An international scientific-practical conference titled "Milestones in the Development of Statehood, Legal System, and Democracy in Neutral Turkmenistan," dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Institute of State, Law, and Democracy of Turkmenistan, was held in the conference hall of the Adalat Palace, as reported by the State News Agency of Turkmenistan.
The forum was attended by representatives of the Mejlis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant ministries and sectoral departments, public organizations, the faculty and students of the Academy of Civil Service under the President of Turkmenistan, student youth, as well as heads of diplomatic missions and representations accredited in Turkmenistan.
Participants of the conference listened with special enthusiasm to the congratulatory Address of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. As emphasized in the Address, relying on the foundations of statehood, the rule of law, and national democratic principles, Turkmenistan consistently develops civil society and strengthens relations between the state, society, and the individual. In modern Turkmen society, the individual is recognized as the highest value. The Head of State's Address also emphasized the people's commitment to their national heritage, primordial humanistic values, and the ancient democratic traditions of the power of the people embedded in the foundation of Turkmen statehood.
As speakers noted, in the new historical era, the legal foundations of a democratic, rule-of-law, and secular state are being systematically improved. The radical progressive transformations being implemented in Turkmenistan unite society, broaden people's worldviews, and inspire every Turkmen citizen to new labor achievements. It was also emphasized that large-scale work is underway aimed at further modernizing the national legislative system and harmonizing it with universally recognized norms of international law.
Among the main topics of the speeches was the unanimous adoption in May and July of the current year, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, of the resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan: "The Role and Significance of the Policy of Neutrality in Maintaining and Strengthening International Peace, Security, and the Sustainable Development Process" and "Year of International Law, 2028," which became historically significant events. At the same time, it was emphasized that the UN General Assembly's adoption of more than 30 resolutions on Turkmenistan's proposal testifies to the country's significant contribution to the development of international law.
As noted, the main directions of Turkmenistan's socio-economic development are organically combined with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Special attention is paid to ensuring human rights, which contributes to creating all conditions for the physical, spiritual, and moral development of each individual. The conference provided broad opportunities for discussing the basic principles of Turkmen statehood, issues of compliance of the domestic legislative system with international legal norms, ways to develop national democracy, and popularizing the peace-loving, constructive, and humane policy implemented by Turkmenistan.
Forum participants emphasized that law and its implementation are closely linked to the development of statehood. Over the years of independence, Turkmenistan has formed a national legislative framework based on the objective of increasing the effectiveness of the legal regulation of public relations to protect individual rights and freedoms, state sovereignty, and ensure the country's national interests in the system of international relations.
Confirmation of this is provided by the "National Action Plan for Human Rights in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030," the "National Action Plan for Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030," and the "National Action Plan for the Realization of Children's Rights in Turkmenistan for 2023–2028," approved by Resolutions of the Head of State in 2026 and 2023, respectively. These documents create broad prospects for implementing comprehensive human rights activities in cooperation with UN structures and other international organizations.
During the forum, along with speeches by international experts and scientists, a report was heard from the Authorized Representative for Human Rights in Turkmenistan—the Ombudsman. Special emphasis was placed on the legislative guarantees of human rights and the harmonization of national experience with international principles.
The speeches also noted that in recent years, all conditions have been provided in Turkmenistan for the active participation of young scientists in carrying out planned research work in priority areas of science. The importance of legal education and legal culture, as well as the role of state bodies in realizing the rights and freedoms of citizens proclaimed in the Basic Law, was emphasized. The Constitution of Turkmenistan, as a solid foundation of the national legal system, possesses enormous potential. The Basic Law is aimed at ensuring the stability of the state and society, as well as the dynamic political and socio-economic development of the country. Constitutional principles occupy an important place in the activities of the modern rule-of-law state, its institutions, political parties, public associations, and every citizen.
At the conclusion of the conference, its participants adopted an Address to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, expressing deep gratitude for the conditions created to hold the forum at a high organizational level, and wished the Head of State and Hero-Arkadag good health, longevity, and success in their large-scale activities carried out for the well-being of the people and the country.
