Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 15-16 October 2020, an online round table was held on the topic "Innovations in the activities of socially oriented NGOs: Local Development Centers - for adult education and support for self-employment of vulnerable rural populations." 

The event was organized by the Commission for Ensuring Gender Equality of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Public Fund for the Support of NGOs and Other Civil Society Institutions under the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan together with the Republican Center for Socio-Economic Development "Sabr" and other partner structures.

The event was attended by the Members of the Commission on Ensuring Gender Equality of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Public Fund under the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, heads of regional departments of the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations, Socially oriented NGOs of Uzbekistan.

It was noted that COVID-19 has led to the emergence of new threats and challenges for many countries, increased the number of poor people and cases of violence against women. In this context, poverty reduction requires further implementation of comprehensive economic and social measures aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial activity and creating new jobs for women and youth. In particular, the creation of Local Development Centers based on an integrated approach is of current importance. It was especially noted that their activities should be aimed at vocational training, taking into account the needs of the local population (especially in rural areas), economic support in the form of microloans, social and psychological advice.

In this context, the participants discussed the possibilities of organizing and improving the work of such centers, as well as strengthening social partnership in this direction. Members of the Commission on Gender Development of Uzbekistan made proposals on the preparation and introduction of additions and amendments to the current Law "On Education" and other legislative documents related to non-formal education and adult education.

They also discussed issues related to establishing the work of socially oriented NGOs to provide quality services to the poor in the rural population in order to increase their employment and improve their well-being. Along with this, the authors analyzed the issues of the impact of complex social programs on improving the quality of life of the poor, as well as the sustainability of socially oriented NGOs.