Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The President of Uzbekistan signed Decree No. UP-240, “On Additional Measures to Further Promote Volunteer Activities”, on 6 November 2026.
The decree establishes the “Fidoyi Volunteer” badge of honour, introduces a professional volunteering programme for students and gives volunteers an advantage when applying for jobs at Inson social services centres.
The document aims to turn volunteering into a nationwide movement under the slogan “Ezguлик sari qadam” (“A Step Towards Goodness”) and expand international cooperation in this area.
To achieve these goals, socially significant events, projects and campaigns involving volunteers are to be organised, their rights and freedoms protected, and their contributions recognised through financial and non-financial incentives.
In addition to establishing the badge, the decree provides for widespread celebrations of International Volunteer Day on 5 December and the regular organisation of the Asian Volunteer Forum, with participation from international organisations and representatives of foreign countries.
The main objectives of promoting volunteer activities include fostering social responsibility, solidarity, mutual assistance and compassion among the population, particularly young people.
The decree also aims to encourage voluntary assistance to socially vulnerable citizens, older people living alone and persons with disabilities, as well as charitable initiatives focused on environmental protection.
Starting in 2027, short-term courses under the Service Learning programme, which combines learning with community service, will be organised to develop volunteering knowledge and skills among the population, particularly young people and civil servants.
A “Kasbiy Volontyorlik” (Professional Volunteering) programme will be launched for students at public universities and technical colleges.
Government bodies and organisations are required to create conditions enabling students to participate in volunteer groups outside their regular study hours. Participation will be voluntary, and activities will be aligned with students’ fields of study.
From 1 January 2027, an experimental arrangement will give candidates with volunteering experience an advantage when applying for social worker positions at Inson social services centres, provided that the candidates have equal qualification scores.
