LocationsIn cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, IsDB, and partners we inaugurate new social infrastructure in Khorezm region, advancing rural development and community wellbeing
December 2, 2025
Khorezm region, Uzbekistan - 2 December 2025. A high-level mission from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, UNDP, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and Mahalla Association visited Khorezm region today to review progress under the joint “Sustainable Rural Development” project and to inaugurate key new social infrastructure facilities in Urgench district.
The delegation included:
Mr. Samandar Sadullayev, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance
Mr. Dolli Allaev, Deputy chairman of the Association of Makhallas
Mr. Khusan Khasanov, Representative of the IsDB in Uzbekistan
Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Uzbekistan Resident Representative
Strengthening partnership with Khorezm regional authorities
The mission began with a meeting with Khorezm region Khokim Mr. Jorabek Rakhimov to discuss ongoing cooperation, progress across pilot districts, and priorities for 2025-2026.
Within the framework of the Sustainable Rural Development joint project with the Ministry of Economy and Finance we are implementing extensive rural development activities across 6 districts of Khorezm – Gurlan, Yangibozor, Urgench, Khonqa, Bogot, and Khozarasp – covering 49 mahallas.
There has been bottom-up approach applied, and 208 priority subprojects selected by local population of 49 mahallas. There are 14 types of subprojects that include construction of the new or reconstruction of current schools, kindergartens, medical clinics, improvement water and power supply, reconstitution of roads, bridges, irrigation and sewing systems and others that are aimed at enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities for rural residents become part of developed 40 Cluster Community Development Plans. The project will benefit almost 180,000 rural population.
Capacity-building efforts are equally central. Nearly 500 members of community initiative groups have been trained and equipped with skills for monitoring and overseeing community-driven activities. There has been organized trainings for government specialists and rural population on master planning, energy-efficient construction, agroecology, low-carbon cooling systems, engineering software, and community monitoring – helping ensure sustainable, community-driven development.
Opening of a new 150-seat state kindergarten in Uyshin mahalla
The delegation then inaugurated a newly constructed 150-seat preschool educational institution in Uyshin mahalla, addressing one of the community’s most pressing needs.
The Uyshin mahalla is a home to nearly 3,000 residents across 7 villages – previously lacked a state kindergarten, limiting access to early childhood education and restricting employment opportunities for mothers of young children.
The new kindergarten provides:
modern classrooms for children aged 3-6;
safe and inclusive learning spaces;
new local jobs;
support for working parents – especially women;
expanded community access to social infrastructure.
Kindergarten will serve as a cornerstone for early childhood development and strengthen the social fabric of Uyshin. Community members described this milestone as “a new chapter” for local families.
Inauguration of the new Mahalla Services Center in Yuqoriovul mahalla
The mission then proceeded to open the newly built three-storey Mahalla Services Center in Yuqoriovul mahalla, a modern facility designed to meet the daily needs of residents from Yuqoriovul, Merganovul, Jayhun, and Uyshin mahallas.
The center replaces an outdated household services building and now offers:
a full mahalla administration office;
a training and education center;
a library and study rooms;
sewing workshops;
fitness and wellness areas;
barbershops for men and women;
a bakery and small retail shops;
domestic appliance repair services;
a beauty salon and dry-cleaning services.
These facilities will create new jobs, broaden income opportunities, strengthen community ties, and provide youth with modern spaces to learn, innovate, and engage in entrepreneurship.
Ongoing improvements to local infrastructure
During the visit, the delegation also inspected subprojects on road rehabilitation and power supply upgrades.
Just last month, more than 20 kilometers of internal roads were asphalted across Cluster that includes Yuqoriovul, Merganovul, Uyshin, and Jayhun mahallas, significantly improving connectivity and access to essential services, schools, and workplaces.
These upgrades complement other priority infrastructure works funded by IsDB and OPEC, including:
the reconstruction of overloaded power lines and transformer substations.
major repairs to internal mahalla roads.
expansion of community facilities and services (Uyshin and Yuqoriovul documentation ).
Partnership for inclusive, community-driven development
Throughout the day, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Ms. Akiko Fujii emphasized her gratitude to the Government of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Khorezm regional and district authorities, IsDB, and the OPEC Fund for their strong cooperation and trust.
She highlighted the essential role of local Initiative Groups and community members, whose volunteer spirit and participation are central to the sustainability of the “Sustainable Rural Development” project.
About the Project
The “Sustainable Rural Development” project is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and UNDP, financed by the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development. It supports rural communities across Uzbekistan through infrastructure upgrades, social services expansion, green technologies, and community-driven planning to promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.
More information about the project: https://go.undp.org/srdpen
