Uzbekistan, UNICEF Discuss Social Protection Strategy

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and UNICEF discussed the development of the country’s Adaptive Social Protection Strategy at a meeting on 3 September.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister Otabek Fazilkarimov and attended by UNICEF representatives, as well as representatives of the World Bank, the National Agency for Social Protection, and international and national consultants.

The participants reviewed key approaches to developing the strategy, which is designed to improve social support mechanisms by taking into account climate, natural and economic risks.

Particular attention was paid to strengthening households’ resilience to various risks and improving mechanisms for providing social assistance in a timely manner. The sides also discussed enhancing interagency cooperation in adaptive social protection.

The meeting outlined further areas of work on the document. In particular, consultations with stakeholders and a review of international experience are planned.

The sides will also identify emergencies, as well as natural and climate-related risks requiring particular attention in Uzbekistan, along with appropriate response mechanisms.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue joint work on the Adaptive Social Protection Strategy and further improve mechanisms for providing social support to the population.