The "Yuksalish" movement held an award ceremony for the "Heroes Among Us" and "Nature Defenders" projects.

During the Civil Society Week, seven forums and over 40 meetings were held, including discussions and open debates in the regions. In the capital, dialogues took place between NGO activists and representatives of the Legislative Chamber, Senate, and Ministry of Justice. In total, more than two thousand people participated in the events, including representatives from international organizations.

Additionally, a campaign titled "We Are Donors!" was organized in the capital and regions, where over 500 people donated more than 230 liters of blood.

Note: The week was held in accordance with the decree of the President of Uzbekistan "On Measures for Further Improvement of the System of State Support for Civil Society Institutions". The event was organized by the "Yuksalish" movement in collaboration with the Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan, the "Development Strategy" Center, the Center for the Analysis of Democratic Processes, and the National Association of Non-State Non-Profit Organizations of Uzbekistan.

The events facilitated discussions on pressing issues and led to proposals aimed at the sustainable development of civil society. The forums in the capital were supported by the partners of the "Yuksalish" movement - the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The "Heroes Among Us" Project

Undoubtedly, non-governmental non-profit organizations have become crucial participants in the reform process in Uzbekistan. Their work often goes unnoticed by the mainstream media, yet they unite citizens' efforts to tackle social and environmental issues, promote inclusive approaches, and strengthen social partnerships.

The awards within the "Heroes Among Us" project aim to support social activities and inspiring actions that have transformed lives for the better.

The goal is to recognize significant or heroic actions that serve as a source of pride, a model, or an example to follow. Often, these heroes remain in the shadows and do not receive the recognition they deserve.

The "Yuksalish" movement has been conducting this project since its inception. Over time, the number of recognized participants has expanded. "Heroes Among Us" showcases real examples of initiatives that deserve to be talked about as much as possible.

This year, for the first time during Civil Society Week, the "Yuksalish" movement established the nomination "Nature Defenders," to honor the contributions of activists dedicated to environmental protection. This initiative aims to acknowledge their efforts, create a positive image of nature defenders, and foster a community of like-minded individuals ready to address complex ecological challenges.

In recent years, the world has faced acute environmental issues: air, water, and soil pollution, along with ecosystem destruction, threaten not only nature but our very existence. During such times, the efforts of concerned citizens who actively engage in environmental initiatives, fight for the preservation of natural resources, and advocate for sustainable development are especially vital.

In this context, it is important to highlight the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who proposed declaring 2025 the Year of Environmental Protection and the "Green" Economy. This step emphasizes the need to foster an ecological culture, support sustainable development, and create favorable conditions for nature protection.

Among the award recipients are both young, emerging nature defenders and seasoned professionals who have dedicated many years to environmental conservation. Their contributions are invaluable: they fight for the preservation of ecosystems, implement environmentally sustainable solutions, and inspire society to care for the planet. Each of them plays a crucial role in protecting nature, underscoring that only through collective efforts can we safeguard our common home for future generations.

Zulhumor Akbarova.