Regional Anti-Corruption Trainings Supported by the EU and UNDP Conclude in Uzbekistan

Regional Anti-Corruption Trainings Supported by the EU and UNDP Conclude in Uzbekistan

A large-scale series of trainings aimed at strengthening anti-corruption practices at the regional level has concluded in Uzbekistan. Covering all 14 regions of the country, including the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the initiative enhanced the practical capacities of territorial anti-corruption councils, developed region-specific recommendations, and laid the groundwork for subsequent action plans to reduce corruption risks, increase transparency, and strengthen public oversight at the local level. A total of 501 representatives involved in implementing anti-corruption policy at the regional level participated in the training.

A large-scale series of trainings aimed at strengthening anti-corruption practices at the regional level has concluded in Uzbekistan. Covering all 14 regions of the country, including the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the initiative enhanced the practical capacities of territorial anti-corruption councils, developed region-specific recommendations, and laid the groundwork for subsequent action plans to reduce corruption risks, increase transparency, and strengthen public oversight at the local level. A total of 501 representatives involved in implementing anti-corruption policy at the regional level participated in the training.

The programme focused on strengthening the role of territorial anti-corruption councils as key coordination platforms at the local level and was delivered in a practice-oriented format combining theoretical and practical sessions. Participants studied international and national approaches to corruption prevention, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption and ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, and examined practical issues related to internal control, handling citizens' complaints, and cooperation with civil society and the media, taking regional specificities into account.

Each session was built around real-life cases from the respective region. Members of territorial councils analysed existing corruption risks, proposed practical solutions, and shared professional recommendations. Following the trainings, the collected proposals and recommendations from each region were submitted to the Anti-Corruption Agency for further consideration and the development of region-specific action plans reflecting local priorities and conditions.

Among the key recommendations developed by participants were:

• fostering a culture of zero tolerance for corruption at the mahalla and household levels;

• developing comprehensive programmes aimed at building integrity and anti-corruption skills across all segments of the population;

• expanding citizens' participation in identifying and reporting corruption cases by strengthening public oversight;

• restricting the appointment of individuals convicted of corruption-related crimes to managerial and leadership positions;

• ensuring the inevitability of stricter punishment for corruption-related crimes, emphasizing that such offences should not be limited solely to fines or compensation for damages;

• expanding the digitalisation of public services to reduce the human factor and eliminate excessive bureaucratic procedures;

• ensuring openness and transparency of public institutions in their engagement with citizens;

• improving legislation on the protection of individuals who report cases of corruption.

Participants highlighted the practical value of the seminars and their importance for further work at the regional level.

Akmal Umaraliev, a deputy of the Council of People's Deputies of Tashkent Region, noted that the training helped develop concrete proposals and approaches on how to effectively organize anti-corruption work in the regions and identify key priorities for each institution.

Tursunoy Muradova, Head of the Monitoring Division of the "Ma'naviyat" Department in Andijan Region, emphasized the hands-on nature of the training:

"The training was very substantive. The practical tasks, test exercises, and the opportunity to discuss the real work of our institutions were particularly valuable. The participation of representatives from more than 20 regional agencies made the discussions even more meaningful."

According to Doniyor Ermatov, Head of the Internal Anti-Corruption Control Unit of the Namangan Regional Khokimiyat, the results of the training will serve as an important foundation for developing future work plans of territorial councils and regional roadmaps.

Erjonova Salomat Rajabovna, Head of the Khorezm Regional Branch of the Civil Initiatives Support Center, noted:

"The seminar provided us with a practical understanding of how to design preventive measures while taking into account the socio-economic conditions and specific characteristics of each region."

Representatives of civil society also highlighted the practical benefits of the training. Dilrabo Davronova, Director of the Samarkand branch of SOS Children's Villages, stated that following the training, she plans to place greater emphasis in her work on fostering values of integrity from an early age, cultivating a sense of responsibility toward public oversight, and encouraging active civic engagement among children.

Background: Territorial anti-corruption councils are established in each region and bring together representatives of public authorities and administration, the прокуратура, the judiciary, law enforcement and security bodies, Councils of People's Deputies, mahalla institutions, as well as representatives from preschool, school, and higher education, healthcare, economy and finance, justice, internal affairs, tax and customs services, statistics, poverty reduction and employment, youth policy, competition development, trade unions, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, religious organizations, the media, and civil society.

The trainings were conducted with the support of the National Anti-Corruption Council within the framework of the joint project of the Anti-Corruption Agency and the United Nations Development Programme, "Strengthening the National Anti-Corruption Ecosystem in Uzbekistan," funded by the European Union. The project aims to build the capacity of regional and local authorities and to introduce more effective, practical, and sustainable anti-corruption solutions at the local level.

Contacts for additional information:
- Fotima Turgunboeva, Communications Specialist at UNDP, [email protected]
- Malika Musaeva, Press and Information Officer, Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan [email protected]