DUSHANBE, May 15, 2024 – The World Bank and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Healthcare and Social Protection, the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment of Population, and development partners, convened the International Human Capital Forum 2024 in Dushanbe, May 14-15. Investing in People for Economic Growth forum underscored the Government of Tajikistan's commitment to placing people, especially women, children and adolescents, in the hardest-to-reach communities at the forefront of development efforts, ensuring that every individual has access to necessary opportunities and resources to achieve their full potential.
The event also brought together experts from across the Central Asian republics with the objective of sharing experiences from targeted investments and innovations aimed at enhancing human capital outcomes. Human capital, encompassing knowledge, skills, and health, is recognized as the fundamental asset enabling individuals to realize their potential as productive contributors to society. The World Bank's Human Capital Project, initiated in 2017, provides a framework for leaders to prioritize transformative investments in people by quantifying the impact of health and education on future workforce productivity.
“At the World Bank, we believe that human capital is the foundation of national strength, and investing in people is the key to ending poverty and promoting shared prosperity on a livable planet," said Tatiana Proskuryakova, World Bank Country Director for Central Asia. "The International Human Capital Forum 2024 urges all stakeholders to enhance transformative investments and foster innovation. Our goal is to raise human capital outcomes in Central Asia, shaping a brighter future for all."
"By convening experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Central Asia and beyond, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering inclusive policies and transformative investments in human capital,” said Faiziddin Qahhorzoda, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan. “This forum underscores our belief that investing in people is not only a moral imperative but also an essential strategy for achieving sustainable economic growth. As we continue our journey to raise human capital outcomes, we remain committed in our determination in making efforts for all citizens of Tajikistan and beyond."
The International Human Capital Forum helped foster a comprehensive dialogue on human capital accumulation and policy development for equitable economic growth, while establishing a comprehensive vision for necessary policy actions to strengthen the human development agenda. The Forum featured distinguished speakers, including high-level regional government officials, national and international scholars, and World Bank representatives, and was attended by close to 250 participants, including civil society organizations, and youth. The speakers shared experiences from countries including Australia, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The World Bank experts also shared global experiences in health, education, skills development, and social protection.
“As the economies of the Central Asian countries grow with investments in infrastructure, energy and hydropower, it is critical to maintain a focus on development of human capital” said Michal Rutkowski, World Bank’s Regional Director for Human Development, Europe and Central Asia Region. “Global experience has shown that the middle-income trap can be avoided with investments in a skilled and healthy nation”.
At the sidelines of the Forum, the Government of Tajikistan also organized a high-level event to launch the Prioritized Action Plan, supported by the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF). The plan focuses on investments and health sector reforms to ensure women, children and adolescents, especially in poorer communities can access the healthcare they need – a critical step for strengthening human capital in Tajikistan.
The Human Capital Forum has been designed as a continuation of Tajikistan's commitment to the Year of Human Capital declared in 2023, ensuring that the imperative of investing in people to develop human capital remains a central focus amidst other national priorities. Through the identification of key challenges and opportunities in investing in people, the Forum offered a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and sharing of best practices.
