LocationsWe presented the annual results of our rural development initiatives
December 11, 2025
On December 10, we held a meeting to discuss the progress of joint projects with the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan: “Sustainable Rural Development”, implemented with financial support from the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund, and “Integrated Rural Development”, funded by the Islamic Development Bank.
During the event, we presented progress reports and plans for implementing two key initiatives. These projects aim to improve infrastructure for rural communities, expand economic opportunities, introduce approaches based on gender equality and climate sustainability principles, and strengthen the participation of makhalla residents in decision-making processes.
During the session, we presented the key results achieved under the “Sustainable Rural Development” project, which has been implemented across the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well as the Bukhara, Navoi, and Khorezm regions.
Specifically, 40 community development plans were revised and institutionalized, and the principles of inclusiveness were ensured in the financing of 878 subprojects. A development plan for the Vobkent district and a master plan for the Buston mahalla in the Khazarasp district were also developed, strengthening the planning capacity of local authorities.
Capacity-building activities were carried out for the rural population, 8 environmentally friendly propane air conditioners were installed in preschool facilities, 8 rural schools were equipped with modern IT and robotics equipment, and 4 youth co-working centers were created. In addition, ICT equipment installed in schools and medical facilities provided coverage of more than 20,000 students and over 118,000 users of digital medical services.
As part of our Integrated Rural Development initiative in the Samarkand, Kashkadarya, and Surkhandarya regions, we have completed the transition to the stage of active engagement with the local population, which has enabled us to establish a solid foundation for the implementation of infrastructure implementation. A total of 41 Community Development Plans were developed for 157 makhallas and shared with both district authorities and local communities. Altogether, these plans outline 779 subprojects to be constructed or renovated.
In addition, training was conducted to develop a three-year capacity-building plan for 5 target groups, and a functional analysis was carried out in 3 district khokimiyats and 15 makhallas. Based on the results of this analysis, a roadmap was developed to enhance the quality of local governance and service delivery. Within the framework of the project, 6 rural schools were equipped with new IT hardware, while 3 rural healthcare facilities received environmentally friendly propane-based air conditioners.
The project organized a series of activities to strengthen rural population’s skills in modern garment design, marketing, product development, SMM, and smart agriculture.
The meeting participants highly appreciated the results achieved, highlighting the importance of the projects in addressing rural infrastructure challenges, enhancing economic activity, and improving the well-being of the population. The stakeholders agreed to continue joint efforts aimed at strengthening gender equality and climate resilience, supporting entrepreneurship, and further expanding public participation.
Following the event, the partners agreed to extend our Sustainable Rural Development project (Phase I) until 2026 and to continue implementing the Integrated Rural Development project (Phase II). This decision is aimed at completing the initiatives launched in the regions and consolidating the results achieved.
This event was organized as a part of the joint projects “Sustainable Rural Development” and “Integrated Rural Development” implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan and UNDP with financial support from the Islamic Development Bank.
More about the projects:
