UN Women has officially opened its country office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking a significant step forward in advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls in the region. The inauguration ceremony brought together representatives from the Oliy Majlis, government bodies, UN agencies, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
The decision to establish the office followed a high-level agreement reached during the visit of UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Sami Bahous, to Uzbekistan in May 2024.
Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, underscored the importance of this development, calling it international recognition of Uzbekistan’s gender reforms and ongoing efforts to support women’s rights. “We had a meaningful and productive meeting with Elisa Fernandez Saenz, Deputy Director of the UN Women Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia,” Narbayeva noted. She also highlighted that the establishment of the office, supported by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Sima Bahous, represents a global endorsement of Uzbekistan’s work in promoting gender equality in areas such as governance, science, technology, and culture.
In addition to celebrating the launch, both sides discussed new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in expanding digital tools and education to unlock the full potential of women and girls. “An agreement was reached to promote digital technologies and educational programs that serve to realize the potential of every woman and girl, as well as to further strengthen cooperation in this area and implement new joint initiatives,” Narbayeva said.
The launch also introduced the EU-funded Gender Budgeting Project, developed in partnership with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. This initiative will be the new office’s first major focus and aims to incorporate gender perspectives into the national budgeting process.
Elisa Fernandez Saenz addressed the gathering, emphasizing the broader symbolism of the office’s opening. “This new office stands as a testament to partnership, progress, and hope. The path to equality doesn’t end here, it begins anew with deeper commitment and new ambition,” she said.
UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Sabine Mahl, spoke on the long-term impact of the new presence. “The office’s opening reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to human development and gender equality. UN Women will be a key partner in helping the country achieve these goals,” Mahl stated.
The launch of the UN Women office coincides with the organization’s 15th anniversary and comes during a milestone year for the global gender equality movement, which includes the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
