Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A delegation from Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Social Protection has completed a two-week training programme in South Korea, focusing on international experience in pension provision and the digitalisation of social protection.
Following the programme, participants prepared action plans to improve Uzbekistan’s social support system.
While the first week focused primarily on South Korea’s pension system, from 2 to 6 November the delegation studied digital solutions in the social sector and ways to provide public services tailored to the needs of the population.
In the city of Sejong, participants visited the Digital Government Exhibition Hall, where they learned about the Government24 portal. It brings together around 12,000 public services. The delegation was also introduced to a service that proactively informs citizens about benefits and support measures for which they may be eligible.
At the Korea Social Security Information Service (SSiS), the delegation studied an information system that integrates data from 469 organisations. Its introduction has reduced the time required to process applications from 60 to 14 days.
Participants also examined artificial intelligence-based solutions designed to support the work of social workers.
Drawing on the experience gained, the delegation members split into two working groups and developed practical action plans to further improve social protection in Uzbekistan.
The proposals include simplifying and digitalising support measures for people in need, improving the targeting of assistance by refining the eligibility criteria of the Unified Social Protection Register, and expanding the involvement of non-governmental non-profit organisations in the provision of social services.
The training course was organised with the participation of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Hyundai Research Institute and South Korea’s National Pension Service. At the end of the programme, 17 participants received KOICA certificates.
The knowledge gained and action plans developed are expected to be used as part of a project scheduled for 2027–2028 to further improve Uzbekistan’s social protection system.
