Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 22 December, the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in cooperation with the Nationwide Movement “Yuksalish” in Uzbekistan hosted the Regional Dialogue “Central Asian CSO – One Voice”. 

The event focused on the further development of cooperation between Central Asian civil society institutions and the establishment of a unique platform for dialogue between civil society institutions in Central Asia. The increasing interest of non-governmental organizations, including advanced Korean civil society institutions in the region was informed about the current state of Central Asian civil society and further, the cooperation with NGOs and other important areas was discussed during the regional dialogue. 

Chairman of the Nationwide Movement “Yuksalish” Mr. Boburjon Bekmuradov, Director of KOICA Office in Uzbekistan Ms. Park Sunjin, Deputy Head of the UNICEF Uzbekistan Mr. Geoffrey Ijumba, Head of the National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations Kamoliddin Ishankhodjayev, Regional Coordinator of Asia Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development (APSD) Mr. Anselmo Lee, and chairperson of Global Civic Sharing(Korean NGO), Kim Hye Kyung and CSO representatives from four Central Asia countries(Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan) took part in this regional dialogue. 

During the dialogue, highlighted the importance cooperation among Central Asia CSOs in order to share kowledge, experience and information. Additionally, NGO Guideline Books for the CSO (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan) has been published by KOICA and Global Civic Sharing, which will be useful resourse for those who wants to join NGO activities in both countries. Representatives of the Asian Development Bank, Good Neighbors International and the representatives of Central Asian Civil Society Institutes also shared their experience, opportunities and challenges in Central Asia..

The participants discussed the current situation in civil society institutions in Central Asia and the priorities for cooperation in various fields. The event, organized jointly by the KOICA Office and the Nationwide Movement “Yuksalish” could be a good example of KOICA's expanding cooperation with NGOs in Uzbekistan.

It should be noted that 2022 will be the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Central Asian countries. We are confident that this event, which took place on the eve of this important year, will also make a significant contribution to the further development of Korea's cooperation with civil society institutions in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.