The Ishonch Fund invests USD 20 million in Uzbekistan for improved access to education

The Management Committee underlined that restitution carries a unique symbolic and practical weight: it transforms assets once linked to corruption into investments that visibly benefit the public. By channeling restitutions into health, education, and social infrastructure, the Ishonch Fund demonstrates how accountability and justice can contribute to inclusive development and public trust.

The Uzbekistan Ishonch Fund is the outcome of a restitution agreement between the governments of Switzerland and Uzbekistan, in line with the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) principles. 

Investing in children and communities

The project will renovate at least 45 rural schools across Uzbekistan, providing safe water, modern sanitation, reliable heating, and clean energy solutions to reduce energy consumption in the schools by 30 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent. The project will directly enhance daily learning conditions for 31,500 children, particularly adolescent girls, who will benefit from private, gender-sensitive facilities that reduce absenteeism. In addition, 2,700 teachers and school administrators will be trained in climate resilience, gender-responsive WASH, and community engagement, ensuring sustainability beyond the project’s duration.

Addressing urgent challenges

Uzbekistan faces one of the fastest-growing school-age populations in the world, with more than 1.4 million students attending schools that have no or limited water services. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, still rely on outdated pit latrines and inefficient heating systems. This project responds to these urgent challenges by introducing climate-resilient, inclusive, and gender-responsive infrastructure, setting a model for future education investments nationwide.

Transparency and accountability

A cornerstone of the project is transparency and integrity. The “My Better School” digital portal will allow communities and the wider public to monitor budgets, contractors, construction timelines, and progress in real time. In addition, the project will pilot an Integrity Pact with civil society participation, ensuring that procurement and renovation processes are fair, corruption-free, and accountable to parents, teachers, and communities.

Voices from partners

Swiss Ambassador Konstantin Obolensky said:

“Switzerland is proud to see restitution resources being transformed into visible, corruption-resistant investments that directly benefit the Uzbek people. With this project, we are ensuring that 31,500 children will learn in healthier, safer, and more dignified environments – a true symbol of restitution serving development.”

Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Ilkhom Norkulov noted:

“This initiative complements the national priorities by strengthening our national education system. By investing in climate-resilient schools and introducing new governance tools, we are building both infrastructure and accountability for generations to come.”

UN Resident Coordinator Sabine Machl highlighted:

“This project shows the UN Country Team’s commitment to turning restitution funds into lasting improvements for children and families in Uzbekistan. By combining clean water, modern sanitation, and climate resilience with transparency and community oversight, we are not only investing in schools, but also in trust, equity, and the future of every child.”

Chair of the Fund’s Civil Society Advisory Council Sayyora Khodjaeva emphasized:

“Civil society has a vital role to play in ensuring these resources deliver real results. Through independent monitoring and community participation, we will make sure that every school renovation reflects the needs of parents, teachers, and children – and that the promise of restitution is kept by ensuring that the money is used for the benefit of the Uzbek population.”

A model for national reform

By supporting new building standards and a national school optimization plan, the project will help align Uzbekistan’s education system with international best practices in climate resilience and gender equality. It contributes directly to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

For more information, please visit the Fund website here: https://www.ishonch.org

Media Contact:

Anvar Meliboev, United Nations in Uzbekistan

anvarjon.meliboev@un.org / +998 781 203 450