Uzbekistan Discusses Development of Waqf System in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A high-level roundtable dedicated to presenting and discussing recommendations for introducing the waqf system in Uzbekistan took place in Tashkent. The event was organized by the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The roundtable was held on 3 August 2026 and marked the first event of its kind within the framework of a national dialogue on developing and scaling the institution of waqf. More than 40 representatives of state bodies, regulatory structures, religious and international organizations, and the academic community attended the meeting.

The event took place under the technical assistance project "Creating Favorable Conditions for the Development of Waqfs in Uzbekistan," which has been implemented since 2025. The project is aimed at developing the legislative, institutional, and regulatory frameworks, as well as strengthening technical capacity in this field.

The Policy Paper presented during the meeting contains an analysis of international experience alongside legal, institutional, and tax constraints hindering the development of waqf in Uzbekistan. The document proposes a system development model oriented toward practical implementation and aligned with national priorities.

Participants noted that the Public Charitable Waqf Foundation was established in 2018. However, the current legislative framework does not yet create comprehensive legal and regulatory conditions for the full functioning of a national waqf system.

During the discussion, participants reviewed potential provisions for a dedicated law on waqf, including the protection of the rights of founders and beneficiaries. The possibility of establishing a specialized independent body to supervise, manage, and coordinate waqf-related issues was also discussed, along with the introduction of financial and tax incentives.

Special attention was given to taxation matters, raising public awareness, and developing human resource potential. Participants also highlighted the potential role of waqf in poverty reduction, human capital development, and expanding public access to basic social services.

The development of the waqf system is being considered within the context of Uzbekistan's broader steps toward developing Islamic finance. In June 2026, legislative amendments aimed at creating conditions for the development of Islamic banking entered into force in the country. In addition, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis is reviewing a draft law "On the Capital Market," which contains specific provisions on Islamic sukuk securities.

Following the meeting, IsDBI reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting Uzbekistan's efforts to establish a transparent and sustainable waqf system aligned with national priorities.