A dialogue was held in Shakhrisabz, with representatives from over ten UN programs, funds, and agencies, officials from the Mahalla Association of Uzbekistan, and members of partner organizations.

UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Ms. Sabine Machl, emphasized that the United Nations fully supports the reforms being implemented under the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy.

At the meeting, information was presented about the current activities and plans of the Mahalla Association of Uzbekistan.

An agreement was reached to actively involve the Association in all ongoing and future projects, to expand programs implemented at the mahalla level, to promote youth employment, to establish educational centers, and to develop green energy initiatives.

On the same day, a new joint project was launched in collaboration with the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF, the Yuksalish Movement, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the Mahalla Association of Uzbekistan.

The first pilot project – a Youth Center – began operating in Zingiron mahalla of the city of Shakhrisabz. This project is a vivid example of a collective approach to youth development.

At this innovative center, young people aged 14 to 30 will be trained in digital technologies, entrepreneurship, foreign languages, psychology, civic engagement, and professional skills. Training in modern management principles will follow the “With Youth” approach.

The project aims to engage 8,000 young people in local self-governance processes by 2028 and train 2,000 of them in modern skills.

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Ulmas Barotov, UzA