agenda, co-chaired by Poland and Zimbabwe. This was reported by the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN reports.

Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable urbanization, inclusive development and international cooperation. The Permanent Representative’s address focused on the city of Arkadag, presented as an example of integrating innovative and environmentally friendly solutions into urban development.

Arkadag combines smart management technologies, digital public services, green infrastructure and environmentally friendly transport. This experience can inform approaches to the development of sustainable cities.

Vepa Hajiyev also highlighted the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UN-Habitat, including an assessment mission to Arkadag, the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding and the preparation of the Country Programme for 2026–2030.

Ahead of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, the country proposed two initiatives.

The first envisages establishing a cooperation platform between UN-Habitat and landlocked developing countries. The platform would facilitate the exchange of experience in smart cities, affordable housing and sustainable urbanization, including the experience of Arkadag, in support of the Avaza Programme of Action.

The second initiative proposes developing targeted technical assistance and pilot projects for cities in these countries. The main focus would be on sustainable infrastructure, urban connectivity, climate resilience and innovative financing mechanisms.

World Cities Day is observed annually on October 31. The theme for 2026, “Revitalizing the City: Adequate Housing for All,” focuses on affordable housing and sustainable urban development.

Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with UN-Habitat, participate in the work of the Group of Friends and share its experience in developing the city of Arkadag.