On November 11, the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressed the plenary session of the Leaders' Summit of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31). This was reported by the TDH news agency.

According to the source, the speech presented Turkmenistan's initiatives to strengthen international climate cooperation, develop regional mechanisms and improve environmental policy.

During his speech, Hero-Arkadag expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for the invitation and for hosting the conference. Turkmenistan's commitment to its obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement within the framework of its National Climate Strategy was also reaffirmed.

The country's climate policy priorities include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, introducing environmentally friendly technologies and fulfilling the Global Methane Pledge. At the same time, the energy supply system is being modernized, measures are being taken to reduce natural gas losses and improve emissions monitoring. Turkmenistan has also prepared its Fourth National Communication on Climate Change and an updated Third Nationally Determined Contribution report.

A separate section of the speech was devoted to cooperation among Central Asian states in addressing climate challenges and combating desertification. The Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia plans to begin operations in early 2027. In addition, Turkmenistan is promoting the establishment of a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of the region.

Speaking about the Avaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034, Hero-Arkadag emphasized the importance of implementing its climate provisions. A thematic session entitled “From Avaza to Antalya: Implementing the Avaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries and Advancing Climate Action” is planned as part of COP31.

During his speech, Hero-Arkadag presented five Turkmenistan initiatives to develop international climate cooperation.

The first calls for the United Nations to declare 2028–2037 the Decade of Climate Resilience and Adaptation. The initiative is expected to focus international efforts on strengthening states' resilience to climate change and allocating the necessary resources.

The second initiative concerns the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue — an open international platform for engagement on the climate agenda. The first meeting, with the participation of interested international partners, is proposed to be held in Ashgabat in 2027.

The third proposal envisages developing, jointly with the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Economic Forum and other partners, a Digital Atlas of Climate Change and Its Negative Impacts. The project is intended to ensure continuous monitoring of climate change, assessment of its impacts and identification of effective adaptation measures.

The fourth initiative proposes establishing a global partnership for the provision of climate technologies. The goal is to expand developing countries' access to environmentally friendly technologies, innovative solutions and climate finance.

The fifth proposal concerns the development, under the auspices of the United Nations, of an International Environmental Code. The document is intended to systematize existing international norms and standards in the fields of environmental protection, combating climate change, biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.

In concluding his speech, Hero-Arkadag reaffirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to continue fulfilling its obligations under the Paris Agreement and the agreements reached at international climate forums, as well as to develop cooperation with interested states and international organizations.