The Government of Uzbekistan has initiated a process of full-fledged Welfare Improvement Strategy (WIS) formulation. WIS is expected to become strategic document, which will determine key objectives and tasks of the country, general policy directions and concrete instruments for achieving stated priorities for 2007-2010.

At the same time, changing context of processes taking place in society and economy requires new mechanisms for development and implementation of social-economic policies. One of such requirements is constructive dialog between the Government, private sector, civil society and other interested stakeholders, or, in other words; wide participatory process. Participatory process is aimed at ensuring consideration of as much as possible opinions and interests of representatives of all strata of society during development and implementation of state decisions at national and regional levels.

In this regard, WIS development is undertaken by Sectoral working groups (SWG), including representatives of key line ministries, national analytical centers, private sector and civil society. At this, members of SWGs use results of national and sectoral researches that had incorporated opinions of different interested sides. In order to receive consultative and methodological assistance, SWGs also invite experienced international experts. UNDP, World Bank and Asian Development Bank also sufficiently assist the Government in this process within UNDP "Support to Uzbekistan WIS" Project.

In order to develop effective mechanisms for enlarging constructive dialog and participation of wide public in the process of elaboration, implementation and monitoring of Welfare Improvement Strategy, series of discussions with participation of representatives of key line ministries of Uzbekistan, private sector, civil society institutions, mass media and other interested stakeholders has been held during April 16-20, 2007.

Currently, the detailed programme of events on realization of participation process within further elaboration, implementation and monitoring of WIS is being developed basing on opinions and suggestions made during consultations.