NEXT ISSUE OF THE JOURNAL "DEMOCRACY AND LAW"

The latest issue of the quarterly scientific and applied journal "Democracy and Law" has been published in Turkmen, English, and Russian by the Institute of State, Law, and Democracy of Turkmenistan.

The issue opens with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's speech at the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. The head of state noted the international significance of the event, which aims to serve as a starting point for understanding regional, continental, and global processes, affirming the values of peace, cooperation, equality, trust, justice, culture of dialogue, and mutual understanding in international politics.

Particular emphasis is placed on the adoption of the Constitutional Law of Turkmenistan "On the Legal Foundations of the Peace and Trust Policy of Neutral Turkmenistan" last September. Its fundamental principles include neutrality, firm and unwavering commitment to equality, mutual respect, cooperation, good neighborliness, non-use of force, conflict prevention, the resolution of any international issues solely by peaceful, political and diplomatic means and methods, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, the priority of generally recognized norms of international law, respect for human rights and freedoms, and a number of other obligations.

In his speech, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the United Nations sees our country as a responsible and effective partner in addressing the most important global and regional issues, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and promoting fair and balanced approaches to international cooperation across a wide range of areas. Noting that Turkmenistan proposes the creation of a University of Peace and Neutrality in cooperation with the UN, the head of state expressed hope for support for this initiative and declared his readiness to consider it in detail with friends and partners.

In his speech at the aforementioned International Forum, National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, published in the magazine, emphasized that for Turkmenistan, neutrality is not just a foreign policy model, but the foundation of our worldview, our self-perception of our role and responsibility as a state and people, and our unique contribution to the development of modern civilization.

Throughout 2025, as part of the "International Year of Peace and Trust," our country, together with partners from other countries, multilateral associations, and institutions, conducted targeted, constructive foreign policy work. This work was conducted at various levels, regionally and internationally, and was united by a common goal: creating conditions for the effective development of international relations in a positive direction, restoring trust in global politics, and establishing a culture of respectful dialogue. These principles and goals are particularly relevant today.

As Hero Arkadag emphasized in his speech, a characteristic feature of the Forum was its openness and willingness of the participants to jointly seek solutions to the most important issues of our time, their ability to perceive different points of view, and respect for the cases and arguments of the parties. In this context, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that the content and messages of the Forum are forward-looking, focused on broad horizons of strategic planning, priority setting, and an orderly, systematic analysis of global trends in politics, economics, the social and humanitarian sphere, across a range of sustainable development topics.

It should be noted that the journal contains materials devoted to the national and international legal foundations of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, listing constitutional laws and UN Resolutions of various years. Readers are also invited to read the article "The Law of Turkmenistan 'On the Unified State Register of Voters’- Modernization of Electoral Law," which notes that the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan is the administrator of the state register.

As the author emphasizes, the systematic reform of national electoral legislation and its alignment with international standards, along with the implementation of comprehensive measures, confirm the successful implementation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's initiatives. These reforms are aimed at strengthening the political and legal foundation of the Turkmen state, deepening democratic processes, and stimulating civic engagement. Furthermore, the ongoing work contributes to the improvement of the electoral system and the active implementation of best international practices in public practice.

The publication "Implementation of Humanitarian Principles" reveals the value-based aspects of the policy of permanent neutrality, which are consonant with the fundamental ideals of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which encompasses more than 100 countries. Within this global humanitarian community, our country is represented by the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCST).

Volunteers play a key role in the implementation of NRCST's humanitarian programs. Developing a volunteer network is identified as a priority in the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan's Development Strategy for 2021-2025, as well as in the NRCST's Youth Policy. One of the strategic objectives of this organization is to promote culture of volunteerism and encourage the active participation of young people in relevant events and projects.

Among other materials in this issue is the article "Neutrality- the Path to Peace and Trust." It emphasizes that Turkmenistan, a centuries-old advocate of peaceful coexistence, is today effectively leveraging its legal status of permanent neutrality. The state is implementing large-scale initiatives aimed at resolving pressing international issues through diplomatic dialogue, as well as ensuring global security and sustainable progress based on the principles of mutual trust.

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that in the three decades since acquiring neutral status, Turkmenistan has proposed several UN General Assembly resolutions in strategic areas such as energy, transport, ecology, and sports. This confirms that every proposal put forward by our country is aimed at resolving issues of global significance and enjoys broad support from the international community.

The article "The Avaza Political Declaration: Positive Experience in International Relations of Neutral Turkmenistan" emphasizes the significance of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which was held from August 5-8, 2025, in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.

The author notes that Turkmenistan, with its advantageous geostrategic location at the junction of two continents, is effectively realizing its transit potential to improve all types of transport links. In this context, the country's "sea gateway" is of particular importance, with its significant resource potential contributing to the expansion of international shipping and the strengthening of foreign economic relations.

Readers will be interested in the publication "Development of Housing Legislation in Turkmenistan," which emphasizes the social orientation of state policy, expressed in the large-scale construction and commissioning of luxury housing. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of legal and organizational mechanisms for targeted support for young people, contributing to the provision of affordable housing for the younger generation.

The publication also presents the results of the "Creative Work and Human Rights" competition, announced by the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan jointly with the "Democracy and Law" journal of the Institute of State, Law, and Democracy of Turkmenistan. The results of the intellectual competition were announced on December 22, 2025, as part of the conference "Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan: Principles for the Implementation of Human Rights and Creative Work," dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality and International Human Rights Day.

The next issue publishes an announcement about the 2026 competition of scientific and practical articles "Creative Work and Human Rights," held annually to communicate to the general public the significance of the reforms being implemented and the status of permanent neutrality of our state, as well as the triumph of freedoms and rights of citizens reflected in current laws.

The publication concludes with the traditional "Chronicle" section, which offers readers an overview of forums, meetings, conferences, seminars, and other events held in the country and abroad with the participation of representatives of authoritative organizations.