NEXT ISSUE OF THE JOURNAL "DEMOCRACY AND LAW"

The latest issue of the quarterly scientific and applied journal "Democracy and Law" has been published, prepared for publication by the Institute of State, Law, and Democracy of Turkmenistan,

The journal, published in Turkmen, English, and Russian, covers the main areas of state policy in Turkmenistan, as well as international cooperation in the field of law.

The issue opens with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's address at the plenary session of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held on September 23, 2025, in New York City. As the head of state noted, "the current state of global realities and the nature and trends of political, economic, and social processes today objectively require a decisive shift toward coordinated interaction among states and international organizations in the name of achieving a common, fundamental goal- maintaining peace and security, creating conditions for further progressive development, and preserving the legal foundations of the modern world order."

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that, recognizing its responsibility as a permanently neutral state, Turkmenistan is prepared to begin implementing further practical steps aimed at creating an atmosphere of cooperation, mutual understanding, and respectful dialogue as the primary and defining condition capable of ensuring stability and sustainable development in the global and regional dimensions. In this regard, Turkmenistan initiated the inclusion of a separate item on the agenda of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly entitled "Neutrality for Peace and Security." We consider this important from the point of view of growing global understanding of the importance of neutrality and its potential and tools in the context of the UN peacekeeping strategy.

"As is known, the General Assembly, at Turkmenistan's initiative, has declared this year the International Year of Peace and Trust. This significant event coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the UN," -the head of state noted. This December, the country will host a major high-level international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust. We view it as a tangible contribution to achieving the UN's strategic goals and look forward to broad and representative international participation.

In his address, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the process of aligning national approaches to global development trends, establishing and strengthening trust and mutual understanding must be systemic and consistent. In this regard, Turkmenistan is initiating the holding of a World Summit on a Culture of Peace and Trust. We see one of the key objectives of the Summit as the development of a global Code of International Trust, which will serve as a universal foundation for building relations between countries based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as cooperation and the joint resolution of global problems.

"Turkmenistan will continue to consistently advocate for strengthening the central role of the UN in international affairs. We believe the key factors in this regard are strengthening the rule of international law, improving the international regulatory framework, and increasing the effectiveness of the implementation of UN conventions, treaties, agreements, and other multilateral documents," the Turkmen leader noted.

In his speech, published in the journal, at the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan on September 19, National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that independence and neutrality are our national pride; they are closely linked and thus constitute a glorious path of peace and trust. Independence and permanent neutrality are for us the doctrine that serves as the foundation for the inviolability of the state and unity, as well as all our achievements. Looking back on the path we have passed in strengthening our sovereignty and advancing permanent neutrality in the world, we must remember that every success is built on love for our homeland, selfless work, and diligence.

During the years of independence, colossal work has been accomplished, impressive results have been achieved, and all this for the sake of our bright today and tomorrow. The foundations of independence and permanent neutrality are now being significantly strengthened: the ambitious measures that are being taken are the result of state policy aimed at ensuring a happy life for the people, Hero Arkadag continued.

In his keynote speech at the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov summarized the work accomplished in the country this year aimed at the socio-economic development of an independent, neutral homeland and improving the well-being of citizens, and identified important tasks for Turkmenistan's further development.

As the head of state noted, one of the key vectors of our country's foreign policy is the development of equal and mutually beneficial relations with countries around the world. Today, Turkmenistan has become a hub for international forums. The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held at the Avaza National Tourist Zone this year, significantly enhanced Turkmenistan's international standing, as it takes a fresh approach to addressing important global and regional issues.

Based on the results of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, the Avaza Political Declaration was adopted and the Avaza Action Framework for 2024–2034 was presented. This Conference and the fruitful meetings that took place are intended to strengthen and expand cooperation between landlocked developing countries and transit countries, as well as to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also emphasized that at the 61st plenary meeting of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held on March 21, 2025, the Resolution "Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan" was unanimously adopted at our country's initiative, further confirming the dignified continuation of the policy of neutrality and enhancing our country's authority on the global stage.

Furthermore, the head of state noted that the representative Forum of the International Year of Peace and Trust, which will be held on December 12 of this year, will be important in disseminating our state's constructive doctrine worldwide, which will serve as clear evidence of the successful implementation of our country's unprecedented efforts to ensure global peace and strengthen trust between states.

The publication also includes a speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the first plenary meeting of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held on August 5, 2025, in Avaza.

The Head of State emphasized that the current Conference is directly related to major and pressing issues of global development, the implementation of large-scale United Nations programs, primarily the Sustainable Development Goals, and adherence to the strategic guidelines of the Pact for the Future.

Turkmenistan's state policy is focused on individuals, their needs and demands. It is focused on developing the individual, their intellect and creative potential, their spiritual and physical health, and the protection and promotion of their legitimate rights and interests. "The State is for the People!" is not just our motto, but an essential, defining vector of Turkmenistan's domestic political and social life, a pillar of our country's foreign policy and international activities," noted President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Readers are presented with the article "Labor and Social Rights of Citizens: The Main Task of Trade Unions," which discusses Turkmenistan's interaction with the International Labor Organization (ILO), whose primary goal is to promote the principles of social justice and implement international labor standards. The ILO's work includes promoting decent work for all people, regardless of employment status. The article notes that the International Labor Organization is a strategic partner for trade unions in all regions of the world. It was the first organization that legally recognized trade union rights, including the right to freedom of association, at the international level.

The journal publishes the article "The Principle of the Integrity of the Philosophy 'Dialogue is the Guarantee of Peace'- a Systemic Foundation for Successful Diplomacy." The author explores the essence of this philosophical doctrine, which aims to unite the efforts of the international community in strengthening the traditions of peaceful and trusting coexistence among the nations of the world, restoring values, worldviews, and traditions for the preservation and promotion of peace, and the comprehensive development of a culture of peace and trust in international relations.

The publication features articles submitted for the "Creative Work and Human Rights" competition. The Institute of State, Law, and Democracy of Turkmenistan, through its journal "Democracy and Law," announces the competition annually to raise awareness of the importance of ongoing constitutional reforms and our country's permanent neutrality, as well as the triumph of civil liberties and rights reflected in current laws.

The author of the article "Neutrality- A Bright Future for Our Homeland" notes that the "Dialogue is the Guarantee of Peace" philosophy of new international relations, initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is inextricably linked to a policy of peace and trust aimed at ensuring a prosperous future for humanity. Today, it serves as the main principle of cooperation and development between states and nations.

The next competition article, "The Importance of Digital Technologies in the Implementation of Property Rights," notes that the use of innovative technologies in a modern market economy creates significant opportunities for timesavings in production and services. Digital technologies are currently having a dramatic impact on international relations, economic interaction, global trade, and information exchange across the globe. With the introduction of digital systems into socio-economic sectors, the implementation of citizens' property rights is accelerating, efficiency and information security are increasing.

Readers will also be interested in the publication "The Legal Basis for the Implementation of Turkmenistan's Customs Policy," which notes that the main objectives and principles of customs policy are defined by the Constitution of Turkmenistan, the Customs Code of Turkmenistan, and the Law of Turkmenistan "On the Customs Service." These legal acts define the legal, economic, and organizational foundations of state regulation of customs affairs, which contribute to the development of Turkmenistan's economy and ensure its economic security. Customs affairs represent a set of methods and means of customs regulation related to the movement of goods and vehicles across the customs border of Turkmenistan, determining the procedures and conditions for customs clearance, the application of customs regimes, the collection of customs duties, customs control, and other measures for implementing Turkmenistan's customs policy.

The latest issue of the magazine concludes with the traditional "Chronicle" column, which offers readers an overview of events, meetings, conferences, and other activities that took place in the country and abroad in July-September of this year with the participation of representatives of authoritative organizations.