UN Women opened its country office in Uzbekistan, launching a new phase of cooperation aimed at advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls. The inauguration ceremony took place in Tashkent with the participation of representatives from the Oliy Majlis, government officials, heads of UN agencies, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
The establishment of the office follows a high-level agreement reached during the May 2024 visit of UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Sami Bahous, to Uzbekistan.
Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, emphasized that the new office represents international recognition of Uzbekistan’s gender reforms and commitment to women’s rights.
“We had a meaningful and productive meeting with Elisa Fernandez Saenz, Deputy Director of the UN Women Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia,” Narbayeva noted.
She added that the office, launched with the support of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Sima Bahous, reflects global acknowledgment of Uzbekistan’s progress in promoting gender equality across various sectors, including governance, science, technology, and culture.
During the discussions, both sides agreed to collaborate on expanding digital tools and educational initiatives to unlock the potential of women and girls.
“An agreement was reached to promote digital technologies and educational programs that serve to realize the potential of every woman and girl, as well as to further strengthen cooperation in this area and implement new joint initiatives,” Narbayeva said.
The opening also coincides with the launch of the EU-funded Gender Budgeting Project, implemented in partnership with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. This initiative will be the first major undertaking of the new UN Women office, focusing on integrating gender perspectives into national budgeting processes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Elisa Fernandez Saenz highlighted the symbolic significance of the office.
“This new office stands as a testament to partnership, progress, and hope. The path to equality doesn’t end here — it begins anew with deeper commitment and new ambition,” she said.
UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Sabine Mahl, stressed the broader implications of the move.
“The office’s opening reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to human development and gender equality. UN Women will be a key partner in helping the country achieve these goals,” Mahl stated.
The launch comes at a pivotal moment for UN Women, coinciding with the organization’s 15th anniversary, as well as major milestones such as the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
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