On 7 October, the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted the International Conference ‘Demographic Processes and Sustainable Development: Contemporary Challenges and International Experience’. The forum was attended by representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the parliaments of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the CIS countries, as well as specialised UN agencies, according to the news agency TDH.

Participants discussed the impact of demographic processes on socio-economic development, as well as issues of public policy in the fields of population, healthcare, education, the labour market and social protection.

Particular attention was paid to the use of population and housing census data, digital technologies for processing statistical information, and the integration of demographic indicators into long-term planning.

The conference also addressed issues relating to urban and rural development, the implementation of ‘smart’ and ‘green’ city standards, the protection of mothers and children, support for families and young people, and adaptation to climate change.

Representatives from Turkmenistan highlighted their collaboration with specialised UN agencies, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This cooperation is aimed at improving the analysis of demographic indicators, monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals and exchanging international best practice.

Participants also discussed improving the legal and institutional framework in the field of demography and opportunities for further international cooperation.

A Final Document was adopted at the conclusion of the conference.