Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 10 December 2024, a meeting was held in Tashkent to discuss the progress of initiatives transforming the lives of rural populations. The fifth meeting of joint projects between the Ministry of Economy and Finance and UNDP — "Sustainable Rural Development" and "Comprehensive Rural Development" — funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development, took place.

These projects represent a real opportunity for people in remote areas to access essential services: improved electricity and water supply, repaired roads, quality healthcare, and education. As we reflect on the year, it can be confidently stated that these projects are making life more comfortable for rural populations and brightening their future.

The meeting was attended by representatives from ministries and agencies, local authorities, as well as international partners to discuss the results of 2024 and outline plans for 2025.

As noted by Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Samandar Sadullayev, "Improving the living standards in rural areas is one of the priority directions for the development of our country. This is one of our best projects, which brings real benefits to sectors such as healthcare and education, contributing to the sustainable development of remote regions."

One of the significant achievements of the past year was the development of 40 community development cluster plans (CDPs), with active participation from the local population. These plans are not merely lists of ideas but actual roadmaps for the implementation of 895 subprojects that will help restore and build new social infrastructure in rural areas of Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, Navoi, and Khorezm regions.

From asphalt roads and improved sewage systems to updated medical facilities and schools — each subproject reflects the needs and dreams of the local population, who were actively involved in their development. As part of the project, 170 initiative groups were formed in neighborhoods, consisting of 1,491 people who monitor the implementation of tasks. Women are actively involved in the process, contributing to the achievement of gender equality step by step.

It is important to note that through joint efforts, the project combines care for people and care for the planet. For example, propane-powered air conditioners were installed in rural medical stations in the Aral Sea region, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Such initiatives are especially important for local populations already vulnerable to climate change challenges. Local specialists were trained on the operation and maintenance of air conditioning systems, which allowed participants to approach everyday use of household appliances with awareness.

In total, 12 different training sessions were held throughout the year to enhance the capacity of rural populations in areas such as agriculture, energy-efficient design and construction, climate change, e-commerce, and obtaining government services online, among others. A total of 1,852 people participated in these training sessions.

As noted by UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Akiko Fuji, "The project maximizes the potential of digital transformation for rural communities. Thanks to the project, 54,190 local residents gained digital access to government services. Moreover, 8 rural schools were equipped with new IT equipment, including 128 computers and interactive smartboards, opening up new opportunities for the younger generation."

A significant event in 2024 was the launch of the second project, which covers 157 neighborhoods in 21 districts of Samarkand, Kashkadarya, and Surkhandarya regions. Ambitious goals and tasks to improve the living standards of rural populations are planned to be realized through 2028.

In a short period, a series of important events took place, giving a powerful boost to new changes. In the 157 communities of the three pilot regions, training sessions were held to engage local residents in the project’s implementation process so that they could actively participate in decision-making about the development of their neighborhoods. A total of 11,000 people, including 4,413 women, gathered to discuss how they could improve their lives. These meetings were not limited to exchanging opinions — they were moments for making decisions about transforming neighborhoods, taking into account the needs and priorities of the population. As a result, 157 initiative groups were formed, consisting of farmers, youth, and entrepreneurs, among which were 345 women and 15 people with disabilities, emphasizing the project’s inclusive approach. These groups will monitor the implementation of subprojects and become the real drivers of future transformations.

Subsequently, visual inspections and evaluations were conducted on the proposed sites, leading to the confirmation of 780 subprojects for inclusion in the CDPs. Every detail was discussed at meetings with local authorities, representatives from ministries and agencies, and each step was carefully thought out and coordinated. As a result of joint efforts, 41 CDPs were developed, focusing on development, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. These key documents reflect the dreams and goals of local residents who became part of this large-scale process.