10-07-202660
The meeting featured an exchange of views on legislative changes in the sphere of civil society development in Uzbekistan, as well as the role of civil society institutions in strengthening inter-ethnic harmony, tolerance, and international cooperation.
In his address, Abdulhakim Eshmuratov, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Judicial-Legal Issues and Anti-Corruption, stressed that the broad engagement of the public in state governance, support for civic initiatives, and the creation of favourable conditions for the non-governmental sector are today serving to reinforce democratic values. Civil society institutions are increasingly becoming a vital mechanism that reflects the needs of the population and acts as a bridge between the state and society.
In the era of New Uzbekistan, the most significant developments in this direction began with the constitutional reforms. The updated Constitution dedicated, for the first time, a separate chapter to civil society institutions. This chapter consolidated the constitutional status of non-governmental non-profit organisations, mahalla institutions, and mass media in public life.
Furthermore, the Uzbekistan — 2030 Strategy identifies as one of its priority directions the reorientation of state governance towards serving the people, and the improvement of public self-governance. The adoption — for the first time in the country history — of the Civil Society Development Concept for 2021–2025 attests to the consistent continuation of reforms in this area.
The event gave special emphasis to the role of civil society institutions in strengthening inter-ethnic harmony and tolerance. During the question-and-answer session, proposals were put forward on supporting NGO activities, increasing civic engagement in society, and enhancing collective cooperation.