Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The first National Dialogue on Business and Human Rights in Uzbekistan, titled “Pathways to Prospects”, was held in Tashkent on 9 November. It was organised as part of a joint project on business and human rights implemented by the National Human Rights Centre of Uzbekistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event, held in a hybrid format, brought together representatives of government bodies, chambers of the Oliy Majlis, workers’ and employers’ associations, businesses, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and international organisations.
The opening session featured speeches by Akmal Saidov, director of the National Human Rights Centre of Uzbekistan and an academician, and Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan. UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Sabine Machl also addressed participants in a video message.
As President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has said: “The wealthier our entrepreneurs become, the more prosperous our people will be and the stronger our state will be. An entrepreneur’s success is the success of our entire nation.” Ensuring the sustainable and rapid development of the national economy is therefore important for protecting people’s interests, academician Akmal Saidov said in his address.
The head of the National Centre recalled Uzbekistan’s negotiations on accession to the World Trade Organization and its application to begin the process in 2026 of joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. He also outlined the draft National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights prepared by the National Centre.
The first session focused on global and regional trends in business and human rights, OECD standards for responsible business conduct, and their implications for trade, investment and supply chains.
The second session presented the findings of a National Baseline Assessment commissioned by UNDP. According to the assessment, Uzbekistan has the necessary elements in place in this area, but they have not yet been brought together into a comprehensive national system. Risks related to labour rights, the environment and local communities remain in agriculture, construction and manufacturing.
Afternoon discussions focused on the state's duty to protect people from business-related human rights abuses and companies' responsibility to respect human rights through due diligence.
The third session featured representatives of the National Human Rights Centre, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment.
Following the dialogue, participants discussed priority areas for further cooperation and steps towards preparing a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The National Centre and UNDP will consolidate the results of the discussions.
A one-day training session on human rights due diligence for representatives of government bodies and civil society institutions was also held on 10 November. A three-day training course for business representatives is scheduled for 11–13 November.
