On October 7, 2019 UNDP Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Innovative Development of Uzbekistan launched a new initiative called Accelerator Lab. The launch ceremony took place the at the Center of Advanced Technologies of the Ministry of Innovative Development.

UNDP along with partners are presenting new innovative network of 60 Accelerator Labs worldwide to test and share new approaches and creative solutions to the complex development challenges of the 21^st century. These labs are UNDP’s new way of working in development by bringing together solutions from the local communities, new source of real time data and experimentation in order to face and solve dynamic and interrelated challenges and positively contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in short period of time.

One of such labs has started its mission in Uzbekistan with support from the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany. The Accelerator Lab in Uzbekistan will support aspirations for wider application of environmental innovations and technologies in regions. It will also enhance the portfolio of current innovative incentives by identifying, refining and testing new ideas. With ambition to bring better solutions for the wellbeing of people, the Accelerator Lab team members are now ready to catalyze larger scale approaches.

“I am glad to acknowledge the fact that among all Central Asian countries Uzbekistan was picked to host an Accelerator Lab. This is not a coincidence. Uzbekistan embarked on a path of large-scale reforms and embraces innovations, technologies and new approaches in its development route.” said Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan.

UNDP had been working in Uzbekistan for the last 26 years to assist government and non-government institutions in gaining knowledge, expertise and resources for the successful achievement of economic and social reforms, and to ensure the well-being of the people of Uzbekistan.

Over 50 guests participated in the launch ceremony. The event has brought together Government, NGOs, international development partners, diplomatic missions and different experts to further understand Accelerator Lab’s mission, objectives, operations as well as the work plan in the upcoming period. The Labs will work in close cooperation with national and international partners to address development challenges.

For more information about Accelerator Lab in Uzbekistan, please visit  https://acceleratorlabs.undp.org/.