Uzbekistan is set to strengthen trusted, solutions-oriented journalism under a new memorandum of understanding signed between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Media Association of Uzbekistan.
The memorandum aims to deepen cooperation in developing reliable journalism, strengthening media professionalism, and supporting ethical reporting practices across Uzbekistan.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, National Media Association Chairman Odiljon Tojiyev described the agreement as a new stage of cooperation between Uzbekistan's media community and international development partners.
"Trusted journalism and freedom of expression are among the fundamental pillars of sustainable development. Through this partnership with UNDP, we aim to strengthen the professional capacity of media organizations, support ethical journalism standards, and contribute to building a sustainable and reliable information environment in Uzbekistan," he stated.
During one of the conference's panel sessions, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Akiko Fujii emphasized that a free and independent press is essential for a democratic society, enabling people to access reliable information, participate in public life, and hold institutions accountable.
She also highlighted the growing importance of protecting information integrity in the era of artificial intelligence and social media, while stressing the need to promote diversity and inclusion in media representation and expand opportunities for women and young people in the sector.
Fujii noted UNDP's long-standing cooperation with Uzbekistan's media sector, including initiatives supporting gender-sensitive media analysis, reporting on biodiversity, energy efficiency, and governance issues, as well as a recent assessment of investigative journalism conducted jointly with the Anti-Corruption Agency and supported by the European Union.
The memorandum was signed during the international conference "Freedom of Expression and Trusted Media," organized as part of the annual Media Week dedicated to Press and Mass Media Workers' Day, celebrated on June 27.
Both sides expressed confidence that the partnership would contribute to strengthening professional journalism, enhancing media credibility, and supporting sustainable development in Uzbekistan.
