The event brought together 20 representatives of public organizations. It was organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan in co-operation with the Public Fund for the Support and Development of Independent Print Media and News Agencies of Uzbekistan, as well as with the International In-service Training Centre for Journalists. It aims at enhancing professional skills of the staff of information services of public organizations.

“The right to access information gives practical meaning to the principles of participatory democracy,” said Christoph Opfermann, Senior Project Officer of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator office in Uzbekistan in his opening speech.

“Openness and transparency in the decision-making process can help create atmosphere of trust among people, increase public support and understanding and thus can help build a stronger democracy.”

The course is part of an ongoing capacity-building project for information services of Uzbekistan’s state administration agencies and civil society organizations.