The 2024 UNDP Turkmenistan Annual Report outlines cooperation between UNDP, the Government of Turkmenistan, and international partners across priority areas such as institutional reform, digital transformation, environmental governance, legal modernization, public health, and youth empowerment. While this report is available online on UNDP’s website, it is unclear if these results are communicated to the general public and if listed projects benefited people outside Ashgabat and major cities. It is important to note that no research, no data have come out as a result of UNDP’s engagement with the government. Websites of national institutions do not have any information and data about these initiatives.
Given the high cost and poor quality of the Internet in Turkmenistan, rural youth might have limited access to education programs such as online learning and mentoring opportunities. Similarly, any digital transformation of the public administration and banking sector should be accompanied by improving access to quality and affordable Internet, especially in rural areas. Nevertheless, below is a brief summary of key areas and progress achieved in 2024.
Governance and Economic Planning
UNDP supported WTO accession-related legal reforms, including amendments to the Tax Code and a draft list of commitments for financial services market access. With the Ministry of Finance and Economy, efforts focused on inclusive securities market development, gender-responsive financial instruments, and regulatory modernization aligned with international standards.
Digital Transformation and Interoperability
A pilot Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system was launched in partnership with the “Turkmenaragatnashyk” Agency, using the X-Road platform to improve inter-agency data exchange.
Similarly, a Single Window trade system – developed with UNCTAD and the State Customs Service – digitally connected 16 ministries and 22 agencies, with 5,000 registered trade users and over 20,000 applications processed.
The Electronic Statistical Reporting and Business Register, launched with the State Committee on Statistics, aims to improve the collection and processing of statistical data, automate reporting and produce more accurate analysis. So far, the platform registered over 8,000 entities.
Financial and Public Administration Modernization
The State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs (TFEB) partnered with UNDP to develop a digital banking platform, expected to go live in 2025. It enables faster transactions, real-time tracking, and e-signatures.
UNDP worked with the Academy of Civil Service to support digital public administration by training a new generation of civil servants equipped with digital skills, evidence‑based policymaking tools, and inclusive leadership approaches. Outputs included a pilot desktop application for digital certification in public administration and a distance learning manual to be released in 2025.
A cross-sectoral “Digital Transformation Sketch Process” identified systemic barriers such as low digital literacy, fragmented e-government, and limited infrastructure, especially in rural areas. It led to a more strategic, portfolio-based approach for future interventions.
Legal Reform, Human Rights, and Gender Equality
The Office of the Ombudsperson, with funding from the Government of Turkmenistan and earlier support from Finland, received the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) “B” status in 2024.
In partnership with the British Embassy, a roadmap was developed to establish a National Chamber of Lawyers, including legal reforms and the creation of a digital platform for 300 lawyers.
Gender equality training for public servants was introduced through a UNDP-led online course, supported by the Government of Canada.
Climate Resilience and Environmental Governance
Environmental policy advances included the adoption of a Law on Energy Efficiency and the drafting of a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Law. UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection finalized a roadmap for the National Adaptation Plan and a climate finance strategy.
Waste recycling expanded in 2024, with 730 tons of plastic, 660 tons of glass, and 615 tons of paper collected. Public lighting energy savings in Ashgabat totaled 282 million kWh, and Avaza hotels reduced electricity use by 86 MWh.
These activities are part of GEF-funded initiatives, including biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and urban sustainability.
Inclusive Health Systems and Disease Control
Health-related initiatives received over $51 million USD in 2024, primarily from the Government of Turkmenistan and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Tuberculosis control included a new $6 million USD Global Fund grant in 2024, contributing to the more than $40 million USD in TB-focused funding since 2010. Over 700 MDR/XDR-TB patients were treated, with diagnostic coverage exceeding 90%. AI-supported diagnostics and video-based treatment tools were piloted.
Clinical laboratories received $19 million USD in government funding for modernization, enabling testing across 70+ clinical parameters. Over 120 essential medicines and 1.3 million testing kits were procured, including for TB, HIV, and hepatitis.
Noncommunicable disease (NCD) services included 11 regional coordinators and 480 trained specialists, with three treatment protocols developed in collaboration with WHO.
Youth Empowerment and Social Inclusion
The Government of Japan funded a resilience program providing vocational training to 371 youth and entrepreneurship education to 3,760 participants. A mentorship platform with 11 volunteer mentors was also launched.
In partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the UNDP Knowledge Project, the “FutureSkills4All” initiative reached 711 learners through a Massive Open Online Course and issued 1,228 certificates. Six new Education-Information Centers were established to reduce the urban-rural skills gap, though coverage details remain unspecified.
Overall, the 2024 UNDP Turkmenistan Annual Report provides an in-depth overview of sectoral engagements and institutional capacity-building initiatives that align with Turkmenistan’s development priorities. While these are impressive results, most of these initiatives address the symptoms rather than root causes of problems that exist in Turkmenistan.
