Informal G20 Dialogue:

Central Asia and Middle East on the G20 Map

Curtain Raiser: EFSD Labor Market Research

Friday, October 16, 2026, 11:00–13:45
Valia Hotel, 95, 370, 22 Sukhumvit 24 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok

Program

11:00 – 11:40 | Part 1 · Overview: Central Asia and the Middle East in a Changing Global Economy

Moderator: Sergey Ulatov, Chief Economist, EFSD

Jihad Azour, Director, Middle East and Central Asia Department, IMF

Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Vice President for Investment Solutions AIIB

Mahmoud El Aweini, Secretary General, Ministry of Finance, Sultanate of Oman

11:40 – 12:15 | Part 2 · Regional Perspectives: Regional Solutions and Global Implications

Evgeny Vinokurov, Chief Economist, EDB

12:15 – 12:45 | Part 3 · “Curtain Raiser” on EFSD Labor Research

Sergey Ulatov, Chief Economist, EFSD

12:45 – 13:45 | Lunch

Note: The agenda and speaker participation are subject to change.

More Session Details

Overview and Concept

This high-level dialogue brings together policymakers, experts, and regional institutions to explore how Central Asia and the Middle East can contribute to the 2026 G20 agenda. The discussion will focus on regional connectivity, value-chain development, infrastructure investment, and the role of regional institutions in strengthening economic cooperation, resilience and sustainability.

The programme concludes with a curtain-raiser presentation of the key findings of the EFSD flagship report on labor markets in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The research examines demographic trends, labor migration, informality, productivity, and structural barriers to job creation, highlighting actionable, country-specific policy insights for improving labor-market outcomes and supporting long-term development.

Guiding Questions

How can Central Asia and the Middle East contribute more effectively to the 2026 G20 agenda?
How can stronger regional connectivity and value-chain development support economic cooperation andresilience?
What role can infrastructure investment and regional institutions play in advancing sustainable growth?
What are the key demographic, migration, informality, productivity, and job-creation challenges facinglabor markets in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan?