Translated with AI
The CIS states continue to develop an initiative to declare 2028 the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life. This issue was discussed on April 17, 2026, at a meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers in Moscow, according to the press service of the CIS Executive Committee.
The draft of the corresponding decision has already been approved by the heads of the foreign policy departments and is expected to be submitted for consideration to the Council of Heads of State of the CIS this fall.
The initiative reflects the priority of social policy for the Commonwealth countries. In the CIS countries, ensuring citizens' rights to a decent standard of living has traditionally been central to domestic policy. Despite global economic instability and sanctions pressure, these countries have managed not only to maintain but also to improve the material well-being of their populations and the quality of social services.
According to the CIS Interstate Statistical Committee's report, "The Socioeconomic Situation of the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2025," nearly all countries in the union saw an increase in household income by the end of the year.
The highest rates of real wage growth were recorded in the Republic of Tajikistan (15.8%) and the Republic of Uzbekistan (10.8%). Significant growth was also demonstrated by the Kyrgyz Republic (9.9%) and the Republic of Belarus (9.0%).
An increase in pensioners' incomes, adjusted for the consumer price index, is also observed in most Commonwealth countries. The most significant growth rates were recorded in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The CIS countries continue to focus on developing social infrastructure. This includes the construction and commissioning of educational, healthcare, and other social facilities, emphasizing the social focus of state policy.
The initiative to declare a thematic year was put forward by the Kyrgyz Republic. Its implementation is expected to deepen social cooperation among CIS countries, strengthen socio-demographic potential, and improve employment and quality of life.
To systematically implement these measures, the Advisory Council on Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Population of the CIS States plans to develop a special plan. The document will provide for improving the regulatory framework in the social and labor sphere, expanding social communication, implementing pilot projects, disseminating best practices for supporting the population, and holding international forums and dialogue platforms.
In general, cooperation between the Commonwealth countries in the social and labor sphere is considered an important factor in ensuring balanced social development and improving the quality of life of the population throughout the CIS.
