ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 2, 2026 — On October 1–2, Ashgabat hosted the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026), bringing together representatives of government bodies, international financial institutions, global business, and the expert community. The Forum serves as a key international platform for showcasing the country’s investment potential, discussing major economic projects, and strengthening strategic partnerships. The event agenda covered key topics including the development of the energy sector, transport, logistics, digital technologies, as well as attracting foreign investment for sustainable economic growth.
Kemal Goshliyev, Head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Office in Turkmenistan, participated in the forum. Speaking during Session 6, titled “Strategic Course Towards Economic Diversification: Cooperation with International Financial Organizations and Development Partners,” he highlighted the critical role of demographic factors in economic planning. “Demographic shifts are a decisive factor in determining whether long-term capital investments ultimately succeed,” emphasized Kemal Goshliyev. In his statement, he also noted that leveraging Demographic Intelligence equips both the state and investors with a clear understanding of workforce dynamics and consumer demand, enabling the timely realization of the demographic dividend and minimizing risks during economic diversification.
Strengthening data systems for demographic changes is a priority area of strategic cooperation between UNFPA and Turkmenistan. Through this partnership, UNFPA provides technical support to the Government in population data collection and analysis, including support for the 2022 Complete Population and Housing Census, capacity building in demographic forecasting, and the establishment of a digital statistical population registry. Furthermore, UNFPA actively supports the development of the long-term Strategy for Sustainable Demographic Development of Turkmenistan up to 2050, alongside research initiatives such as the Time-use Survey to expand economic opportunities for women and youth.
