BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Cooperation
between Turkmenistan and the United Nations Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is entering a focused
implementation phase across several strategic areas, including
trade, connectivity, energy transition, and digital development,
Deputy Executive Secretary of ESCAP Shombi Sharp told Trend.


"Allow me first to express our great appreciation for the
Government of Turkmenistan’s highly effective hosting of this
year’s SPECA Week and warm hospitality shown to all participating
Government, UN and other delegations," he said.


Sharp noted that the discussions in Ashgabat demonstrated a high
level of engagement and resulted in meaningful agreements among a
wide range of stakeholders, leaving him optimistic about the future
of regional cooperation.


"In a world marked by so many challenges, from geopolitical
uncertainty and climate change to economic volatility, the theme of
the Week - Peace and Trust – resonated deeply," he stressed.


According to him, for Central Asia and neighboring regions,
peace and trust are essential practical conditions for sustainable
development, given the region’s historical role as a crossroads of
civilizations and trade routes.


"ESCAP, along with our colleagues from UNECE and the UN Country
Team led by the Resident Coordinator, has been working closely with
the Government of Turkmenistan to advance the Sustainable
Development Goals," Sharp said.


He emphasized that the recent meetings reaffirmed a shared
commitment to translate regional ambitions into tangible outcomes,
especially with only five years remaining until the 2030 SDG
deadline.


"With only 5 years left until the 2030 goalpost, this
partnership now enters a focused implementation phase across
several strategic areas such as trade, innovation, connectivity,
energy transition and data capacity building," Sharp noted.







He added that stronger cooperation within the SPECA framework
will play an important role in accelerating progress in these
areas.


"Given its central location, unique resources and capacities,
Turkmenistan plays a leading role in promoting global sustainable
transport and advancing regional connectivity," Sharp said.


In this regard, he pointed to opportunities to deepen
cooperation through the ESCAP Green Power Corridor Framework, which
is aimed at strengthening energy security and expanding renewable
energy generation.


"We also see significant potential for future cooperation
between Turkmenistan and ESCAP in digital economy development.
Enhancing e-commerce and digital trade integrates regional markets,
which will in turn drive economic growth across borders. ESCAP also
looks toward joint action on climate adaptation and early warning
systems to protect vulnerable communities, and technical programs
to empower youth and women," Sharp emphasized.


Sharp concluded that their joint efforts will ensure sustainable
development stays focused on human dignity.


Earlier in January, a delegation led by UNESCAP Deputy Executive
Secretary Shombi Sharp visited Turkmenistan in the context of the
SPECA Economic Forum 2026, held on January 21-22 in Ashgabat as
part of SPECA Week under the United Nations Special Programme for
the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).