Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan have announced the launch of a new project aimed at improving the public service system. This was reported by the press service of the EU Delegation.

The project focuses on the modernization and digital transformation of public services, with particular attention to the needs of residents in remote and rural areas of the country.

The total funding for the initiative, amounting to 4.9 million euros, is provided by the European Union. The first phase of the project, implemented in Uzbekistan between 2019 and 2024, was one of the initial steps in the reform of front-office institutions — those that directly interact with the population.

The new phase, which is set to last until 2029, focuses on the modernization of the so-called "back-office" — the agencies and structures responsible for delivering public services. The goal is to improve the resilience, quality, and efficiency of operations at all levels, from national to local.

Key challenges to be addressed include limited access to public services in rural areas, insufficient distribution of digital technologies, and outdated institutional mechanisms. To tackle these issues, four strategic directions are planned:

— Updating the regulatory framework governing the activities of back-office institutions; — Strengthening the institutional capacity of service-providing institutions at all levels of governance; 

— Digitalization and reorientation of the back-office to meet the needs of citizens; 

— Developing the local government system to enhance its efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness.

By the end of the project, a functional analysis of 11 government agencies will be conducted, over 1,000 staff will be trained on inclusive and user-oriented service standards, approximately 35 types of public services will be modernized, and 34 new service delivery points will be established in neighborhoods across the country.

"The implementation of these comprehensive reforms will significantly improve citizens' access to effective, transparent, and inclusive public services," the statement emphasizes.

The official launch of the project took place at the State Services Center in the Shaykhantahur District. The event was attended by representatives of central and local authorities, civil society, international development partners, EU embassy representatives, and the media.

"This project is a key element of our strategy to modernize the public service system. It reflects our commitment to accessibility, efficiency, and transparency, where no citizen is left behind," said Akbar Tashkulov, Minister of Justice of Uzbekistan.

UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Akiko Fujii noted that the development of government structures’ capacity contributes to improving the quality of life, particularly in remote areas of the country.

"This is the practical outcome of the first ‘Central Asia-EU’ summit held in Samarkand. We are confident that this initiative will help achieve our shared priorities — digitalization, enhancing the quality of public administration, and creating more accessible and effective services for every citizen," emphasized Wim Riepma, First Counsellor and Head of the Cooperation Department of the EU Delegation in Uzbekistan.

In addition to UNDP and the Ministry of Justice, the project’s implementation will involve the Ministry of Digital Technologies, the Agency for Public Service Development, the Agency for Strategic Reforms, and the Committee for Family and Women’s Affairs.