Context
For several years Uzbekistan has been reforming its social protection system, which supports citizens affected by poverty and unemployment, for example. A stable, more socially just Uzbekistan creates sustainable prospects for people in their homeland. The system is to be made more inclusive, more modern and more efficient. Since 2023, the National Agency of Social Protection (NASP) has already taken important steps forward. Nonetheless, the system has to improve how it reaches vulnerable groups such as low-income families, women and people with disabilities. In addition, local NASP structures in particular need to enhance their skills for delivering social services, organising data, and implementing inclusive policies.
Objective
The Uzbek Government makes its social protection system more efficient and more inclusive for vulnerable groups.
Approach
The project focuses on the following measures:
• Promoting community-based inclusive policy formulation and implementation
The project supports NASP in developing inclusive policies and laws. It organises dialogue formats and promotes active participation by civil society and organisations of persons with disabilities in political decision-making and implementation processes. The focus is on the concerns of people with disabilities.
• Digitalising social services and raising efficiency
The project advises NASP on expanding its digital systems, particularly through the use of artificial intelligence. This aims to simplify administrative processes, ensure responsible use of data, and further develop social protection systems so that services are more accessible and of higher quality.
• Improving specialist skills and professionalisation
The project works with NASP and other authorities to devise practical professional development courses for social workers, which will primarily be implemented at local level.
Last update: November 2025