A new project aimed at supporting the diversification of Turkmenistan’s economy, empowering women and youth, and increasing the country’s global competitiveness was launched jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the British Embassy in Turkmenistan.

The goal of the project is to stimulate sustainable economic growth, support the diversification of the national economy, and strengthen global competitiveness by promoting a creative and innovative economy.

The project aims to increase opportunities for the active participation of the local creative sector in the country’s economy.

Narine Saakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, noted:

“To achieve sustainable prosperity, Turkmenistan needs to unleash the potential of its creative and innovative minds. By stimulating an economy that supports entrepreneurship and innovation, the country creates opportunities for economic diversification and inclusive growth. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for young people and will contribute to the creation of a sustainable and promising economy for Turkmenistan.”

Stephen Conlon, the British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, emphasized the following:

“The creative sector has become a significant source of growth for the UK economy, and we would like to share our experience with Turkmenistan. In addition to stimulating economic growth, the creative sector strengthens national identity and promotes innovation. In the UK, we have also noted that it creates jobs in rural areas and helps support local communities.”

As part of this project, UNDP will prepare recommendations for the development of the creative economy, as well as support for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The project also includes a forum on the creative and circular economy, which will bring together representatives of the government, international organizations, businesses, international experts and representatives of the creative sector.

The forum is expected to become a platform for promoting a favorable legislative framework for the creative economy and exchanging best practices, according to a UNDP press release.