ECO Sustainable Development Forum & Key Highlights
The Inaugural ECO Sustainable Development Forum Launches in Arkadag
Arkadag, April 28, 2025 – The first day of the 1st ECO Sustainable Development Forum took place today, organized collaboratively by the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan. This pivotal summit aims to bolster regional cooperation and propel initiatives aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
During the opening ceremony, Secretary General of the ECO, Asad Khan, underscored the Forum’s significance as a strategic platform for harmonizing regional policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stressed the importance of fostering coherence, promoting innovative solutions, and developing multi-stakeholder partnerships to meet these goals. Khan also highlighted the role of the new High-Level Working Group on Sustainable Development and the forthcoming ECO SDG Performance Index Report, which will serve as a guide for enhancing regional efforts toward sustainable development.
A diverse assembly of ministers, senior officials from ECO member states, and representatives from international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector gathered at the Forum. Central themes of discussion included climate action, gender equality, decent work, healthcare, and the critical role of family units in promoting sustainable development.
Bilateral meetings were conducted alongside the Forum, allowing for deeper collaboration among member countries. Notably, Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, met with Secretary General Asad Khan. During their conversation, Khan praised Turkmenistan’s proactive role within the ECO and commended the forum’s excellent organization.
In his remarks, Dr. Khan shared significant trade statistics, revealing that the ECO region’s contribution to global trade reached approximately $1.016 trillion in 2023, with intra-regional trade amounting to $82 billion. He welcomed Turkmenistan’s proposal for an ECO feasibility study concerning common border areas with Iran and informed Atagulyev about upcoming ECO ministerial meetings in various sectors, encouraging Turkmenistan’s active participation. He emphasized the necessity to finalize and ratify crucial agreements, including the ECO Trade Agreement and the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments, in order to fortify trade relations and economic collaboration.
Khan also held a meeting with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov. He expressed enthusiasm for the impending 3rd UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, scheduled for August 2025 in Avaza, and conveyed gratitude for the invitation to participate in the International Conference marking the International Year of Peace and Trust, alongside the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality.
Both leaders recognized the importance of the recent High-Level Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers, as well as the forthcoming ECO Ministerial Meetings and the 17th ECO Summit set for July 2025.
Acknowledging Turkmenistan’s strategic geographic position as a catalyst for enhancing regional connectivity and trade, the Secretary General expressed appreciation for the country’s initiatives in tourism and disaster risk reduction. He also congratulated Turkmenistan on its accomplishments in developing sustainable urban infrastructure.
In related discussions, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov engaged with Seyed Hamid Pourmohammadi, Vice President and Head of the Planning and Budget Organization of Iran, as well as Galymzhan Koishybayev, Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of the Government of Kazakhstan, thereby furthering diplomatic ties among the member states.
The ECO Sustainable Development Forum stands as a pivotal moment for regional cooperation, signaling a united commitment to sustainable practices and shared prosperity.
Photo credits: eco.int
