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© UNDP Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan | 18 March 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan hosted the first-ever UNDP Talks, a unique platform showcasing real-life success stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through innovative poverty reduction and livelihood improvement initiatives.
The event held under the auspices of the upcoming Poverty reduction forum brought together government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and media to hear firsthand stories from beneficiaries who, with UNDP’s support, have been able to build sustainable businesses, find very much needed help, and strengthened their communities.
© UNDP Uzbekistan
“Over the past 5 years, successful poverty reduction at the grassroots level has been achieved through the targeted mahalla system, combining advanced foreign approaches and local specifics with the support of international partners, IFIs and UN organizations”, said Mr. Ilkhom Norkulov, the first Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan in his opening remarks.
As UNDP marks 60 years globally in 2025, this milestone event served as a moment for reflection and a call to action—to scale up proven solutions and ensure that impactful, community-driven approaches reach more people across Uzbekistan.
© UNDP Uzbekistan
“Since my arrival in Uzbekistan in June last year, I have had the privilege of visiting various regions throughout the country. I’ve met many courageous and inspiring women and girls—doctors, nurses, teachers, civil activists, farmers, deputy khokims, and local parliament members—all motivated by a commitment to positive change”, noted in her speech Ms Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan.
© UNDP Uzbekistan
“I am confident that the UN Development Programme, as a leading agency in Uzbekistan, will continue its activities at an accelerated pace. In turn, we are committed to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with UNDP and are ready to work closely together on all issues. We firmly believe that today’s event will serve as a platform for exchanging new ideas, advanced experiences, initiatives, and achievements”, noted Mr. Laziz Karaev, Head of the UN Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.
Passing the floor to the speakers, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, Ms. Akiko Fujii, emphasized that development is first and foremost about people:
© UNDP Uzbekistan
“We are not here to talk about what we did—we are here to listen. These are stories of resilience, dignity, and opportunity. UNDP doesn’t just implement projects; we work hand in hand with communities to build lasting solutions. As we mark 60 years of impact, our goal is clear—to do more, to do better, and to ensure that no one is left behind.”
Among the inspiring speakers were:
Mukaddas, a woman entrepreneur from Ferghana Valley, who turned a small mung bean business into a thriving export enterprise despite early hardships.
Sadokat, a cooperative leader who united dairy farmers in her village in Tashkent region creating a sustainable business model working for all.
Bahtiyor, a beekeeper from Karakalpakstan, who successfully grew his honey business in the Aral Sea region under the One Village, One Product initiative.
Inobat, a gender-based violence survivor, who rebuilt her life and through free legal aid found a home and a hope, and is about to start a small sewing business in Samarkand that will help women needing a job and a home like her.
Their stories are not just individual successes, but scalable solutions that can be replicated in different regions to create even greater impact.
UNDP Talks is the first in a series of events dedicated to sharing best practices and ready-to-scale solutions in poverty reduction, livelihoods, and inclusive development.
The event called for stronger partnerships, bringing together the government, donors, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate and build on solutions that worked.
As Uzbekistan continues its journey toward sustainable development, UNDP reaffirms its commitment to integrated and long-term solutions.
For More Information
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
📩 Shakhnoza Zafari | shakhnoza.zafari@undp.org
📞 +998 93 554 7895
