The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is held annually on 17 October. It aims to promote understanding and dialogue between people living in poverty and wider society. The Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty.

Lifting 500,000 people out of poverty by the end of 2024 and 1 million by 2025 has been defined as the central goal of Uzbekistan's socio-economic policy. State bodies and organizations at all levels are committed to achieving this ambitious target. Building on the positive outcomes already realized in the fight against poverty and drawing from both national experience and international best practices, UNDP together with Government of Uzbekistan will contribute in the "From Poverty to Prosperity" program by implementing a number of initiatives. This initiative calls on every citizen to take personal responsibility for their future and that of their children, while creating opportunities for individuals to unlock their full potential.

In the lead-up to the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, on 16 October, a guest lecture will be held by Ravshan Yunusov, Head of the Inclusive Growth Cluster at Westminster International University in Tashkent. The lecture will focus on multidimensional poverty, offering valuable insights into the complexities of poverty beyond income and the importance of tackling its many facets. This lecture will help set the stage for the program’s launch by promoting deeper understanding among stakeholders and the public on the approaches to poverty reduction.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed on 17 October, presents a timely opportunity to launch a series of impactful initiatives. This year’s program, spearheaded by UNDP in collaboration with national partners, will run through December and is designed to address poverty through employment creation, digital literacy enhancement, and entrepreneurship promotion. By empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups, the program seeks to make a significant contribution to the "From Poverty to Prosperity" initiative, moving the country closer to its poverty alleviation goals.

The launch event will feature a job fair specifically aimed at family members from low-income households. This fair, to be held in Tashkent and extended to other regions, will connect job seekers with employers and provide them with direct access to employment opportunities. Organized by the National Agency for Social Protection and the Ministry of Employment and Labor, with the support of UNDP, this initiative is a vital step in providing immediate assistance to those in need of work.

In conjunction with the job fair, training programs aimed at enhancing digital skills and employability for vulnerable groups will begin on 17 October. These programs, which include free computer literacy and IT courses, are targeted at women and youth who face economic hardship but are eager to learn. UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, will oversee the implementation of these courses in Chorshanbe,  Kashkadarya region, with further roll-out planned.

Another important aspect of the program is the introduction of free e-commerce training for women, particularly those on maternity leave. This initiative, set to start in Tashkent on 16 October, will expand to other regions and focuses on equipping participants with the skills needed to start and manage small businesses online. The training, conducted in partnership with Uzum Academy and relevant government bodies, provides a gateway for women to become self-reliant and financially independent.

In a parallel effort, the Digital4Business training program will provide entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy. This five-day program, which includes practical tasks, case analysis, and mentoring sessions, will be held in Andijan, Namangan, and Nukus, starting on 22 October. Delivered in Uzbek, this initiative is aimed at entrepreneurs looking to enhance their digital business skills and increase their competitiveness in the market.

Vocational training will also play a crucial role in this program, offering professional skills development to family members who wish to learn trades such as tailoring, handicrafts, and food blogging. Organized by the Union of Craftsmen, in collaboration with local artisans, this training will provide practical skills that can directly lead to income generation. Additionally, training on farming and household plot management will be offered, with a focus on increasing agricultural productivity and improving market access for small-scale farmers.

To further promote entrepreneurship, a master class on establishing small businesses will be offered. Participants will receive comprehensive guidance on setting up businesses, including legal and regulatory advice on forming sole proprietorships and limited liability companies. This initiative, led by representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, aims to foster a culture of entrepreneurship among low-income households.

On 17 October, a national social media campaign, #I_did it how about you?, will be launched. This campaign will highlight the stories of families who have successfully lifted themselves out of poverty using the opportunities provided by the various training and support programs. By sharing these stories, the campaign will raise awareness and inspire others to take advantage of the available resources.

The activities being launched as part of this program are designed not only to raise awareness of poverty-related issues but also to provide practical and sustainable solutions. Through job fairs, skills training, and entrepreneurship promotion, the program seeks to empower vulnerable groups and offer them a path towards self-reliance and economic stability. Together with national partners, UNDP is committed to creating lasting change and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a crucial role in addressing poverty in Uzbekistan by implementing sustainable development programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality. Through various initiatives, UNDP supports marginalized communities, enhances access to essential resources, and strengthens local capacities to improve livelihoods. By working closely with the government and other partners, UNDP helps to build resilient communities, foster economic opportunities, and ensure that those affected by poverty are included in development processes, ultimately contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 1—ending poverty in all its forms.