The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Yuksalish Nationwide Movement and the Civil Society Development Association (ARGO) of Kazakhstan launched the “Partnership for Innovations” program and a new co-working center at the office of Yuksalish.  The new co-working center is a place where staff from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other civil society institutions can meet, share information, and work together in an effort to improve civil society in Uzbekistan.

The Partnership for Innovations program is designed to enhance the role of civil society in Uzbekistan by encouraging constructive and meaningful interaction between civil society institutions, government bodies, and the business community. The two-year program aims to introduce effective mechanisms to help develop civil society and involve citizens in the public administration of the country.

“President Mirziyoyev has declared 2019 as the year of active investment and social development. A robust civil society is essential for such development to happen,” said Alan Meltzer, Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan.

The opening of the co-working center will allow civil society activists to establish important contacts with colleagues, hold discussions, study new civil initiatives, and improve their knowledge and skills. Computers, video-conferencing technology and other office amenities are available in the space, which is free and open to all citizens.

Specialists from key ministries, representatives from international financial institutions, international organizations, and embassies in Uzbekistan, as well as from the local business community, public foundations, NGOs, other civil society institutions, and the media attended the event.