Uzbekistan has established active cooperation with international organizations to improve the efficiency of the social protection system of the population.

The Government of Uzbekistan, jointly with UNICEF, works to enhance the work of the Single Registry Information System to administer a wider range of social protection programs, including the shock responsive social assistance programs to tackle negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Within the framework of a technical assistance program, UNICEF handed over 300 items of office equipment to the Extrabudgetary Pension Fund of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It will be used to enhance the work of the Single Registry for Social Protection (Single Registry), an information system that enabled to streamline the process of distributing social benefits and allowances through digitalization. 

The technical means will be distributed further among district and city branches of the Extrabudgetary Pension Fund.

Deputy Minister of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan Akhadbek Khaidarov noted that cooperation with UNICEF is one of the key moments in the process of developing and improving the social protection system in Uzbekistan.

“We are happy to handover this IT equipment to the Ministry of Finance and continue our assistance in the rollout of the Single Registry, which is expected to result in the effective administration of the equitable cash assistance for families and children in need”, said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan. “Indeed, we believe our joint efforts within the Joint SDG Fund, including ongoing support on the Single Registry will result in enhancing accountability and transparency of the national social protection system and improving its coverage and efficiency”, he added.  

The Single Registry for Social Protection was initially piloted in Sirdarya region in 2019, then expanded to all regions of the country by the end of 2020. Currently, the Single Registry covers social allowances for low-income families with children. 

Following the meeting, the parties noted that cooperation in further support for social protection programs will continue.

Muattar Burkhonova, UzA