Statement of Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident representative at the Uzbekistan International Poverty Reduction Forum in Bukhara

May 27, 2022
Bukhara Forum Panel
UNDP Uzbekistan

Greetings:

Your excellencies, distinguished speakers and guests!  Assalomu aleykum! I am very privileged to have a chance to address you with the closing remarks! 

Let me start by congratulating the Government with without any doubt a successfully organized Forum. During these past two days we had a chance not only take stock of the past accomplishments and ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan but also to discuss the country’s future reform agenda through the prism of poverty reduction.

It is a very important signal that poverty reduction is discussed with such level of attention, at time when the country is going through significant transformation. 

Within these last two days we have heard very vibrant discussion and reflection on various aspects of poverty reduction, what international best practices are relevant, what to expect going forward.

One point that was voiced many times is that there is no silver bullet to ending poverty, and strategies to reach the least well-off must be tailored to each country’s context, taking into account the latest data and analysis and the needs of the people.

Still, everyone acknowledged that poverty is multidimensional and to end it will be important to address all the dimensions of poverty in the integrated way. 

Moreover, these efforts need to be well coordinated. There needs to be a good monitoring and reporting system, transparent and inclusive. Therefore, it is important to have both monetary as well as non-monetary (multidimensional) poverty measurements.

Mr.Kuchkarov, Yesterday, you said, that Uzbekistan Government has identified 3 key drivers of growth and poverty reduction within the New Uzbekistan strategy:

  • Inclusive job creation
  • Human capital development
  • Green transition

I cannot agree more.

Job creation lies at the core of poverty reduction. Therefore, the growing young population of this country present an unprecedented opportunity to become agents of positive transformation, but this youth potential can only be unlocked through the creation of new jobs.

We also have to recognize that it is not just about jobs, but in fact decent work. And let me add – not only jobs and decent work. But– work suited for the 21 Century. We can also not overlook the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

UNDP argues actively that addressing poverty and inequality is investment in human capital. Human capital is at the core of sustainable development. UNDP’s 2019 Human Development Report argues that for people to live a fulfilling life, they need to possess capabilities fit for the 21st century.

In addition to access to healthcare, basic education and livelihoods, people need good internet access, digital and financial literacy, clean and balanced environment, access to green jobs of the future. These will become even more important and empowering in the future.

Coming back to the forum itself, I wanted to share with two of my observations: Inclusivity and Gender.

I am very glad to note that this forum was structured as a platform for public participation. I am referring to the side event on Employment for People with Disabilities and a side event on women economic empowerment.

Each session had a strong element of gender. Even looking at the participants, I am delighted to note a lot of women in the room.

Let me conclude by saying that this Forum was a good opportunity to reflect on the past, learn and strategize for the future. And to remind us that much more needs to be done to reduce the inequalities exacerbated during the pandemic. What is needed is a human-centred recovery, beyond GDP growth.

The initiation of new package of reforms is opportunity to steer the country’s development on to a more sustainable and inclusive path – a path that reverses inequalities, tackles poverty and ensures the long-term human security of its people.

Closing Remarks:

UNDP will continue to support the ongoing transformation of Uzbekistan by helping to drive forward a green, fair and more inclusive economic growth pathway. Many thanks for your attention!