The Civil Society Week is taking place in Tashkent.

The event is organized by the "Yuksalish" movement in collaboration with the chambers of the Oliy Majlis, the Ministry of Justice, the Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan, the "Development Strategy" Center, the Center for Analyzing Democratic Processes, the National Association of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations of Uzbekistan, and others.

Uzbekistan is enhancing its system of state support for civil society institutions based on principles of transparency and competition. The new version of the Constitution grants civil society institutions constitutional status. Specific provisions are enshrined in the Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy and the Concept for the Development of Civil Society in 2021-2025, among other legal documents.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has made significant strides in developing civil society, particularly in removing barriers to accessing international NGO funding. The number of non-governmental non-profit organizations has surpassed nine thousand. Their representatives are currently active in areas such as healthcare, education, technology, science, entrepreneurship, agriculture, ecology, sports, human rights advocacy, and support for youth, women, and people with disabilities, among others.

Considerable attention is also given to training personnel for the "third sector." According to the presidential decree "On Approving the Concept for the Development of Civil Society in 2021-2025," 500 NGO leaders have undergone training and skill enhancement at the Academy of Public Administration under the President. By 2025, an additional 250 leaders will improve their knowledge and skills.

Initiatives from representatives of non-governmental non-profit organizations play a crucial role in our lives. Specifically, they propose improvements to state programs and legislation and conduct public oversight activities for the implementation of socio-economic development projects in regions. However, there remain issues that require attention.

These issues will be discussed during Civil Society Week. According to the presidential decree "On Measures to Further Improve the State Support System for Civil Society Institutions," the Week is planned to be held annually during the first week of December.

This event will serve as an open platform for dialogue and for determining further steps to develop promising initiatives, as well as for enhancing transparency and inclusiveness. The Week also aims to support NGOs and create new opportunities for strengthening cooperation between state institutions and society.

Throughout the Week, international forums will be held, including:

Central Asia Civil Society Forum;

Forum on "Social Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship";

Women's NGO Forum;

Forum for the Development of Charitable Movements in Uzbekistan;

NGO Forum of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan;

National NGO Forum.

Open discussions and dialogues will take place, along with meetings between NGO representatives and members of parliament and the Minister of Justice, training sessions for ecologists and eco-activists, as well as a charitable campaign titled "We Are Donors!".

Awards will be presented:

the badge "For Contribution to the Development of Civil Society";

winners in the "Heroes Among Us" category;

activists in the "Nature Defenders" category.

The Week will provide a great opportunity for civil sector representatives to discuss current topics, develop solutions that promote democratic values, exchange experiences, and outline steps for the sustainable development of civil society in Uzbekistan.