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Press Release
21 September 2023
UNOPS signed the Host Country Agreement with the Government of Uzbekistan
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Press Release
19 September 2023
Uzbekistan advances efforts to reduce and end statelessness
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Press Release
16 September 2023
Empowering the Aral Sea Region: A Localized Leap Towards Sustainable Development Goals
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Uzbekistan
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Uzbekistan:
Publication
11 August 2023
Uzbekistan United Nations Country Results Report 2022
The 2022 UN Country Results Report presents key achievements and impact delivered by the 25 UN entities working together with the Government of Uzbekistan. This report showcases the many ways in which the UN system worked closely with a wide range of partners to turn the aspirations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into concrete results for women and girls, youth and vulnerable people across all regions of Uzbekistan under the overarching vision of a more just, equal and resilient society.
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Photo
23 January 2023
SDG dialogues at the Diplomat International School
The students of International Diplomat School were introduced the concept of Sustainable Development Goals on 24 October and 29 November 2022
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23 January 2023
Regional SDG dialogues 2022
The Regional SDG dialogues were held in November and December in Urgench, Bukhara and Andijan
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Publication
25 August 2022
Joint UN-Government Steering Committee and Partners' Meeting 2022
This presentation highlights key results of development cooperation between the UN and Government for 2022; informs about planned results of the UN Country Team and endorses the Joint Workplans for 2023-2025; reviews and endorses the implementation architecture of the Cooperation Framework (Results Groups, Technical Groups); and reviews Multi-Year Funding framework of the Cooperation Framework, including funding gaps and priorities for resource mobilization.
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Story
12 September 2023
Driving Sustainable Development forward in Uzbekistan: UNOPS’ commitment under the SDGs spotlight
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - a beacon of hope in our complex world - are a set of 17 ambitious targeted goals adopted by the United Nations Member States in 2015. These goals, spanning from eradicating poverty and reducing inequality to ensuring environmental sustainability, collectively paint a vision for a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future.
Uzbekistan, recognizing the importance of these goals, has confirmed its commitment to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through an inclusive, multi-stakeholder partnership approach. In this journey towards sustainable development, UNOPS plays a pivotal role, working closely with the Government of Uzbekistan and other UN agencies, to turn these goals into concrete results.
The significance of the projects, implemented by UNOPS in Uzbekistan, are deeply rooted in evolving health challenges faced in the country - the persistence of infectious diseases, exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as well as increasing prevalence of cancer cases among the population - necessitates a dynamic approach to healthcare.
Notably, UNOPS’ endeavor to enhance the healthcare system in Uzbekistan centrally focuses on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. By procuring advanced medical equipment and improving the infrastructure of health facilities, UNOPS aims to provide better access to quality healthcare services. However, as the SDGs are interconnected and interlinked, progress in one goal often impacts progress in others.
By enhancing the country's medical facilities capacity and healthcare infrastructure, the project contributes to the mission of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). UNOPS is committed to promoting and integrating sustainability and resilience into infrastructure development. By emphasizing green, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, UNOPS ensures that projects have a lasting positive impact on the environment and the communities they serve.
To add, the projects’ assessment integrates environmental considerations, reflecting UNOPS’ commitment to environmental protection. By incorporating environmentally friendly measures, such as promoting efficient water usage, advocating for sustainable labware choices, and embracing sustainable lab design, UNOPS demonstrates not only its dedication to the protection of the environment but also paves the way for a greener future, where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand.
Inclusivity is a fundamental principle of the SDGs, and UNOPS is dedicated to ensuring that projects benefit all segments of the population. In the context of healthcare projects, it reflects the commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to quality healthcare services for both workers and communities, regardless of their gender, background or location.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of health workers is another aspect of the project's commitment and impact that UNOPS pays attention to during project implementation. Measuring regular medical testing, provision of personal protective equipment, establishment of sex-segregated facilities, and capacity-building staff training enhances the welfare of health workers and creates a supportive environment for all personnel involved. UNOPS is also dedicated to building local capacity and skills. This commitment is particularly important in projects with healthcare infrastructure development, where local healthcare professionals will benefit from training and capacity-building programs conducted by UNOPS.
Implementing projects on behalf of its partners, UNOPS is committed to accountability and transparency in its operations. This commitment ensures that project resources are used effectively and project results are accountable to stakeholders. It fosters trust and confidence in the projects' impact.
Collaboration is a core value of UNOPS. Beside working closely with governments, international organizations, and local stakeholders, UNOPS leverages its international expertise in project implementation, fostering synergy in achieving the goals. By working collectively towards shared objectives, the project ensures a more holistic and impactful approach to a healthier and more sustainable future for Uzbekistan.
The SDGs are a global commitment that demands a united effort. For UNOPS, they serve as a guiding light, a common purpose, and a shared responsibility. Implementing projects in Uzbekistan and around the world, UNOPS aligns its expertise, and resources with the SDGs, actively contributing to their achievement.
As we stand on the threshold of the 2030 deadline for the SDGs with just seven years remaining, it is our collective duty to act decisively, building on these foundations to create a world that truly embodies the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Story
17 May 2023
How the sweet sound of buzzing bees changed the tune of one Uzbek woman’s life
Morning breaks in the village Durmon, a quiet hamlet in the Bukhara region of southern Uzbekistan. There is no bustle of a big city. The only sounds are of chirping of birds and the humming of peaceful nature.
This is the setting for an ordinary day in the life of Gulhayo Khaydarova, a 35-year-old native of Durmon. She begins her work even before the sun rises, like her grandmothers and great-grandmothers used to do before her.
Sweep the yard; milk the cow; feed the chickens: this is Gulhayo’s to-do list for the morning. She then cooks breakfast and sends the children, two boys, off to school.
After the children leave, it's time to turn to her other job. Though she would never have guessed it before, Gulhayo has been in beekeeping for many years now, and the natural honey she produces is famous throughout the village.
In the Khaydarov family, the traditions and secrets of beekeeping are passed down from generation to generation. Her father-in-law, Ravshan, knows this business inside and out.
It used to be that Gulhayo would watch from a safe distance while her father-in-law and her husband worked. She was too afraid to even approach the bees. Then one day, interest arose. She smiles remembering how her head spun with excitement the first time she put on a protective suit and opened the bee box on her own.
Today Gulhayo is an experienced beekeeper. She first cleans the hives and then inspects them for any symptoms of diseases or pest infestations. In this field, it is important to check the hives regularly because early detection improves the chances of keeping the bees healthy.
When examining bee colonies, she can see with a naked eye the presence and state of a queen in the hive. She can tell whether the transplanted queen has been accepted by the bees or whether the colony is at risk of illness. She knows if there is enough food in the frame and whether the bees are healthy. Gulhayo has been following this daily routine for 14 years.
One day like any other, employees of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) came to Gulhayo's house, accompanied by government representatives. After a socioeconomic survey conducted by the project team, the Khaydarov family was selected to participate in the FAO project, Central Asian Desert Initiative (CADI).
Last winter the Khaydarovs suffered great losses — a significant part of the bee colonies could not endure the severe weather conditions and died from the cold. Winter is always a risk for bees. Even the most experienced beekeepers can lose dozens of hives over the winter.
To compensate for their losses over the winter, FAO provided the family with modern beekeeping equipment, such as honey extractors, and 20 new hives.
With this support, the Khaydarov family has been able to expand their apiary and create about 40 new bee colonies. In addition to the increased production, this modern equipment has accelerated the process of obtaining honey and the additional honey extractors mean that three people can work at once. Increased production means better income and providing a more sustainable livelihood for the household.
Gulhayo is glad that she can contribute to the family budget. With the first profits, she bought new school supplies and school clothes for her children. Her additional free time meant she also had moments to help her sons with their homework.
The CADI project conserves and ensures the sustainable use of temperate deserts, like those in Uzbekistan, which are unique ecosystems of global importance. Funded by the German government, the project was implemented by FAO, the University of Greifswald and the Michael Succow Foundation in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The same equipment that the Khaydarov family received was also given to other households in the area. And along with beekeeping equipment, local households received other livelihood support, such as sewing machines, lockers, wool processing equipment, milk separators, as well as seeds and seedlings of drought-resistant crops.
In addition, during its implementation, the CADI project organized an extensive training programme on growing crops, developing various crafts, creating nurseries in greenhouses, processing milk and other animal products and developing beekeeping.
At these Farmer Field Schools, Gulhayo learned best practices of effective modern processes for the production of honey and other bee products. Longtime beekeepers now combine traditional methods of honey production with modern expertise, and increased apiculture production provides households with additional sustainable income. Most importantly, the project ensures that both women and men equally benefit from the training and equipment.
It is dinner time and Gulhayo’s family gathers to dine at one large table. Among the dishes on the table, honey takes a special place. Ecological, natural, obtained by their own labor. Gulhayo pours tea in traditional Uzbek cups called piala and hands them out to her family members.
Tomorrow will be a new day, full of chores. But for now, Gulhayo rests with her mug of tea in her cozy world, a rural life surrounded by the beauty of nature and the sweet sound of bees.
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Story
02 June 2023
Keeping Commitments and the Future in Focus: UNOPS marks World Environment Day in Uzbekistan
This year, UNOPS is actively participating in marking this important day by showcasing its commitment to environmental preservation through various initiatives and projects in Uzbekistan.
Through the assessment mission commenced within the project to enhance Uzbekistan’s resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics by equipping and refurbishing the national laboratory system, UNOPS not only aimed to gather valuable insights but also utilized this opportunity to showcase their actions aligned with environmental protection. This article highlights the initiatives undertaken by UNOPS in Uzbekistan, demonstrating their commitment to creating a greener future.
Sustainable Lab Design for a Greener Future
In the concept stage of projects, UNOPS places great importance on sustainable lab design, which forms the foundation for future developments. By embracing eco-friendly concepts, UNOPS reduces the carbon footprint of lab facilities: renewable energy sources such as solar panels result in reduced energy usage and emissions; low-energy lighting and energy-efficient lab equipment further contribute to a sustainable approach without compromising performance. Furthermore, UNOPS ensures healthy indoor air quality by incorporating natural ventilation systems, minimizing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning.
‘Intelligent building automation’ systems play a crucial role in optimizing energy usage by regulating temperature, lighting, and ventilation based on occupancy, without compromising the labs' functionality. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also inspires others to adopt similar measures, fostering a more sustainable and efficient environment for lab staff.
In addition, recognizing the global water shortage crisis, UNOPS has been actively advocating for water conservation solutions, including low-flow faucets, greywater systems (redirecting wastewater), and rainwater harvesting to reduce water usage.
Procurement with Sustainability in Mind
The procurement aspect of the mission aligns with UNOPS' commitment to sustainable procurement. UNOPS considers environmental factors when selecting medical equipment for the laboratories. This includes assessing the energy efficiency of the equipment, the materials used, and the disposal methods. UNOPS also prioritizes suppliers that provide sustainable and environmentally friendly products.
In addition, to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency in the intervention, UNOPS recommends a comprehensive procurement process that extends beyond transactional activities. By including related services focused on enhancing the sustainability of projects, optimizing financial resources, and improving local capacities, UNOPS aims to maximize the positive impact on the environment and the community. These services encompass protocols for entry, installation, commissioning, training, and reception of procured technology, fostering a holistic approach to sustainable development.
UNOPS also promotes the use of sustainable materials in its procurement activities, such as sustainable material selection, utilizing recycled or repurposed materials with a low carbon footprint, which further contributes to eco-conscious lab design. Therefore, UNOPS encourages suppliers to provide information on the environmental attributes of their products, such as certifications for sustainable sourcing or eco-labels.
Balancing Safety and Sustainability: Single use Labware
Aligning with our commitment towards sustainability and environmental protection, UNOPS recommends the transition from reusable labware to single use alternatives. This shift may not appear sustainable at first glance, however, manual reprocessing of reusable labware demands planning, conscious execution, and diligent risk control to ensure the well-being of personnel throughout the entire process. It entails a series of steps, including initial cleaning, neutralization, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization, which, unfortunately, consumes significant amounts of water and chemicals and generates a substantial environmental footprint. In addition, it puts the safety of personnel at risk. By embracing single-use labware, laboratories can significantly reduce their chemical and water consumption that minimize environmental impact, and safeguard the well-being of personnel. Therefore, UNOPS emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions during the feasibility study, considering the balance between contamination risks and environmental protection.
By incorporating environmentally friendly measures, such as promoting efficient water usage, advocating for sustainable labware choices, prioritizing green procurement, and embracing sustainable lab design, UNOPS demonstrates not only its dedication to the protection of the environment but also paves the way for a greener future, where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. And today, marking World Environment Day, UNOPS reaffirms its dedication to protecting the environment through its initiatives in Uzbekistan.
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Story
01 June 2023
"Be the change you wish to see": the (extra)ordinary story of a HIV+ girl in Uzbekistan
“I feel that it's not me who has changed more, but the people around me. In a positive way, of course”answered Elina when she was asked about how her life changed after her TV appearance in a popular TV show in Uzbekistan.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world", once Mahatma Gandhi said, and changes can come from brave decisions, as the one made by Elina, disclosing her HIV status during the castings for the show.
“I disclosed my status right at the casting because the project lasted for several months, and I needed to take medicine daily. I made the decision to be honest and mustered up the courage. I thought they wouldn't accept me, but I passed the casting" she explained.
Elina is a second-year student in the Faculty of Agricultural Economics at Tashkent State Agrarian University in Uzbekistan. Having grown up in an orphanage she discovered her status as a child. She was the first child living with HIV in Uzbekistan to start antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in 2006 and the first child to be abandoned by her parents as a consequence of her status. Her childhood, due to the stigmatization faced by people living with HIV, was not easy.
“Children living with HIV, globally and in Uzbekistan, can be at higher risk of separation from their families and placement into alternative care. They are at risk of being abandoned by their parents due to stigma and discrimination prevailing in society, and thus some families place them into institutions simply because of their HIV status. Growing up in institutional care has a detrimental impact on children’s wellbeing and it adversely affects children’s health, development, and further reintegration into society” said Antonia Luedeke, Child Protection Chief at UNICEF Uzbekistan.
Throughout the TV show, Elina shared her experiences of being an orphan and living with HIV.
"When the TV episode aired, I started contemplating how people would perceive me, what they would say, and how they would react,” she recalled. “Psychologists were working with us during the project, which made it easier for me to handle the pressure."
From the end of the show, Elina’s personal Instagram account saw an outstanding growth in followers, and she started receiving messages from people living with HIV, thanking for her support and bravery.
"I am grateful for the trust they place in me... As the TV show is watched in neighboring countries, I also get messages from people in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan," Elina said.
For Elina, the daycare center for children and families affected by HIV played a crucial role. It provided a safe haven, support, and guidance throughout her childhood and teenage years. First day-care center for children and families affected by HIV opened in 2008 in Tashkent: the center is one of the nine daycare centers opened in 8 regions of Uzbekistan. From that moment, more than 6000 HIV+ children got support through their journey as children first, and then as teenagers living with HIV.
In many cases, children and adolescents living with HIV lack support from their families.
“I have talked to several adolescents living with HIV and their mothers, and I have heard many stories of stigma and discrimination. Very often only the child and the mother know of the child’s HIV status. In one case the grandparents found out and they didn’t want the child and her parents to live in the same house anymore. In several other cases children felt discriminated against in schools once their HIV status became known to teachers and other children. Very often stigma and discrimination are closely linked to a lack of knowledge of what HIV and AIDS exactly are” said Antonia Luedeke, Child Protection Chief at UNICEF Uzbekistan.
The daycare center of Tashkent opened a support group as soon as it was identified the need of supporting teenagers not only through professional consultations but also with the organization of masterclasses in different subjects, from languages to handicrafts. The objective of these activities is giving youngsters a set of skills that could be used in daily life, as the organization of handicraft masterclasses, that were aimed to provide them with helpful knowledge in order to reach economic independence. Thanks to these masterclasses, some girls decided to open their own little businesses: now, they started to teach the younger ones, establishing a spontaneous chain of solidarity aimed to help each other over time.
The success of these initiatives highlights the importance of creating more adolescent-friendly health and social protection services, accessible at community level and inclusive for the most vulnerable adolescents living with HIV.
Elina keeps visiting the center, bringing children from the orphanage she grew up in, showing them the power of a community: she knows how being supportless feels, and she is aware that being among peers with shared experiences could change a lot in the sphere of self-perception.
“I know how self-acceptance is important. Supporting people and enabling them to get the right information about HIV, makes me feel that I am doing the right thing. I feel blessed and enriched” she said.
Elina remains optimistic about changing societal attitudes towards HIV. She believes that with the right information and education, people can overcome their fears and stigmas.
“The HIV epidemic in Uzbekistan continues to be a pressing issue, with thousands of new cases registered annually. However, Elina's story inspires hope and serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of individuals living with HIV. By sharing her journey, she raises awareness, fights stigma, and encourages others to join the cause of creating a more inclusive and accepting society.” – said Charos Maksudova, UNAIDS Country Director in Uzbekistan.
Written by Amal Santini and Dilnoza Sametdinova.
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Story
11 April 2023
Finding beauty in business: Supporting women entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan
Ziynegul's eyes light up as she carefully flips through her family album. "That's me," she says, "I think I was 8 years old, and I was playing with my dolls, fixing their hair." Little did she know that a childhood pastime would one day lead her to become a successful business owner in Bozatau district in northwestern Uzbekistan. The region, located in the northern part of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, which was once thriving due to the Aral Sea's role in its economy and infrastructure, has since faced a multitude of problems with the sea drying up.
Ziynegul is one of the winners of a business fair funded under the joint programme of UNDP, UNFPA and FAO with the financial support of the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security for the Aral Sea region. With this support, Ziynegul has been able to turn her childhood passion into a thriving business that not only supports her family but also creates opportunities for other women in her district.
In March 2022, Ziynegul, along with 300 other women from the Bozatau, Kungrad, and Muynak districts, was trained in entrepreneurial skills by UNFPA trainers. At the end of the trainings, Ziynegul's business plan for beauty salon services received seed funding of USD 3,390. UNDP donated equipment and accessories for her salon, allowing her to expand and improve the range of services provided, attract more customers, and hire additional staff. Today the salon provides a variety of services such as make-up, pedicures, manicures, and hairdressing, serving 10 to 12 clients a day, and employing six women, with plans to expand even further.
“These were very interesting and productive trainings that helped me, and many women gain confidence, master essential business and planning skills such as business development, family budgeting, business idea evaluation and implementation, marketing and time management methods. I made many friends, and what is important, we constantly supported and still support each other, sharing experience and advice,” says Ziynegul.
“Fifteen years ago, I first started working in a beauty salon as an apprentice. It was very difficult, because required items and equipments were not easily available and I didn’t have the skills and knowledge it takes. It didn't always work out the way I wanted. There were moments when I wanted to quit everything, but I did not give up and continued to work hard on myself” recalls Ziynegul.
These days Ziynegul is thinking of expanding her business and is currently looking for a new building, where in addition to a beauty salon services she could offer rental services for wedding dresses. She has also trained 22 young girls in hairdressing and makeup and aims to train more of girls in her district, giving them new hopes.
Ziynegul’s story is one of resilience, determination, and support. Leading a thriving business, she also finds courage from having a supportive husband and family, whose livelihoods have also improved. For Ziynegul now, the sky is the limit.
About the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region in Uzbekistan:
The fund was established under the auspices of the United Nations in late 2018 and provides an integrated platform for national and international cooperation to meet the environmental and socio-economic needs of communities living in the Aral Sea region, as well as enhancing joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Since its establishment, the Trust has worked to address food, environmental, social, economic and health security issues. As of January 2023, seven joint programs worth US$13.5 million have been funded to improve the lives of over 247,000 people, including youth, women, and the elderly. Thanks to generous support of Governments of Uzbekistan, Norway, Finland, Republic of Korea, Germany, European Union, and Alwaleed Philanthropies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Written by the UN Information Office in Tashkent with editorial support from the Development Coordination Office. To learn more about the UN's work in Uzbekistan, please visit uzbekistan.un.org.
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Press Release
22 September 2023
UNOPS signed the Host Country Agreement with the Government of Uzbekistan
UNOPS has announced the signing of a Host Country Agreement with the government of Uzbekistan to help foster sustainable development and bolstering collaboration in Central Asia. The agreement signifies a crucial milestone in enhancing UNOPS' presence in Uzbekistan and amplifying its efforts in the region.
The agreement aligns with the Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy, which is centered on the upgrading of education, healthcare, and social protection systems that adhere to international standards. It also focuses on sustainable economic growth, environmental conservation, modern governance, and fostering a safe and peaceful state.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, UNOPS Executive Director, said:
“UNOPS is already present and working with our partners in Uzbekistan, delivering major health infrastructure and equipment. It marks an important milestone in our partnership with the government of Uzbekistan and it will help to scale up our work across Central Asia. Through our collaboration, as part of the United Nations Country Team in Uzbekistan, we look forward to delivering impact for better health and diagnostic care over the coming years”.
UNOPS has been actively involved in several projects in Uzbekistan, focusing on enhancing health services and strengthening preparedness against epidemics. UNOPS is also exploring opportunities to support the education sector by facilitating infrastructure development and promoting inclusive and technology-enabled education.
The new agreement promises to further these efforts, with a keen focus on delivering complex projects such as constructing and rehabilitating key social infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and transport systems, thereby contributing significantly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Uzbekistan.
Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said:
“We are pleased to sign the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Nations on the Establishment of the UNOPS Office in Tashkent – the first in Central Asia. We believe that the representative office will serve to further enrich our ties, especially in implementing Uzbekistan – 2030 Strategy and SDGs.”
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Press Release
20 September 2023
Uzbekistan advances efforts to reduce and end statelessness
The publications were presented to Members of the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights, and representatives of international organizations and development partners.
First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Director of the NHRC, Akmal Saidov, delivered opening remarks alongside the UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Uzbekistan, Consuelo Vidal Bruce, and the UNHCR Representative for Central Asia, Hans Friedrich Schodder.
“The Republic of Uzbekistan is decisive strong steps to reduce and eradicate stateless on our territory”, said Professor Saidov. “Since 2014, more than one hundred thousand Stateless people have been identified in the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the cases of 83,793 have been resolved.”
Commissioned as part of the third joint annual workplan of the NHRC and UNHCR, the study provides a comprehensive legal analysis of the national legislation of Uzbekistan related to citizenship and statelessness and follow-up measures to harmonise legislation and practices.
The Handbook on Citizenship and Statelessness for Parliamentarians is a global publication with practical steps to reduce the incidence of statelessness, and examples of how protracted statelessness situations have been resolved through the joint work of governments, civil society, and the international community.
“The pursuit to end statelessness aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and the core principle of leaving no one behind, as they strive to ensure the inclusion and protection of individuals,” said Ms. Consuelo Vidal Bruce.
Statelessness, or the situation of not being recognized as a citizen by any country, affects millions of people around the world. Stateless and undocumented people often cannot access the most basic of rights, including access to education, formal employment, health services or marriage registration.
In 2014, UNHCR launched the global #IBelong Campaign to End Statelessness. Since then, Uzbekistan has progressed well in addressing the rights of stateless people. Key achievements of Uzbekistan include passing of an improved Citizenship Law in 2020, and amending its birth registration practices.
At the 30th session of the Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in 2018, the Government of Uzbekistan supported recommendations to accede to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Also this week, the NHRC and UNHCR, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, will convene a technical seminar on procedures for determining the status of a stateless person and standards of the 1954 Convention.
“We remain committed to supporting the Republic of Uzbekistan in accelerating achievement of the #IBelong Campaign to End Statelessness by 2024, including strengthening advice and support for accession to the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions,” said Mr. Schodder.
As of mid-2023, Uzbekistan hosts 25,413 stateless people – the largest number in Central Asia – most of whom are ex-citizens of the former Soviet Union and their descendants.
The NHRC and UNHCR have been cooperating since 2020 to support Uzbekistan’s capacity to implement UPR recommendations related to the reduction and prevention of statelessness and the protection of refugees.
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Press Release
16 September 2023
Empowering the Aral Sea Region: A Localized Leap Towards Sustainable Development Goals
This occasion brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, local development organizations, academia, civil society, and international partners, to shed light on the intersection of sustainable development and SDG localization, emphasizing the vulnerabilities faced by regions like the Aral Sea.
SDG localization refers to the process of implementing the SDGs at the national and local levels by aligning them with local needs as it fosters ownership and action, ensures policy coherence, enhances data and monitoring systems, and encourages stakeholder engagement.
The event also featured a presentation of the findings from the Aral Sea Trust Fund's 2023 Needs Assessment for the Aral Sea, outlining its vital linkages to the SDGs as identified through a comprehensive study conducted earlier this year.
Consuelo Vidal, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan highlighted in her address that “At this midway point of the 2030 Agenda, it's clear that we need urgent action to tackle our current challenges. Without a significant increase in commitment, cooperation, and transformative measures, we risk falling short of achieving the SDGs, including crucial goals like poverty reduction, inequality reduction, and environmental protection.”
Sarvar Khamidov, Deputy Minister, the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan said “Collaborative efforts within the Aral Sea Trust Fund helped to improve the healthcare system in five regions, improve basic infrastructure, digitalize rural communities, support youth and women by creating jobs and increasing their incomes. Our further vision for the Fund is the Aral Sea region shall become a zone for implementing efficient climate change innovations, which will benefit present and future generations.”
Rustam Saparbayev, Deputy Chairman of Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan concluded the event and pointed that: "I believe it is important to regularly organize such events to raise awareness of current issues and solutions. The Government at all levels is committed to actively supporting our development partners by providing the resources and capacity to make informed decisions. I want to assure you that our government can be expected to continuously support all initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the population."
In response to the social, economic, and environmental issues associated with the Aral Sea crisis, in 2018 the United Nations together with the Government of Uzbekistan with support from the Government of Norway, the European Union, Governments of Finland, the Republic of Korea, Germany, and the Alwaleed Philanthropies established the Aral Sea Trust Fund.
Through the various Joint Programmes of eight participating UN organizations, such as FAO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, UNOPS, UNODC, and UNESCO the UN delivered jointly the interventions that focus among others on water management, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and environmental restoration that benefitted 274,000 people including youth, women, and the elderly.
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Press Release
18 September 2023
Restitution: New UN Programme to Reduce Preventable Maternal and Newborn Deaths in Uzbekistan
Further to the Agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Modalities for the Return of Illegally Acquired Assets Forfeited in the Swiss Confederation to the Benefit of the Population of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Uzbekistan Vision 2030 Fund is capitalized through a contribution representing a return of assets that have been definitively forfeited in criminal proceedings in Switzerland. The Fund, administered by the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office, will support principled, transparent, and effective asset restitution via programs aimed at accelerating the Government of Uzbekistan’s national reform agenda and the SDGs.
Consuelo Vidal-Bruce, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, stated, "The return of assets to countries of origin is a fundamental principle of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The contribution to the Fund, unlocked by the restitution agreement between Uzbekistan and Switzerland, will enable concrete advancements of the SDGs and directly improve the lives of Uzbekistan's citizens. This UN programme will reach 600,000 women and neonates within thirty months."
The new UN joint programme will be implemented jointly by UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO and will achieve these results through three key interventions:
strengthening 227 perinatal centers’ governance mechanisms, policies, guidelines, and clinical protocols, and
enhancing the capacity of the perinatal centers to provide quality inclusive health services procuring essential equipment and through capacity building of health care workers, and
empowering 10 million Uzbek people with the knowledge to demand quality and inclusive reproductive maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services.
The Programme aligns with Uzbekistan's commitment towards achieving the SDGs and the 2022-2026 Development Strategy, emphasizing the enhancement of healthcare accessibility and quality. This commitment encompasses a range of reforms, including bolstering primary healthcare, emergency medical services, and support for vulnerable populations. Programme page: https://mptf.undp.org/project/00140334.
Ilhom Norkulov, First Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Uzbekistan, expressed, "Uzbek citizens will directly experience the positive impact as their communities gain access to perinatal centers equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained medical professionals. This collaboration exemplifies the Uzbek government's ongoing commitment to delivering tangible reforms. We are thrilled to partner with the UN and the Government of Switzerland on this transformative initiative which will help to achieve the government’s strategy to halve the infant mortality rate."
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Uzbekistan, Konstantin Obolensky, emphasized the importance of transparency in Fund management, stating, “Transparency is vital because it enables a clear tracking of funds. This clarity empowers civil society to easily understand how resources are distributed and utilized. When the public and civil society can observe the allocation of their funds, it fosters accountability and efficient resource allocation. This is especially important to take into account as the funds come from illicit sources."
The Uzbekistan Ishonch Fund is supported by an independent Civil Society Advisory Council, comprising nineteen members from both national and international civil society organizations. This council plays a pivotal role in promoting dialogue and collaboration between the Fund and civil society, serving as a consultative body. Importantly, civil society holds a significant position on the Project Assessment Committee, responsible for evaluating all project proposals before final decisions are made.
Sayyora Khodjaeva, an Independent Uzbek Democracy and Human Rights Lawyer who chairs the Fund's Civil Society Advisory Council, expressed her support, stating, "We endorse this new programme, and we are pleased to see these funds rightfully returned to the people of Uzbekistan. As independent civil society activists, we will closely monitor the programme's implementation to ensure it delivers maximum value for ordinary citizens."
For more information, please visit the Fund website here: https://mptf.undp.org/fund/uzb00
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Press Release
14 September 2023
The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, QU Dongyu, renewed calls for the transformation of global agrifood systems at an International Conference on Food Security in Uzbekistan
It was aimed to review the current state of food security in the world, deliberate on some key agrifood systems challenges, and identify solutions in the Central Asia region and beyond.
This conference "is an important opportunity to review the state of global food security in the context of agrifood systems transformation, on the path towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)," Qu said in his opening remarks to the conference.
More details: https://www.fao.org/.../fao-international-conference.../en
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