Understanding, foreseeing and managing demographic processes is necessary to ensure the sustainable development of the country in the future. The only reliable source of data on the size and spatial distribution of the population and its characteristics is the census.

Turkmenistan is preparing to conduct a complete population and housing census in 2022 in accordance with international standards. To this end, work has been launched to improve the methods of analysis and use of population data, study the best foreign experience and share knowledge.

The key partner of the country in this area is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The work plan for interaction this year provides for systemic activities, including training of census staff, procurement of equipment for the census, informing the population and monitoring fieldwork for data collection.

UNFPA provides technical support to the State Committee of Turkmenistan on Statistics by improving the institutional capacity in the field of demographic analysis and forecasting, data processing based on the use of modern methodologies and digital technologies. Particular attention is paid to assisting in the collection and processing of data on indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equality, reproductive health and youth issues.

The focus of the work plan for 2022 is the promotion of an integrated, coordinated and automated vital registration system, the establishment of partnerships with international educational institutions and statistical organizations, the participation of national representatives in international educational events.

In addition to the State Statistics Committee itself, other departments are also involved in the organization of such a large-scale campaign - health and medical industry, education, justice, the migration service, the Academy of Civil Service under the President of Turkmenistan, the Civil Registry Office (ZAGS), the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and cinematography, media.

One of the expected results of the joint work will be the introduction in the ministries and other state bodies of Turkmenistan of a system for collecting, analyzing and using disaggregated data, taking into account the priorities of state policy and the SDGs for the development of human-centred and gender-sensitive state programs, UNFPA emphasizes.

In general, the set of activities of the work plan will increase the capacity of the main technical staff of Turkmenstat on the methodology for conducting a complete population and housing census in accordance with international standards and including issues of migration and disability.

Among these events are round tables and training seminars, participation in international conferences and meetings, including online.

As part of the equipment for the population census, it is planned to purchase a server for downloading and storing data, appropriate software and information and communication systems for the State Statistics Committee departments in the center and in the field, as well as flash drivers for data collection, consumables and stationery for the needs of the census (cartridges for printers, paper for printing cards, pens, pencils, erasers, clappers, whistles, etc.), as well as personal protective equipment for personnel.

A mass information campaign is also planned, which includes publishing products and videography, publications in the media, online resources, the use of outdoor advertising, television and radio to disseminate information about the purpose and objectives of the census.

ORIENT news