The timing is not ceremonial alone. The forum is anchored in the UN framework: UN General Assembly resolution 78/266 proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, emphasising trust as a foundation for international stability and cooperation, while resolution 79/274 welcomed the decision to convene this forum in Ashgabat.

From Brussels, it is easy to see “peace” and “trust” as lofty words. In practice, they translate into the harder, less glamorous work of keeping dialogue alive, creating formats for cooperation when geopolitical lines are tightening, and ensuring that development questions – energy, climate, economic stability – do not become accelerators of insecurity.

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More than fifteen leaders confirmed – and a broader diplomatic ecosystem in the room

Participation has been confirmed by more than 15 heads of state and government, alongside senior delegations expected from across regions. Turkish and Central Asian representation is expected to be strong.

The forum is designed to be broader than a leader’s stage. Participation includes UN Member States, UN bodies, international organisations, research centres, and civil society representatives – a mix intended to connect political authority with expertise and societal voices.

What will actually be discussed

The forum is structured as an in-person event built around one high-level plenary and three thematic sessions, with space for bilateral meetings on the margins.

The plenary opens the political tone with the central theme: “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future.” From there, the programme moves to three focused tracks:

• Neutrality, peace, and trust as a basis for sustainable international cooperation
• The nexus between peace and sustainable development
• A culture of peace and dialogue, with a specific emphasis on education, youth, and humanitarian cooperation

This layout is intentional: it links security and diplomacy to the underlying drivers that often determine whether a region stabilises or fractures – opportunity, resilience, education, and the ability to cooperate.

Why neutrality is being presented as a tool – not a retreat

Turkmenistan’s neutrality is framed as an active foreign-policy identity rooted in peaceful coexistence, conflict prevention, peaceful settlement of disputes, and non-participation in military alliances – a set of principles Turkmen diplomacy argues can help strengthen trust and mutual understanding.

In other words, neutrality here is not silence. It is an attempt to widen diplomatic space – a place where dialogue can happen when other channels are blocked, and where shared interests (humanitarian cooperation, sustainable development, regional connectivity) can be insulated from the shockwaves of great-power rivalry.

Expected outcomes

The forum is set to conclude with the adoption of a Final Document and the development of proposals for further international events – signalling an effort to build continuity beyond a single summit day.

That matters because the credibility of “peace and trust” diplomacy is always measured the same way: by what happens next. Do delegations establish working-level processes? Do they agree to keep technical cooperation moving even when politics are tense? Do researchers and civil society leave with partnerships that outlast the headlines?

That matters for Europe too. The EU has publicly welcomed strengthened regional cooperation in Central Asia and noted Turkmenistan’s initiatives connected to peace and trust in the official EU language following EU–Central Asia engagements.

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How the forum is viewed: optimism about dialogue

From a European perspective, the Ashgabat forum lands at a moment when the continent is navigating hard questions about security architecture, strategic dependencies, and the resilience of multilateralism. It is also a reminder that Central Asia is no longer peripheral to these debates: it sits at the crossroads of energy, transport, climate vulnerability, and regional security dynamics.

The forum’s promise is “diplomacy as infrastructure”: building routines of dialogue that reduce the risk of miscalculation, and creating practical cooperation on development and humanitarian priorities – areas where trust can be constructed, step by step. For Turkmen diplomacy, the intent is clear. Neutrals, as the organisers argue, are not meant to be silent bystanders; they can be useful conveners – hosting conversation when others cannot share a table, and keeping channels open when politics pushes them shut. That is the wager Ashgabat is making this December.

L’article Ashgabat’s “Peace and Trust” Forum: Turkmenistan puts neutrality to work in a fractured world est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The travel industry is good at dealing with disruption. But cross-border movement in emergencies is still largely improvised – and improvisation gets expensive, slow and sometimes unsafe. 

Tourism is back, and so is exposure to shocks

International travel has returned to historic levels. UN Tourism’s latest barometer confirms that international tourist arrivals in 2024 reached about 1.5 billion, and almost 690 million people travelled internationally in the first half of 2025 alone. Tourism export revenues also hit extraordinary levels in 2024, reaching around USD 2 trillion.

This is wonderful news for destinations and businesses. It also means that more people are, quite simply, “in motion” when something goes wrong.

At the same time, displacement and emergency movement are rising globally. UNHCR estimates that by the end of 2024, 123.2 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, and by mid-2025 the figure stood at 117.3 million. That headline number often frames politics, but it also signals something less debated in travel circles: the growing frequency of sudden, high-pressure movements involving people who need to get somewhere else quickly – an airport, a hospital, a safe region, or a family member. 

The disaster side is particularly relevant to tourism. UNHCR reports that in 2024, there were 65.8 million new internal displacements, and about 45.8 million of them were triggered by disasters such as floods, storms and earthquakes. IDMC’s latest global report notes that the world ended 2024 with 83.4 million people living in internal displacement, including 9.8 million displaced by disasters – and that the Americas saw a record 14.5 million internal displacements in 2024, with 11 million disaster-related movements in the United States alone. 

These are not “tourism statistics,” but they describe the environment the tourism economy operates in: a world where extreme weather, fragile infrastructure and sudden crises are more common.

Even Europe’s emergency coordination reflects this rhythm. EU civil protection reporting shows the Union Civil Protection Mechanism was activated 93 times in 2024, and it also helped evacuate almost 1,400 European citizens from places including Haiti, parts of the Middle East and Vanuatu. Again: not tourism per se, but a sign that evacuation and onward travel have become routine tasks – and that coordination matters. 

The quiet gap: short, lawful transit during emergencies

When travellers (and often local residents) need to move quickly during a crisis, the challenge is rarely the intent. Most people are not seeking a new life in the destination country; they are trying to reach an onward flight, a safer city, a medical facility, or a pre-arranged place to stay.

This is where a practical gap appears. International law and policy contain many useful tools – asylum systems, temporary stay arrangements, humanitarian admission, evacuation programmes – but there is no simple, widely used template designed specifically for short, time-limited, vetted transit across borders in emergencies.  

26 million in 30 years

That’s the number of children who are expected to be displaced by rivers that overflow & wash away homes across the region

Without urgent action, climate change will continue to force children to seek refuge far away from their homes pic.twitter.com/yPOpIjF0zY

— UNICEF East Asia Pacific (@UNICEF_EAPRO) October 8, 2023

In the real world, that means that every crisis rebuilds the operating plan from scratch: who can cross, for how long, with what documentation, through which entry points, under whose responsibility, and with what cost-sharing. Tourism stakeholders feel the consequences immediately: delayed evacuations, unclear rules, bottlenecks at small border posts, vulnerable travellers stuck in limbo, and reputational damage for destinations that were unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A travel-friendly idea: a Safe Transit “playbook” that doesn’t change immigration rules

I have been developing a proposal that tries to solve only this narrow problem. Think of it as a Safe Transit Convention – or, if the word “convention” feels too heavy for the travel industry, a Safe Transit protocol or playbook. 

The concept is deliberately modest and optional. It would not replace asylum, and it would not grant a right to settle. Instead, it would offer participating states a crisis tool for a very specific group: people who can prove identity and prove an onward solution (a confirmed flight, medical transfer, family reunion documentation, or another pre-arranged destination).

In my working model:

• Transit is time-limited (for example, up to five days).
• Screening happens at embarkation or on entry, depending on what authorities prefer.
• Travellers receive a simple transit document linked to identity and a narrow itinerary and time window.
• Entry and exit are logged, so overstays trigger review rather than confusion.
• Standard forms keep it practical: a short request at the start and a brief report at the end with manifests and border logs.
• A small solidarity mechanism can reimburse verifiable direct costs, so frontline services are not left guessing who pays.

None of this dictates outcomes. It simply gives willing states a ready-made way to run a short, lawful corridor when the alternative is chaos.

Why the travel sector should care

Because tourism runs on confidence. A destination’s long-term image can be shaped by a handful of days when roads are closed, airports fail, or rumours spread faster than facts. The difference between a crisis that is managed and a crisis that becomes a story is often administrative: how quickly people were moved, how clearly rules were communicated, and how safely vulnerable travellers were handled.

A Safe Transit playbook would also support duty-of-care efforts across the industry. Tour operators and airlines can rebook flights, but they cannot open borders. Embassies can advise, but they cannot invent procedures at each crossing point. A standard transit tool would turn the most chaotic part – the short cross-border jump to reach onward travel – into something predictable: designated entry points, recognised documents, clear timelines.

It would also help protect local communities. When transit is organised, it reduces pressure on informal routes, limits overstays, and makes it easier for authorities to focus on security as well as humanity. In a world where migration routes have become deadlier – with at least 8,938 deaths recorded in 2024 – anything that moves people away from risky, unregulated options and toward short, supervised passage deserves a serious look. 

A practical way to start: pilots, not grand redesigns

The good news is that this does not require a sweeping new system overnight. It can start as a pilot: a small group of participating countries agreeing on a time window, a limited set of triggers (natural disasters, airport shutdowns, urgent medical transfers), a simple transit ID, and a basic reporting format. Run a table-top exercise. Test it once in a real event. Improve it.

Tourism has learned to build resilience through standards: safety protocols, crisis communications, traveller tracking, and contingency planning. Safe Transit is the same logic applied to a missing link – the brief cross-border step that often decides whether a crisis becomes manageable, or escalates into panic and tragedy.

In travel, the goal is not to eliminate risk. It is to make the next disruption less chaotic than the last. A light Safe Transit playbook would do exactly that.

L’article When a crisis hits your holiday, the hardest part is often not the danger — it’s the paperwork est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Peace plays an indispensable role in enabling global mobility and fostering opportunities for the travel and tourism industry – a sector that thrives on open borders and collaboration. In regions where peace and stability prevail, tourism thrives, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. Conversely, areas plagued by conflict often see a decline in tourist arrivals, leading to economic downturns and diminished global connectivity. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) emphasizes that tourism can be a powerful force for peace, promoting mutual understanding and respect among different cultures. 

According to the latest data from the UNWTO, international tourism experienced a strong recovery in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels. An estimated 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded globally, representing a near-complete recovery (99%) of pre-pandemic figures. This marks an increase of 11% compared to 2023, with 140 million more international tourist arrivals.

Looking ahead to 2025, the UN Tourism Panel of Experts has identified geopolitical risks – excluding ongoing conflicts – as a growing concern. These risks are ranked as the third most significant challenge for international tourism, following economic factors.

During the official celebrations of World Tourism Day on 27 September 2024, the Secretary-General of the UN Tourism emphasized that “without peace, there is no tourism.” 

World Tourism Day 2024 in Tbilisi was a day of unity and peace!

From insightful dialogues to collaborative efforts, we explored tourism’s power to foster peace and global connections

Thank you to everyone who joined us in this journey of transformation and unity!#WTD2024 pic.twitter.com/upChWnZSjQ

— UN Tourism (@UNWTO) September 28, 2024

Building on this sentiment, the United Nations General Assembly’s declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust reinforces the importance of collective action in fostering stability. This year’s agenda invites nations to enhance preventive diplomacy, build trust, and promote inclusive dialogue — values essential for creating a safer and more connected world. By prioritizing peace, countries create safe environments that encourage travel, leading to increased tourism revenues and strengthened international relations.

In this context, the role of multilateralism is more significant than ever. Principles of dialogue and inclusion open pathways to address shared challenges such as disarmament, cyber resilience, and climate change. Initiatives like declaring zones of peace in Central Asia, the South Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean highlight the transformative power of regional cooperation. The Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia, commemorating its 15^th anniversary in 2024, exemplifies the success of collaborative efforts and serves as an inspiration for other regions to pursue peaceful solutions.

In recent years, Central Asia has experienced a remarkable surge in its tourism sector, emerging as an increasingly attractive destination for travellers worldwide. This growth is driven by the region’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, the historic allure of the Silk Road, and improved political stability, which together have laid a strong foundation for a thriving travel industry. Furthermore, there is a rising interest in eco-tourism and sustainable travel practices among visitors to the region. 

According to recent statistics, Central Asia’s travel and tourism market is projected to generate revenue of US$1.81 billion in 2025, with an expected annual growth rate of 7.21%, leading to a market volume of US$2.36 billion by 2029. This positive trend is closely linked to the region’s ongoing commitment to fostering peace and stability, which play a pivotal role in creating a safe and welcoming environment for tourists.

In this context, the International Year of Peace and Trust underscores the vital role of mediation and conflict resolution in ensuring global stability. Developing specialized mediators and strengthening peacekeeping and diplomatic frameworks are key steps toward fostering understanding and collaboration. Initiatives to establish global mediation programs within the UN framework equip nations with effective tools for resolving disputes and building enduring partnerships. Such efforts not only contribute to peace but also establish the stable environments necessary for tourism to thrive, reinforcing the link between global stability and economic growth.

At the opening Ceremony of International Year for #Peace&Trust, USG @UN_OCT Voronkov stressed that trust is more crucial than ever to build and sustain peace#UNiteToCounterTerrorism
https://t.co/qKtAIleh0U

Event organized by @Turkmenistan_UN pic.twitter.com/QPxCL99LEw

— United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (@UN_OCT) January 17, 2025

Preventive diplomacy, a cornerstone of the 2025 initiative and Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, offers a visionary approach to redirecting resources toward education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This proactive strategy fosters social equity and creates conditions for sustainable economic growth. Prioritizing human dignity and early intervention is essential to building systems that uplift communities and drive progress. In turn, these stable and developed societies become attractive destinations for tourists, creating a virtuous cycle of peace and prosperity.

Inclusivity is fundamental to achieving lasting peace. Across the globe, there is growing recognition of the vital roles played by women, youth, and marginalized communities in peacebuilding. By embracing the perspectives of diverse populations, peace initiatives become more representative and impactful. The Women, Peace and Security Agenda and youth engagement platforms demonstrate the value of inclusivity in shaping effective policies and governance. Inclusive societies not only foster peace but also attract tourists seeking diverse and enriching experiences.

The connection between peace and development is undeniable. Addressing global challenges such as food security, energy needs, and environmental sustainability requires collaboration and innovation. The International Year of Peace and Trust advocates for strengthening global frameworks to address these priorities, paving the way for shared prosperity.

The partnership between countries and the United Nations is essential for the success of the International Year of Peace and Trust. Turkmenistan, for instance, has taken significant steps to contribute to global initiatives, including promoting sustainable transport, energy security, and circular economy practices. Projects proposed by Turkmenistan, such as the Global Framework Program for the Transition to a Circular Economy, the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity, and the Alliance for Cooperation in Global Energy Security and Sustainability, highlight the interconnectedness of environmental and economic priorities with peace.

The resolution highlights the need for open dialogue, equitable partnerships, and collective action to address complex global issues. It's a testament of the country’s commitment to advance peace and international cooperation, the ideals that serve as guiding principles of the UN

— Dmitry Shlapachenko (@DShlapachenko) January 15, 2025

This interconnectedness extends directly to the travel and tourism industry. Stability within and between nations fosters an environment where tourism can flourish, driving economic progress while encouraging cultural exchange and global connectivity. 

As the global community embraces new opportunities for collaboration, multilateral institutions remain central to effective governance. These institutions help mediate disputes, foster fair trade agreements, and implement frameworks for safety and infrastructure. The International Year of Peace and Trust encourages the reaffirmation of faith in these institutions and their capacity to foster fairness and inclusivity.

For instance, strengthening movements like the Non-Aligned Movement and promoting neutrality in international relations can enable nations to build trust and establish secure environments. Such efforts directly influence the safety and appeal of a nation as a travel destination. Travellers are more likely to visit countries where stability and harmony prevail, reinforcing the notion that peace is a prerequisite for tourism growth.

The International Year of Peace and Trust is more than a symbolic initiative; it is a transformative call to action. By linking the principles of peace, dialogue, and trust to the development of the tourism industry, we can create a global movement that prioritizes collaboration over division. The International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat in December 2025 will serve as a platform for nations to share successes, renew commitments, and outline a path towards a harmonious future.

The significance of such efforts cannot be understated. By fostering peace, countries not only create an environment for sustainable development but also unlock the full potential of their tourism sectors. 

As we navigate the possibilities of 2025, the principles of dialogue, cooperation, and equity championed by the International Year of Peace and Trust provide a hopeful roadmap. The potential for peace to drive mobility and tourism is immense. By investing in trust-building and prioritizing stability, nations can create opportunities that extend far beyond borders. Together, we can transform this year into a milestone for peace and create a legacy of optimism and unity for generations to come.

L’article Unlocking potential for global travel and tourism in the International Year of Peace and Trust est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.