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international
prioritize peaceful coexistence and mutual un- can bring fresh perspectives and strengthen the
derstanding. social fabric of the region.
5. Education and Capacity Building:
The Centre’s presence in Ashgabat not only re- Investing in education and training programs on
inforces Turkmenistan’s role as a neutral media- preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution is key
tor but also highlights the power of preventive to empowering local actors. Enhancing the capac-
diplomacy in ensuring that potential conflicts ity of regional institutions to manage disputes and
are addressed before they escalate. It stands as a crises independently is a long-term priority.
testament to the shared vision of Turkmenistan
and the United Nations to promote peace, stabil- For Central Asia, the most effective preventive
ity, and trust in Central Asia and beyon diplomacy combines regional ownership with
multilateral support. Methods like inclusive dia-
Could you also share with us your views on logue, confidence-building measures, and early
which of the methods and means of preventive warning systems have proven instrumental in
diplomacy you consider the most important for fostering trust and mitigating risks. Turkmeni-
the Central Asian region? stan, as a neutral state and an advocate of pre-
Preventive diplomacy is particularly crucial in ventive diplomacy, is committed to supporting
the Central Asian region, where complex and these efforts, emphasizing dialogue and coop-
interlinked challenges demand proactive and eration as the foundations for a peaceful and
coordinated responses. Among the methods and prosperous region.
means of preventive diplomacy, the following
are particularly important for Central Asia: Do you think that preventive diplomacy at the
1. Regional Dialogue and Mediation: regional level can be more successful, more ef-
Central Asia’s shared history, geography, and ficient, more result-driven than in a city like Ge-
interconnected issues, such as water resource neva which is nonetheless a centre of multilater-
management, make dialogue and mediation in- alism and diplomacy ?
dispensable. Platforms for regular consultations, Preventive diplomacy at the regional level can
such as those facilitated by the United Nations often be more successful and efficient in certain
Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for contexts, as it involves stakeholders with a deep-
Central Asia (UNRCCA), are vital for address- er understanding of local specificities, cultural
ing disputes constructively. nuances, and socio-political realities.
2. Preventive Action:
Timely identification and monitoring of poten- However, cities like Geneva play an irreplaceable
tial sources of tension is a cornerstone of pre- role in advancing multilateral diplomacy, pro-
ventive diplomacy. Early warning mechanisms viding a platform for broad dialogue, engaging
coordinated through regional organizations or international organizations, and coordinating ef-
UN entities can help mitigate risks before they forts on a global scale. As a hub of international
escalate into conflict. diplomacy, Geneva offers unique infrastructure
3. Multilateral Cooperation and International and expertise in bridging diverse interests and
Support: developing long-term solutions.
Given the transnational nature of many challeng-
es in Central Asia, such as countering terrorism Regional initiatives can complement global ef-
and managing the impacts of climate change, forts by ensuring responsiveness and local spe-
collaboration with international organizations cificity, while international venues like Geneva
is essential. The involvement of institutions like can offer resources, support, and a neutral space
the United Nations strengthens regional resil- for resolving issues that transcend regional
ience and promotes shared solutions. boundaries. Together, these approaches create a
4. Promoting Inclusive Dialogue: more comprehensive and sustainable model for
Ensuring that all voices are heard, including those conflict prevention.
of women, youth, and marginalized groups, is
essential for sustainable peace. Their active par- The year 2025 is designated by the United Na-
ticipation in conflict prevention and resolution tions General Assemly as the Year of Peace and
w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h