The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the British Embassy in Turkmenistan are launching a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth through the development of the creative and innovative economy. This partnership seeks to diversify Turkmenistan’s economy while empowering women and youth, ultimately enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
The initiative is designed to catalyze sustainable economic growth by providing increased opportunities for the local creative sector to engage actively in the economic landscape. UNDP will offer recommendations to foster a creative economy, support innovation, and encourage entrepreneurship among Turkmen citizens.
A key component of this initiative will be the organization of a forum focused on the creative and circular economy. This event will gather government representatives, development agencies, businesses, international experts, and members of the creative sector to advocate for an enabling legislative framework and share best practices.
“To ensure lasting prosperity, Turkmenistan must tap into the potential of its creative and innovative minds,” said Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan. “By fostering an economy that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation, the country will create pathways for economic diversification and inclusive growth. This initiative will empower youth and help build a resilient and forward-thinking economy for the people of Turkmenistan.”
Stephen Conlon, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, emphasized the importance of the creative industries sector, stating, “The creative sector has been a significant source of growth for the UK economy, and we would like to share our experience with Turkmenistan. In addition to driving economic growth, the creative sector strengthens national identity and fosters innovation. In the UK, we’ve found that it also creates jobs in rural areas and sustains those communities.”
Working alongside the Government of Turkmenistan, development partners, civil society organizations (CSOs), and local citizens, UNDP aims to advance the national development agenda. By leveraging global knowledge, best practices, advanced technologies, and innovative solutions, UNDP is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and fostering a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future in Turkmenistan.
