Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 27 May, a ceremonial opening of the UN Women office took place in Tashkent, marking a significant milestone in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in Uzbekistan.

The event was attended by representatives of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament), the Government of Uzbekistan, heads of UN agencies and international organizations, as well as members of civil society and the private sector. It is worth noting that the decision to open the UN Women office in Tashkent was made at the highest level during the visit of the UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, to Uzbekistan in May 2024.

Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, expressed her support for this new phase of cooperation with UN Women, emphasizing that the office’s opening reflects international recognition of the country’s achievements in gender equality. She stated that the office’s activities would become a key factor for further deepening bilateral cooperation and sustainable development in this field.

Simultaneously with the office opening, the first large-scale project was launched — a gender-responsive budgeting initiative funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan.

Elisa Fernandez Saenz, Deputy Regional Director of UN Women for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the importance of the office as a symbol of partnership, progress, and hope for the women and girls of the country, noting that the journey toward equality is only beginning, now with renewed energy and determination.

Sabina Mahl, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, remarked that the office’s opening confirms Uzbekistan’s commitment to developing human potential and achieving gender equality, and that cooperation with UN Women will be a vital tool in reaching these goals.

Thus, the launch of the UN Women office in Uzbekistan marks the beginning of a new era in promoting women’s rights and gender equality, gaining special significance in a year of important anniversaries: the 15th anniversary of the organization itself, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.