Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 2 December 2020, 11 representatives of Korean and Uzbek NGOs for the first time gathered online to understand and learn about both side’s experience. 

The online event - "Korean – Uzbek NGO networking Day" was hosted by Korea International Cooperation Agency(KOICA) in the purpose creating networking platform in order to build long-term prospective cooperation and further development of NGOs in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan side was represented by organizations involved in supporting vulnerable groups, education, health care, women's entrepreneurship, namely: The National Movement "Yuksalish", the National Association of NGOs of Uzbekistan, ACTED (France) Uzbekistan office, Business Women’s Association "Tadbirkor Ayol", Republican social information center "Istiqbolli Avlod" and partner organization Vocational Training Center in Samarkand at by  the meeting.

Participants from Korean NGOs were: Good Neighbors International (GNI), Global Civic Sharing(GCS), FriendAsia, Institute of Asian Culture & Development(IACD) and partner from university including Keimyung College University.

The program consisted with; 1) Yuksalish sharing the history and development of NGOs in Uzbekistan for Korean audience to understand more about local NGOs; 2) while Good Neighbors, one of the leading Korean NGO planning to lunch its office in Uzbekistan, shared GNI case stories in social enterprises for sustainable development at local level. 3) Also, KOICA shared Country Strategy Plan and New Northern Policy along with KOICA’s CSO partnership in developing countries.

The discussions between the two sides were active. The event can rightfully be considered fruitful for both parties. Each of the parties clarified and outlined areas for further cooperation. KOICA plans to be a partnership platform for NGOs in both countries.