Turkmenistan's president proposes a UN-backed university of peace

Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhammedov has announced a proposal to create a University of Peace and Neutrality in collaboration with the United Nations. The initiative was presented on Friday during his address at the International Forum for Peace and Trust held in the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat.

Forum Context and Proposal Details

Speaking at the forum, which marks the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutral status, President Berdimuhammedov linked the nation's foreign policy to the project. He stated the proposed institution would concentrate on academic research and educational programs, leveraging the UN's vast expertise in global peacekeeping and conflict resolution. "The university will focus on research and educational activities, drawing on the UN's extensive experience in peacekeeping," he affirmed, as reported by the state-run Golden Age newspaper.

Regional Support and International Partnership

The announcement garnered immediate backing from two key Central Asian neighbors, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, whose delegations voiced support during the forum. President Berdimuhammedov also emphasized Turkmenistan's intention to deepen its engagement with the UN, noting the organization views Ashgabat as a "responsible and effective partner" in tackling global challenges and advancing sustainable development goals.

Strategic Diplomacy and Regional Dynamics

This diplomatic move reinforces Turkmenistan's longstanding policy of neutrality as a cornerstone of its international identity. The proposal for a dedicated peace university aligns with global observances, as the UN General Assembly has declared 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. For Türkiye, a nation deeply invested in Eurasian stability and cultural diplomacy, such academic initiatives that foster dialogue and conflict prevention resonate with its own foreign policy objectives of promoting peace and cooperation in the broader region.