On April 3, the European Union Delegation in Uzbekistan announced new grant projects to help strengthen civil society in the country. This announcement was made at the start-off event called “EU support to civil society organisations in Uzbekistan.” These EU-funded projects are a collective effort between international and EU-based civil society groups, Uzbekistani civil society partners, and government bodies. The EU has allocated over €3.5 million to 8 initiatives, highlighting a joint commitment to supporting civil society, with a focus on women and vulnerable groups.
Charlotte Adrian, the European Union Ambassador to Uzbekistan, mentioned that launching these EU-funded projects is part of the EU continuous support for civil society organisations in Uzbekistan to empower these important groups, fostering inclusion, energy, and democracy. By focusing on projects for women, children, and vulnerable communities, EU is helping to bring more voices into the conversation, promote inclusive growth, support Uzbekistan’s reforms and to build a more inclusive and pluralistic environment necessary for a democratic and peaceful society.
The projects started at the “EU Support to Civil Society Organisations in Uzbekistan” event are the outcome of a proposal call by the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan in 2023. They are set to roll out from 2024 to 2026, aiming to boost the capabilities of civil society organisations in promoting inclusive growth, gender equality, the Green Agenda, and responsiveness to gender issues.
One of these projects, ‘Empowering Voices for Inclusive Development: Strengthening Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Samarkand, Namangan, and Tashkent Focusing on Women and Youth,’ is being carried out by AFEW International in collaboration with Ishonch va Hayot (IvH) and with financial support from the European Union and the Dutch embassy in Astana.
