Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, on 14 December, a project was launched to promote the development of local government bodies in Uzbekistan.

This project, in partnership with USAID (Chemonics International) and government agencies represented by the Ministry of Justice, the Academy of Public Administration, and the Civil Service Development Agency, aims to increase the responsiveness and accountability of local governments, increase citizen engagement, and ensure inclusive decision-making processes wide sections of the population. The total cost of the project is US$15.2 million.

The project will also focus on recognizing and responding to the needs of various stakeholders, including citizens, entrepreneurs, activists, decision makers, the media, and other government entities. This initiative will not only ensure that local government reforms meet the specific needs and realities of Uzbek communities, but will also allow them to be more effective and continue to respond quickly to the expectations of the population.

As a result of the next administrative reform launched in Uzbekistan, the number of executive bodies of state power was reduced from 61 to 28, including the number of ministries to 21, and 20 government departments were eliminated.

The executive power is becoming more compact, a professional system of public administration is being formed that meets the requirements of our people.

At the same time, during the launch of the project, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The memorandum places particular emphasis on improving the legal and regulatory framework to ensure effective local governance, promoting citizen participation and strengthening the capacity of local authorities.

Moreover, these activities will help strengthen cooperation with national partners, support the goals of the Uzbekistan Strategy until 2030, and ensure long-term results.

Overall, by promoting collaboration, encouraging innovation, leveraging technical expertise and prioritizing user-centred approaches, the Uzbekistan Local Government Development Project will contribute to effectively addressing local government issues and building more inclusive, responsible and accountable government structures.