The Ministry of Finance of Tajikistan in partnership with the World Bank, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Healthcare and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment of the Population, and development partners hosted the International Human Capital Forum 2024 (IHCF 2024) titled “Investing in People for Economic Growth” on May 14-15.
The World Bank says the event also brought together experts from across the Central Asian countries 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 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 reportedly 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 International Human Capital Forum 2024 served as a call to action for more and better investment in human capital formation. Planned as a continuation of Tajikistan’s “Year of Human Capital” declared in 2023, the Forum aimed to ensure that this critical development priority remains central to policy discussions.
On the margins of the Forum, the Government of Tajikistan reportedly 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.
