Central Asia on the G20 Map
Curtain Raiser: EFSD Labor Market Research
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.
Moderator
Marc Uzan Executive Director, Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee
Panelists
Jihad Azour Director, Middle East and Central Asia Department, IMF
Ajay Bhushan Pandey Vice President for Investment Solutions AIIB
Sergey Ulatov Chief Economist, EFSD
Rustem Orazalin Director of the Monetary Policy Department, National Bank of Kazakhstan
Zhasur Karshibaev Advisor to the Minister, Chairman of the Bank’s Board, Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Nodirbek Achilov Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Member of the Board
Rza Aliyev Secretary-General, Nizami Ganjavi International Center
Moderator
Marina Grichik Head of Division, Macroeconomic Forecasting and Research Department
Presentation by:
Sergey Ulatov Chief Economist, EFSD
Comments by:
Masood Ahmed President Emeritus, Center for Global Development
