LocationsUNDP and National Media Association of Uzbekistan Partner to Advance Sustainable Development in Uzbekistan through Media
July 6, 2026
Tashkent, 3 July 2026 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Media Association of Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in promoting reliable, solutions-oriented journalism in support of sustainable development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Odiljon Tojiev, Board Chairman of the National Media Association of Uzbekistan, noted that the Memorandum marks a new stage in cooperation between Uzbekistan's media community and international development partners.
"Reliable journalism and freedom of expression are among the key pillars of sustainable development. Through this partnership with UNDP, we aim to strengthen the professional capacity of media organizations, promote, support ethical media standards, and contribute to building a resilient and trustworthy information environment in Uzbekistan," he said.
Delivering a statement during a panel session Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, emphasized that a free and independent press is essential for democratic societies, enabling people to access reliable information, participate in public life, and hold institutions accountable. She also highlighted the growing importance of protecting information integrity in the age of artificial intelligence and social media, while ensuring diverse and inclusive media images and greater participation of women and young people in the media sector.
Ms. Fujii also highlighted UNDP's longstanding development-related cooperation with the media in Uzbekistan - from gender-sensitive media content analysis to supporting reporting on biodiversity, energy efficiency and governance, including a recent assessment of investigative journalism conducted jointly with the Anti-Corruption Agency and with the support of the European Union.
The Memorandum was signed during the international conference "Freedom of Speech and Reliable Media", organized by the National Media Association of Uzbekistan as part of its annual Media Week dedicated to Press and Mass Media Workers' Day.
Both parties expressed confidence that the partnership will contribute to strengthening professional journalism, promotion of information integrity, and sustainable development in Uzbekistan.
