A seminar dedicated to the localization and prioritization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country's regions has begun in Turkmenabat, the administrative center of Lebap velayat. The event was organized within the framework of the joint project between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, "Platform for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, Phase IV."

Representatives of ministries and agencies, the Lebap velayat hakimlik, public organizations, the private sector, and youth are participating in the seminar.

The seminar aims to discuss sustainable development priorities and develop a unified approach to prioritizing the SDGs, taking into account local specifics and the country's strategic documents. It also serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and experience, as well as for discussing approaches to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the local level.

The aim of the event is to facilitate the development of a coordinated approach to prioritizing the SDGs and their associated targets—one that takes into account national strategies and local needs. In addition, the organizers aim to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the region's development prospects through 2030 and to identify the next steps for addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in each region.

The seminar addresses the potential for localizing the SDGs in Turkmenistan, the key provisions of the methodology developed for SDG localization at the regional level, and the list of SDG indicators for the regions. Participants familiarized themselves with successful practices and best approaches to localizing the SDGs and with methodological approaches to prioritization, and contributed to defining priority tasks and indicators tailored to the specific conditions of each region.

Work on localizing the SDGs began in October 2025 with an initial seminar attended by representatives of the Mejlis, ministries and agencies, the administrations (hakimliks) of Ashgabat, Arkadag, and Ahal velayat, as well as the academic community, civil society organizations, the private sector, and SDG Youth Ambassadors. At that time, priority SDG tasks were identified, and the methodological framework for localization and a list of regional indicators were presented.

Localizing the SDGs involves formulating a local agenda, making decisions, and monitoring processes using indicators adapted to local conditions. Many measures to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs should be developed at the regional and local levels with the participation of local communities and civil society, in line with the principle of "leaving no one behind."

Similar seminars will also be held in the Balkan, Mary, and Dashoguz velayats from October 2 to 9, 2026.