Turkmenistan continues to participate in international efforts to ensure environmental security, combat climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The environmental and climate agenda is one of the country’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, according to the news agency TDH.

Climate change issues affect not only the environment, but also the economy, the social sphere and the quality of life of the population. In this regard, Turkmenistan is implementing national programmes and developing cooperation with the UN, UNDP, UNEP, FAO and other international organisations.

On the international stage, Turkmenistan has put forward a number of initiatives, including the establishment of a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies, a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia, and the development of a UN environmental strategy for the region. The proposals also include a special UN programme for the Aral Sea basin.

The country pays particular attention to environmental issues in the Caspian region. Turkmenistan’s Caspian Environmental Initiative is aimed at developing international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the conservation of the Caspian Sea’s biological resources. As part of this initiative, it has been proposed to hold the Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026.

Environmental issues were also discussed at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone in August 2025. Issues of sustainable development were reflected in the Awaza Political Declaration and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034.

Turkmenistan is a party to international climate agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. In 2023, the country joined the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) and adopted a Roadmap for 2025–2026 to reduce methane emissions.

The country is improving its legislative framework in the environmental sector. The National Climate Change Strategy is being implemented, and the National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Energy up to 2030 and the Law ‘On Renewable Energy Sources’ have been adopted. The National Forest Programme of Turkmenistan for 2026–2030 and the Action Plan for its implementation have also been approved.

As part of the UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge, Turkmenistan is carrying out large-scale greening projects. As a result of annual tree-planting campaigns, new green spaces, parks and woodlands are being created across the country.

Environmental principles are also taken into account in the development of urban infrastructure. One example is the city of Arkadag, where digital and ‘green’ technologies are being applied. The project has received a number of international certificates in the field of sustainable construction and environmental safety.

Turkmenistan also participates in international climate events. At the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB64) in Bonn, the country’s position on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, introducing environmentally friendly technologies and developing renewable energy was reaffirmed.

One of the key areas of sustainable development is the transition to a circular economy. Turkmenistan advocates the introduction of ‘green’ technologies, resource recycling, waste reduction and the development of innovative production models. At the World Governments Summit in Dubai in 2024, the country presented an initiative to establish a Global Framework Programme for the Transition to a Circular Economy.

Considerable attention is paid to water resources. Turkmenistan promotes water diplomacy and advocates the rational use of transboundary waters in accordance with international law. One of the country’s initiatives was a proposal to establish a Regional Council on Water Use in Central Asian Countries under the auspices of the UN.

Environmental and climatic factors are also taken into account in the development of agriculture. Resource-saving technologies are being introduced across the country, land-use methods are being improved, and plant breeding and the digitalisation of the agro-industrial complex are being developed.

Cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and other international partners in the field of adapting agriculture to climate change remains a key priority.

Turkmenistan also advocates the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies for Central Asia, which is planned to be based in Ashgabat.