Uzbekistan on the Path of Social Protection Transformation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The acceleration program “Uzbekistan on the Path of Social Protection Transformation” has been launched in the capital. It is organized by the Government Accelerator of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in partnership with the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) and the National Agency for Social Protection.

The program was designed to promote the exchange of advanced international experience and the introduction of transformative approaches in the field of social protection. During a three-day workshop, participants discussed key directions for reforming the system of social services and studied global best practices applicable in Uzbekistan.

Program content

The accelerator consisted of an intensive educational cycle, during which participant groups worked on practical solutions in the following areas:

– improving mechanisms for assessing and monitoring the implementation of reforms;
– enhancing the targeting of social assistance for low-income families and vulnerable groups;
– developing public-private partnerships and outsourcing in the provision of social services;
– strengthening interaction between the population and government institutions.

Participants’ perspectives

CERR Director Obid Khakimov delivered welcoming remarks, highlighting the significance of the acceleration program for the further development of the social sector.

“Today we are entering a new phase in the development of this accelerator, and it will serve as a catalyst for advancing the social sphere in Uzbekistan. We have long worked toward bringing all social services together in one place — this is how the National Agency for Social Protection was established,” he stressed.

Dr. Radhya Al-Hashimi, Director of the UAE Government Accelerator, shared the Emirates’ experience in transforming standard economic projects and underlined the importance of applying innovative approaches in social programs.

Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection Sirojiddin Abdullaev noted that the partnership between Uzbekistan and the UAE demonstrates how intergovernmental cooperation can act as a driver of innovation in the social sector.

Outcomes and prospects

The program included practical discussions, idea-sharing sessions, and project development.

As a result of the accelerator, a roadmap was developed to introduce innovations and ensure the sustainable development of Uzbekistan’s social protection system.