Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – An acceleration program titled "Uzbekistan on the Path of Social Protection Transformation" has commenced in Tashkent, organized by the Government Accelerator of the UAE in partnership with the Center for Economic Research and Reforms and the National Agency for Social Protection.

Today, the acceleration program "Uzbekistan on the Path of Social Protection Transformation" kicked off in Tashkent.

This program is implemented by the Government Accelerator of the UAE in partnership with the Center for Economic Research and Reforms and the National Agency for Social Protection.

Accelerators are short-term educational programs launched for cohorts. The goal of an accelerator is to convey a large volume of information in a short period through intensive interaction with mentors, participants, and program leaders.

The event is organized within the framework of developing intergovernmental cooperation between the UAE and Uzbekistan as part of a "roadmap."

The three-day international seminar aims to exchange best global practices in developing and implementing transformational projects in social protection and their implementation in Uzbekistan.

Addressing the participants of the acceleration program, the director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, Obid Hakimov, welcomed them. He reminded cohort participants that this Accelerator on the platform of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms has become the "epicenter" for developing Uzbekistan's Development Strategies – specifically the 2022-2026 and 2024-2030 strategies.

"Today, we are entering a new phase of development for this Accelerator, which will spur the development of the social sphere in Uzbekistan. We have long aimed to consolidate all social services in one place, leading to the establishment of the National Agency for Social Protection. Today, together with colleagues at this seminar, we will discuss and work to determine how we can improve social services and the overall lives of Uzbekistan's citizens," said the director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms.

He wished all participants success, diligence, and maximum benefit "that can be obtained from knowledge, innovations, and new approaches."

Next, the director of the Government Accelerator of the UAE, Dr. Radhia Al-Hashimi, addressed the participants. In her speech, she shared the experience of transforming standard economic projects in the UAE.

"Today, I would like to discuss how to take the next step. In the UAE, we have embarked on a new journey in transformation projects – specifically how standard economic projects can be transformed into something greater. We would like to share this experience with you today – this is what the Center for Innovations in the UAE is engaged in. It will be interesting to see how you can use the knowledge and experience gained in your activities," said Dr. Radhia Al-Hashimi, director of the Government Accelerator of the UAE.

Addressing the groups, Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection, Sirojiddin Abdulloev, noted that cooperation between the UAE and Uzbekistan demonstrates how intergovernmental partnerships can promote innovation in the field of social protection.

During the three-day program, accelerator groups will discuss tasks such as assessing and monitoring the implementation of reforms in social protection, which will initiate the transformation process in this sector.

The main directions of the program will include: strengthening interaction between the population in need of social protection and government bodies; improving the quality of social services by increasing targeting of low-income families and other vulnerable groups in need of social protection; increasing outsourcing and public-private partnerships in the provision of social services.

The seminar includes practical discussions, idea exchange sessions, and project development. Participants discussed best practices and approaches to implementing transformational initiatives in the social sphere to improve the quality of life for the population.

At the end of the acceleration program, a work plan will be developed to expand innovations and sustainable development in the field of social protection.