TÜRKMENISTANYŇ DÖWLET, HUKUK WE DEMOKRATIÝA INSTITUTY
Tyachdjanov Shamammet,
Specialist, the Institute of State,
Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan
The main goals of the program “Revival of a New Era of a Powerful State: National Program of Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan in 2022-2052” are aimed at strengthening the economic potential of the country, reaching the level of developed countries of the world, ensuring employment of citizens and raising the standard of living of our people. The implementation of market relations reforms also provides for adaptation to a digital system based on knowledge and innovation, including economically, socially and environmentally friendly technologies, which is ensuring the development of the diversified economy, and consistently improving the intellectual and social conditions of the population.
Our Esteemed President, while demanding an integrated approach to the high topics of digitalization, underlines that a great attention should be paid to the introduction of the latest technologies in the international cooperation area.
Currently, the digitalization of diplomatic services in Turkmenistan has been intensified. This helps to ensure high technological capabilities, increase the speed of the Internet network and conduct negotiations via videoconferencing.
In accordance with the “Concept of the Foreign Policy of Neutral Turkmenistan for 2022-2028”, approved by the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan on July 8, 2022, the intensification of international scientific and technical cooperation is among the key tasks of the country’s foreign policy strategy. In this regard, the priorities areas include expanding the scope of cooperation with international and regional organizations in the field of digital information technologies, improving the work of official accounts created by diplomatic missions of our country abroad in social media, as well as further promotion and wide coverage of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and international initiatives on websites, multimedia electronic pages and in mass digital platforms through the use of modern digital technologies in this area. It is also important to exchange experience with countries of the world and large international organizations in the field of developing digital systems.
The special section on information security of the above-mentioned Concept reads that with the development of digital technologies, the issue of using advanced solutions and online tools is of special importance in the practice of international relations. The rapidly developing political life of the world shows the importance of using modern “fast” technologies and new digital communication channels in diplomacy. In this regard, the Concept defines the need to understand the degree of influence of the digitalization process on international relations.
Currently, the bilateral and multilateral meetings, including forums within the framework of major international organizations and structures are held online.
The 21st century in the history of humankind is characterized by the most comprehensive transformations. First of all, this is due to the pace of scientific and technological progress. Advanced technologies, which have influenced all aspects of life, include the system of international relations. Having influenced the methods of foreign policy of states, this has opened a wide path for the formation and development of new styles and methods of diplomacy adapted to the realities of modern times. It has also contributed to the strong implementation of digital diplomacy that meets the needs of the era of digitalization.
It is worth noting the positive impact of digitalization on increasing the diplomatic activity of Turkmenistan. The regular video conferences held at various levels with countries of the world and international organizations have become a shining example. Within the framework of multilateral diplomacy, a number of international forums, negotiations, online conferences, and seminars are held, during which fruitful discussions are held on topical issues of modern development. Based on this, much attention is paid to studying the world best practices of digital diplomacy, the use of computer analysis and modeling methods, the art of diplomatic negotiations and other foreign policy formats.
In connection with the above, it should be noted that in the modern era, called the information society, a significant part of analytical technologies are transformed into a “digital” system that includes gigabytes and terabytes of info graphics, audio and video materials on events held at the global and regional levels. Thus, it is necessary to work with a large volume of digital data and, along with this, deal with the necessary information and facts for the prompt provision of the most accurate data. In this regard, logical methods are used in analytical practice to formalize the initial data, develop computer programs, create algorithms for modeling and simulating geopolitical processes.
Regarding the importance of digital diplomacy, it should be noted that according to the analysis by scientists, it is practiced in five areas. Firstly, the organization of political planning, in particular, ensuring the creation of broad opportunities for public sector to effectively coordinate and plan foreign policy. Secondly, the engagement of all stakeholders in the foreign policy activities through the online space and other modern methods (websites, accounts, social networks, sms-messages, etc.). Thirdly, the organization of information exchange using modern digital technologies. In order to prevent the occurrence of possible emergencies, it would be effective to monitor the international information flow on a systematic basis. Fourthly, providing direct communication channels in order to ensure the prompt assistance in addressing the issues that may arise in the field of protecting the rights of citizens of states abroad and within the country and for other various reasons. Fifthly, assisting in the accumulation of the best knowledge and experience, their active and effective dissemination abroad in order to ensure national interests.
In accordance with the Concept of Activities and Priorities of Turkmenistan within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust, it is envisaged to use the opportunities of social networks and digital diplomacy to promote the principles of humanism and involve young people in this work at the global level.
In the global community, the digital system is recognized as creating a reliable basis for development. The developments achieved in all sectors are modern; the tasks defined in the “Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2019-2025” are being successfully implemented. Online meetings, consultations and work sessions held via digital video communication channels, which have become an integral part of national diplomacy today, are among the specific areas identified in digital diplomacy. The consistent implementation of this area allows to save time and increase working efficiency several times.
Digital systems are being actively introduced into the country's mass media. At the same time, electronic publications, gaining great popularity, successfully compete with printed publications. A distinctive feature of modern mass media is the use of interactive and multimedia technologies. Along with ensuring the availability of the country’s mass media for readers and users, the Internet space system opens up broad opportunities for access to the global media system and allows raising the level of awareness of the international community about the achievements of our state.
In general, the conceptual views of the Esteemed President Arkadagly Serdar regarding the active implementation of digital technologies, high-speed Internet systems and complexes, training of highly qualified specialists in this field are a clear reflection of the consideration of modern development trends. Thanks to the wise and far-sighted policy of the head of state, digital systems are widely used in all socio-economic spheres, including in the diplomacy. The introduction of digital systems is also crucial for meeting priorities in international relations.