Vobkent district has become one of the first local administrations in Uzbekistan to adopt the internationally acclaimed “Islands of Integrity” methodology, a strategic framework designed to prevent corruption at the local level.
The initiative was formally presented on May 16 in a high-level gathering that included Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, representatives from Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Agency, the European Union (EU) Delegation, UNDP, regional and district Khokimiyats, civil society actors, and local deputies.
With technical guidance from Ana Vasilache, co-author of the methodology, national anti-corruption experts trained and collaborated with 27 local officials in Vobkent. Together, they conducted a detailed analysis of key corruption-prone sectors, including construction permits, procurement, utility services, and inspections. Participating institutions covered a wide array of public services, ranging from education and healthcare to taxation, social protection, and emergency response.
The result of this collaboration is a Strategic Roadmap for 2025–2026, which sets forth a practical plan for more transparent and accountable district governance. Key measures include:
- Introducing digital tools and independent monitoring to increase transparency in public procurement;
- Enhancing integrity among staff through tailored training and incentive programs;
- Promoting stronger citizen participation and feedback in governance processes.
The launch of Vobkent’s roadmap represents a significant milestone in adapting global anti-corruption tools to the Uzbek context. It also highlights growing momentum toward institutional reform at the local level. The initiative forms part of a broader EU-funded project, “Strengthening the National Anti-Corruption Ecosystem in Uzbekistan,” jointly implemented by the Anti-Corruption Agency and UNDP.
The “Islands of Integrity” methodology, recognized globally and awarded the United Nations Public Service Award in 2011, has been successfully applied in over 30 local governments across 11 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. It is known for its focus on systemic change rather than punitive action, empowering local leaders to become drivers of reform.
In Uzbekistan, the methodology is being piloted in three locations: Vobkent District (Bukhara region), Jizzakh City (Jizzakh region), and Mirzo-Ulugbek District (Tashkent City). Between December 2024 and January 2025, more than 60 local officials participated in workshops that guided them through corruption risk assessment, collaborative problem-solving, and the development of actionable governance plans.
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