Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today marks a significant milestone as the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan announced the launch of grant projects aimed at empowering civil society in the country during the kick-off event "EU Support to Civil Society Organizations in Uzbekistan". 

The launch of EU-funded projects reflects a collaborative effort between international and EU-based civil society organizations, the civil society partners in Uzbekistan, and state partners. The EU funding, granted to 8 initiatives with a total value exceeding EUR 3.5 million, underscores a shared commitment to fostering empowerment of civil society particularly women and marginalised groups in the country.

“Today’s EU-funded project launch is just a glimpse into our ongoing commitment to bolster civil society organizations in Uzbekistan. Our yearly efforts are dedicated to empowering these vital entities, fostering inclusivity, vibrancy, and democracy. Prioritizing projects for women, children, and marginalized groups, we amplify voices, promote inclusive development, and drive or support Uzbekistan’s reform agenda. Together with civil society and state partners, we contribute to the pluralism and inclusivity crucial for a thriving democracy and a peaceful society”, pointed out H.E. Charlotte Adriaen, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan’s reform progress is steadfast, rooted in our commitment to advancing the rights, societal progress and dignity of every citizen. CSOs play a vital role in advocating for the needs and concerns of vulnerable communities, holding governments accountable, and facilitating citizen participation in decision-making processes. The launch of EU-funded projects marks a yet another chapter of shared collaboration, amplifying our collective resolve to drive positive change”, noted Mr. Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairman of Movement “Yuksalish”.

The EU-funded projects launched during the kick-off event "EU Support to Civil Society Organizations in Uzbekistan" is a result of a call for proposals launched by the EU Delegation in Uzbekistan in 2023. Scheduled to operate from 2024 to 2026, the projects will focus on enhancing the capacities of the civil society organizations for inclusive development, advocating for gender equality, advancing the Green Agenda, and enhancing gender-responsiveness.

The following EU-funded projects were presented:

• “Empowering Voices for Inclusive Development: Strengthening CSOs from Samarkand, Namangan and Tashkent working with women and youth” implemented by AFEW International.
• “EU Tabassum (Smile): Media skills to promote gender equality and empower young women in Uzbekistan” implemented by Deutsche Welle.  
• “Promoting Gender Transformative Communities through Civil Participation” implemented by DVV International Uzbekistan.
• “Empowering communities and strengthening civil society organisations (CSOs) for sustainable water management through capacity building and media film production” implemented by the European Confederation of Associations of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (CEA-PME).
• “Strengthening the institutional and programmatic capacity of CSOs in Uzbekistan, as well as coordination between CSOs and with government bodies to integrate their work into national and regional development plans implemented by Saferworld.
• “Women and girls – safe and free: providing methodology for CSOs and relevant stakeholders for supporting and empowering girls and women - victims of gender-based violence” implemented by MARTA Centre.
• “Promoting Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth in the Green and Circular Economy Sectors” implemented by the International Women’s Association in Malmö (IKF Malmö).
• “Empowering civil society to promote and protect human rights, vulnerable groups, and the environment in selected regions of Uzbekistan” implemented by International Partnership by Human Rights.