The first sectoral plan in Uzbekistan was drafted in view of the country’s application for membership in the Global Partnership for Education. In January 2013, UNESCO and the EU conducted an appraisal of the Education Sector Plan (ESP) on behalf of Uzbekistan’s Development Partner Group.

The appraisal welcomed the preparation of the ESP as a substantial step forward in comprehensive education sector planning for Uzbekistan and the basis for further development and sector-wide consultation with all stakeholders.

However, it also identified some areas for further improvement of the ESP, and put forward a series of recommendations for building a credible Education Sector Plan of Uzbekistan for 2013-2017 and ensuring its successful implementation.

The five day technical workshop brought together representatives of the Ministry of Public Education, the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialised Education, and the Ministry of Finances to work on the parts of the Education Sector Plan concerning education policy analysis and resource projections, including data/cost analysis, resource simulation/projections, as well as indicators for monitoring and evaluation.

Uzbekistan received a proposal to join Global Partnership for Education with perspective of receiving grant for US$49.9 million in January 2012. Uzbekistan should develop Education Sector Plan of for 2013-2015.