LocationsDriving Digital Transformation: EU and UNDP Upskill ICT Specialists in AI and Data Science
October 20, 2025
Tashkent region, 17 October 2025 – A five-day seminar-training on “Upskilling ICT Specialists in Big Data, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)” was held in the Tashkent region, bringing together 30 participants representing the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan and other agencies involved in public service delivery and digitalisation (back-office), specialists from the Public Service Centers (PSCs), and Data/AI experts from IT Park residents and startups.
The event was organized in the framework of EU-funded Project “Further Improvement of Public Services Delivery in Uzbekistan” implemented by UNDP and the Ministry of Justice.
The training aimed to strengthen participants’ practical knowledge and skills in applying modern digital and AI-driven solutions to improve the delivery and accessibility of public services. Participants explored the fundamentals of AI, its development, and real-world applications in the public sector — from automating service classification and queue management to supporting data-driven decision-making. Through interactive lectures, group work, and hands-on exercises, they gained practical insights into the full lifecycle of AI projects — from data preparation and model development to monitoring and evaluation.
The sessions also focused on responsible and ethical AI use, data governance, information security, and risk management. Participants developed service improvement proposals, designed AI use-case canvases, and practiced transforming service processes “from data to decision.” The seminar concluded with group presentations, where participants showcased innovative approaches to using AI to enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen experience.
“The European Union stands with Uzbekistan in building a modern, transparent, and people-centred public administration. By using data and artificial intelligence responsibly, we can make public services simpler, faster, and fairer for all citizens of Uzbekistan,” said Christos Marazopoulos, First Counsellor, and Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Uzbekistan.
“Artificial intelligence and data science are transforming the way public institutions operate and deliver services. By equipping ICT and PR specialists with the right knowledge and tools, we are laying the groundwork for more responsive, transparent, and citizen-centered governance,” said Anas Fayyad Qarman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Uzbekistan.
Background
The “Further Improvement of Public Services Delivery in Uzbekistan” project, funded by the EU with a budget of EUR 4.9 million (2024–2029), aims to improve access to public services, especially in rural areas, through institutional reforms, digital transformation, and capacity development. Key objectives include:
Reforming institutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks of the public service delivery system.
Enhancing the capacity of back-office institutions at national, regional, and local levels.
Driving digital and user-centric transformation of public services.
Strengthening local governance to ensure accountability and responsiveness.
By 2029, the project aims to review the functions of 11 back-office institutions, train 1,000 civil servants, digitally transform at least 35 public services, and establish 34 new public service zones in makhallas across Uzbekistan. These efforts will support the country’s reform agenda and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 on strong institutions and SDG 9 on innovation and infrastructure.
