Director-General's message for the International Conference “Joint Efforts in Strengthening International Peace and Sustainable Development”

International Conference “Joint Efforts in Strengthening International Peace and Sustainable Development”

11 December 2024

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Greetings from Geneva!

It is a great pleasure to address the opening of the international conference “Joint Efforts in Strengthening International Peace and Sustainable Development” taking place in Ashgabat. 

I would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, for hosting this significant event. The leadership of Turkmenistan in advancing peace, neutrality and dialogue is a valuable example of multilateralism in action. I also thank the United Nations in Turkmenistan for its steadfast support to the country.

The theme of this conference is both timely and relevant, as our future depends on achieving major objectives – peace, development and human rights. Sustainable development is the cornerstone for achieving lasting peace across the globe, while peace is the necessary prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. And neither is possible without trust and unity. Trust is the foundation of collaboration, while unity among people and governments, nations and global institutions is essential to address today’s interconnected challenges.

The UN General Assembly has declared 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. Turkmenistan’s leadership in securing the adoption of Resolution 78/266 is a significant achievement in this regard. This Resolution calls for global collaboration, inclusive dialogue and negotiation, and highlights the strong link between trust, peace, and sustainable development. It also aligns with the Pact for the Future, adopted in September, which seeks to strengthen multilateralism and reform global governance to meet current challenges.

Tomorrow, we will mark the International Day of Neutrality, another important milestone in the international calendar. Established by UN General Assembly resolution 71/27, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, this day recognizes that neutrality aims at promoting the use of preventive diplomacy, encouraging trust, dialogue, and cooperation. Neutrality’s connection to peace and sustainable development underscores its importance in advancing global solidarity and mutual understanding – key themes of this conference. 

However, trust and neutrality currently face serious challenges. Geopolitical tensions, ongoing conflicts, growing inequalities, the climate crisis and many other obstacles are straining trust between nations and institutions, between people and governments, and simply – between people. As the United Nations Secretary-General has said, “Rebuilding trust is our essential task” now.[1] 

This requires three key actions: building communities of trust, combating hate speech and disinformation, and embracing cultural diversity. These principles are central to fostering unity, promoting resilience, and addressing global challenges. 

As a center of international diplomacy, the United Nations Office at Geneva works daily to foster dialogue and cooperation. We host negotiations, promote cultural exchanges, and support innovation in peacebuilding. By doing so, we help turn differences into shared solutions. Our priorities resonate with the objectives of today’s conference.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In these challenging times, we must focus on what unites us: our shared humanity and common destiny. I hope this conference inspires collective action, meaningful change, and renewed commitment to building a more peaceful and sustainable world.

I wish you success in your discussions.

Thank you.