UN Women opened the office in Uzbekistan, making a new era for gender equality

A high-level agreement to establish a UN Women office in Tashkent was reached during the visit of UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous to Uzbekistan in May 2024. 

The opening of the office marks an important milestone in the ongoing collaboration between UN Women and the Government of Uzbekistan. It reflects the country’s commitment to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment as a national development priority. The establishment of a permanent in-country presence will enable UN Women to strengthen its support to partners and national institutions, promote gender-sensitive policies, and contribute to the full realization of women’s rights across all sectors.

“We consider the opening of the UN Women office in Uzbekistan as a clear symbol of the international recognition of the positive progress being made in promoting gender equality and women's rights in our country, as well as of the UN’s strong commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society. Undoubtedly, the presence of this office in our country will play a significant role in taking our bilateral relations to a new level and in consistently developing our constructive cooperation further,” – said Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The official opening event follows the launch of the EU-funded gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) project, coordinated by UN Women and Ministry of Economy and Finance. This project will be the first implemented by new office and reflects institutional and impactful work UN Women would lead in Uzbekistan.

“Let this office stand as a symbol — not only of presence, but of purpose. Of partnership. Of progress. Let it be a beacon for every woman and girl who dares to dream, and for every ally who walks beside her. Because the journey toward equality does not end here with this new office — it begins anew, with deeper commitment, greater hope, and unstoppable momentum.” – in her opening speech stated Elisa Fernandez Saenz, UN Women Europe and Central Asia Deputy Regional Director.

Elisa Fernandez Saenz of behalf of UN Women extended heartfelt congratulations to the government officials whose determination made this moment possible and commended the Government of Uzbekistan’s ambitious reform agenda with nearly 40 legislative acts adopted to advance gender equality. 

“Opening of the new UN Women office in Uzbekistan underlines the country's strong commitment to human development and gender equality. As UN Resident Coordinator, I trust this partnership will boost our shared efforts, helping every woman and girl in Uzbekistan reach their full potential,” - said Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan. 

The opening of the office in Uzbekistan also comes at a significant moment for UN Women globally, as in 2025 the organization celebrates its 15th anniversary, 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325. Since its establishment in 2010, UN Women has been at the forefront of advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls all around the world. By supporting governments, civil society and other partners UN Women has helped develop programs, policies, laws, that promote women’s rights, leadership, freedom from violence and access to justice. The new office in Uzbekistan represents an extension of this legacy, reinforcing UN Women’s commitment not leaving any woman or girl behind.    

About UN Women:

UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established in June 2010 to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide.

UN Women supports UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality and works with governments and civil society to design laws, policies and services needed to ensure that the standards are effectively implemented and truly benefit women and girls worldwide. It works globally to make the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for women and girls and stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life