LocationsEU and UNDP Support Forum on Public Councils to Advance Open and Accountable Governance in Uzbekistan
December 2, 2025
Tashkent, 1 December 2025 – The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Yuksalish Nationwide Movement and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan, held a half-day Forum on Public Councils at the Yoshlar Ijod Saroyi in Tashkent.
The Forum was organized under the EU-funded project “Further Improvement of Public Service Delivery in Uzbekistan”, implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice. The event brought together over 100 representatives of ministries, government agencies, local authorities, Public Councils, and civil society organizations.
The Forum provided a platform for open dialogue and experience sharing on the role of Public Councils in advancing open, transparent, and accountable public administration in Uzbekistan. Participants discussed the current state of Public Councils, the challenges they faced, and opportunities to enhance their effectiveness, inclusivity, and legal framework.
Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairperson of the Yuksalish Nationwide Movement emphasized the importance of joint efforts to enhance citizen engagement and accountability mechanisms in Uzbekistan’s governance system.
Within the framework of the EU-funded project, Public Advisory Councils have already been successfully established under Khavast district (Syrdarya), Shurchi district (Surkhandarya), and Kosonsoy district (Namangan). Building on this success, three new Public Councils were launched in Yangiarik district (Khorezm), Bukhara city (Bukhara), and Uzbekistan district (Fergana).
During the Forum, Ms. Saida Mustafayeva, FIPSD Project Consultant, presented findings from recent monitoring of these new Public Councils, highlighting achievements and outlining proposals to enhance their impact at the local level. Mr. Temur Razzokov and Ms. Dilfuza Valieva, Chairs of the Public Councils in Khavast and Kosonsoy districts, shared success stories and recommendations based on their experience.
An award ceremony recognized the most active and successful Public Councils for their contribution to strengthening citizen participation in decision-making processes.
“The European Union is proud to support Uzbekistan’s efforts to promote open and participatory governance. Public Councils play a key role in ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and reflected in public policies,” said Toivo Klaar, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan.
By the conclusion of the Forum, participants developed a set of practical recommendations to improve the regulatory framework, enhance inter-institutional cooperation, and promote sustainable development of Public Councils throughout the country.
The initiative contributes to the Government’s broader agenda of enhancing public oversight, strengthening dialogue between citizens and authorities, and promoting transparent and accountable governance at all levels.
