The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a Decree “On measures to improve the system of social protection of the population of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2021-2030”

Decree and the Concept Note Along are aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving the legal mechanisms for social protection of population in accordance with the social protection floors, as well as in order to fulfil the tasks set out in the Action Strategy for the five priority areas of development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021.

The Strategy of Actions on Further Development of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021 reflects major reforms for enabling growth, employment, and sustainable development, such as liberalizing the currency exchange rate, promoting policies to increase private sector competitiveness, reducing Government involvement in the agricultural sector and diversifying agriculture, promoting decent work agenda. NSSP will initiate transformations in the social protection system.

According to the document, it is expected to contribute to the improvement and enhancement of the effectiveness of the social protection system through:

• creating an institutional system
• increasing coverage of social protection 
• ensuring access at all levels and ensuring justice
• simplifying and accelerating the assistance process
• increasing efficiency and providing flexibility 

The structure of NSSP will consist from the following sections: introductory part, strategy monitoring and evaluation plan; institutional system of management of state social protection and its financing; social assistance; state programs for the development of the labour market; coverage of the able-bodied population with social security benefits; social services for children and families, citizens with disabilities and the elderly.

It is expected that the full-fledged Strategy will be developed in cooperation with the International Labour Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund and United Nations Development Programme within the framework of UN Joint Programme on Strengthening Social Protection till November 1, 2021. The strategy will include fiscal space analysis and costing exercise, as well as mid-term action plan for strategy implementation.