Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The illegally confiscated assets in Switzerland, as per the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, are being directed towards the development of healthcare and education.

This was reminded in connection with the restitution agreement signed on 16 August 2022, between Uzbekistan and Switzerland. Under this agreement, the "Ishonch" Fund was established with the participation of Uzbekistan, Switzerland, and the United Nations, within a multilateral UN trust fund. A Strategic Committee and an Advisory Council of Civil Society were created to oversee the distribution of the fund's resources.

As part of the agreement, the first tranche amounting to 131 million dollars was returned. Specifically, in the healthcare sector, these funds were used to purchase 5,841 units of modern medical equipment, across 23 different types, for 230 perinatal centers throughout the country. Further, the saved funds are expected to be used to acquire over 1,400 additional medical devices.

Additionally, with the support of UN organizations, more than 11,000 healthcare professionals received training. Furthermore, 29 national protocols and guidelines for providing medical care in maternity institutions were updated to meet international standards.

The activities of the "Ishonch" Fund in the field of education are being implemented in two areas. The first is focused on expanding access to education by introducing information technologies and digital solutions.

The second area includes project proposals developed in collaboration with international organizations aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene conditions in schools, modernizing heating systems, and involving the public in the management of educational institutions.

In this regard, the return of illegally appropriated funds, confiscated in Switzerland, is welcomed for the benefit of the people of Uzbekistan. Gratitude is expressed to all representatives of international organizations who contributed to the implementation of this agreement and the social projects.