Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Uzbekistan, with support from the UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECARO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Agency for Strategic Reforms, held a two-day national roundtable on demographic resilience in Tashkent on 5–6 August 2025.

Uzbekistan is undergoing significant shifts in its age and gender structure, with a growing share of its population of working age. This presents an opportunity to leverage the so-called “demographic dividend” — accelerating economic growth and development. To capitalize on this opportunity, the Government of Uzbekistan, with UNFPA support, is developing a National Demographic Resilience Strategy aimed at aligning population dynamics with the country’s development priorities.

The seminar gathered around 50 representatives from local authorities across all regions, as well as national ministries and agencies. It served as an effective platform for discussing responses to demographic changes, strategic planning, and knowledge exchange.

Participants examined how demographic trends affect planning and resilience needs in education, healthcare, employment, gender equality, and social protection. The discussions emphasized the importance of forecasting demographic changes and preparing public systems to address related challenges.

The program covered topics such as understanding demographic transition processes, evidence-based policymaking, learning from global and regional experiences, and identifying priority areas for policy and investment.

Over the two days, participants explored the strategic importance of demographic resilience, the role of data-driven decision-making, and opportunities for harnessing the demographic dividend in Uzbekistan. International experiences and case studies further enriched the discussions.

“This training workshop is a crucial step in preparing national institutions to make informed and forward-looking decisions for Uzbekistan’s future. Today’s investments in demographic resilience are an investment in a healthy, stable, and prosperous society tomorrow,” said Matluba Umurzakova, Deputy Representative of UNFPA in Uzbekistan.

The workshop also provided momentum for enhanced cooperation between government institutions, experts, and development partners in shaping and implementing the Demographic Resilience Strategy. Discussions highlighted the need to integrate demographic dynamics across all areas of development, while ensuring youth-focused, gender-responsive, and environmentally sustainable policies as key prerequisites for a successful future.

By advancing the sustainable development agenda, Uzbekistan regards demographic resilience as a national priority. The outcomes of this seminar will directly contribute to the design and implementation of the Strategy, helping the country build a prosperous, inclusive, and future-ready society.