Civil Society Week Kicks Off in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 1 December 2025, the Civil Society Week began at the Palace of Youth Creativity in Tashkent. This dialogue platform aims to review progress in developing civil society institutions and to generate proposals for further improvement in this area.

According to Presidential Decree No. 124 of 26 August 2024, “On Measures for Further Improving the State Support System for Civil Society Institutions,” Civil Society Week is to be held annually during the first week of December.

The events brought together representatives of Parliament, government bodies, civil society institutions, and international experts. Initially, discussion platforms were organized across all regions of the country, engaging more than 1,500 representatives of civil society institutions. Based on selected initiatives and proposals, the events then commenced in the capital.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has entered a new stage in the development of civil society. For the first time, the updated Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, adopted in 2023, includes a dedicated chapter on civil society institutions. It establishes that the foundation of civil society consists of public associations, other non-governmental non-profit organizations, citizen self-governing bodies, and media outlets.

Over the current year, about 20 legal acts related to civil society have been adopted. In particular, the law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan” of 21 August 2025 introduced changes to 10 laws regulating NGO activities.

The Uzbekistan – 2030 Strategy, the Civil Society Development Concept for 2021–2025, and the Presidential Decree of 26 August 2024 serve as the foundation for large-scale reforms aimed at creating a free and strong civil society in the New Uzbekistan.

A new system has been established to support key initiatives and projects of civil society institutions, based on transparency and healthy competition. The Public Fund for Supporting Civil Society Institutions under the Oliy Majlis was reorganized, and a Parliamentary Commission for Managing Fund Resources was established, including 8 senators and 8 deputies from the Legislative Chamber.

Since this year, members of the Parliamentary Commission, together with deputies of local councils, have been organizing meetings with citizens, studying existing social issues in regions and mahallas, and announcing competitions for state grants and social orders to address them. In 2025, 1.2 trillion soums were allocated to support civil society institutions.

Civil society institutions actively participate in monitoring and implementing strategic documents and state programs, as well as projects addressing social issues in the regions. To enhance human capital, 750 NGO employees received professional development training at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Uzbekistan during 2021–2025.

The “Oltin Qalam” National Award introduced a new category recognizing civil society activity, which increased their public visibility and promoted civic oversight.

Thus, a comprehensive system has been established to strengthen the role of civil society institutions in the country’s dynamic development and to expand their cooperation with government bodies.

The program of Civil Society Week includes a National Forum of NGOs, a fair of products made by people with disabilities, meetings and dialogues with the leadership of the Oliy Majlis chambers and the Ministry of Justice, an international conference, social campaigns, and an award ceremony for leading civil society institutions.

At the conclusion of the events, the Badge “For Contribution to Civil Society Development”, the National Award “Civic Initiative”, and the “Best Government Body Contributing to Civil Society Development” Award will be presented.

Additionally, the “Targeted Projects” initiative will fund important NGO projects and discuss ways to expand the coverage of socially significant initiatives.

According to participants, Civil Society Week, which will continue until 5 December, serves as an important platform for fostering constructive interaction between government bodies and civil society institutions, analyzing NGO needs, exchanging views on key state and societal issues, and developing forward-looking initiatives.