Uzbekistan Launches Second Phase of “Islands of Integrity” Methodology to Strengthen Local Anti-Corruption Efforts

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has launched the second phase of the anti-corruption methodology “Islands of Integrity,” aimed at improving local governance and enhancing the transparency of public institutions. The first phase demonstrated practical effectiveness in several regions of the country.

The launch event took place in the Turткуль district with the participation of national and international partners, including Alisher Atajanov, Chairman of the Committee on Judicial-Legal Issues and Anti-Corruption of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan; Umid Tukhtasheva, Deputy Director of the Anti-Corruption Agency; Ilkhomboy Khudoybergenov, Hokim of Turткуль district; Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan; and Christos Marazopoulos, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation.

The first cycle of the methodology, implemented in 2024–2025, covered Vobkent district in Bukhara region, Jizzakh city, and Mirzo-Ulugbek district in Tashkent. Local authorities participated in structured workshops aimed at identifying corruption risks, reviewing internal procedures, and developing practical solutions tailored to local conditions.

As a result, each pilot district developed a Strategic Roadmap and an Action Plan for 2025–2026 with concrete steps to reduce corruption risks.

In 2026, the methodology will expand to six additional regions: Khazarasp district (Khorezm region), Konimeh district (Navoiy region), Jambay district (Samarkand region), Altyaryk district (Fergana region), Pap district (Namangan region), and Turткуль district (Republic of Karakalpakstan). The main goal of the second phase is to apply lessons learned from the first phase and reinforce principles of integrity in the daily operations of local administrations.

The project is implemented with financial support from the European Union and in close cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Agency and the National Anti-Corruption Council. UNDP adapted the methodology to Uzbekistan’s context and prepared a national team of specialists to support its implementation across regions. The scale-up emphasizes improving internal procedures, strengthening public oversight, and involving citizens in preventing local corruption.

The “Islands of Integrity” methodology is internationally recognized and applied in 11 countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, across more than 30 local government bodies. In 2011, it received the UN Award for its contribution to public service development and is taught at the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Vienna and the Hague Academy of Local Governance.

Unlike approaches focused on punishing individuals, “Islands of Integrity” helps identify systemic vulnerabilities and develop practical solutions adapted to local realities.

In Uzbekistan, the methodology is being implemented under the joint project of the Anti-Corruption Agency and UNDP, “Strengthening the National Anti-Corruption Ecosystem in Uzbekistan,” funded by the European Union.