Day 15: The focus of the SDGs consultations is the Goal 10 “Reduced inequalities”

 Goal 10 “Reduce inequality within and among countries” was presented at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consultations by the International Organization of Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Economy and Development. Consultations were coordinated with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank (WB), the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The goal includes the following background,

“It is well documented that income inequality is on the rise, with the richest 10 percent earning up to 40 percent of total global income. The poorest 10 percent earn only between 2 and 7 percent of total global income. In developing countries, inequality has increased by 11 percent if we take into account the growth of population.

These widening disparities are a call for action that require the adoption of sound policies to empower the bottom percentile of income earners and promote economic inclusion of all regardless of sex, race or ethnicity. 

Income inequality is a global problem that requires global solutions. This involves improving the regulation and monitoring of financial markets and institutions, encouraging development assistance and foreign direct investment to regions where the need is greatest. Facilitating the safe migration and mobility of people is also key to bridging the widening divide.” [1]

Representatives of about 12 national ministries and agencies discussed the proposed 10 targets to the Goal 10 and their relevance to Turkmenistan. Participants of today’s consultation agreed to adopt six global targets as is, and three were modified.  Five of 11 indicators were accepted without modification.  Four national indicators have been developed.

Topics that drew much attention of the participants were about income growth of the low income population, equal opportunities, reducing inequalities of outcome, including promotion of the appropriate legislation, policies and action. Implementation of the well-managed migration policies were also in the focus.

Currently, Turkmenistan provides 10% annual increase in wages, pensions and stipends. Nevertheless, the participants discussed the importance of preparing a legal framework to focus on a target group -- bottom 40 percent of the population.

The group also stressed the importance of well-managed migration policies for ensuring safe and responsible migration and mobility of people, which contributes to the economic development of the country.