Uzbekistan, Finland explore cooperation in governance, digitalization and climate issues

Uzbekistan and Finland discussed broadening cooperation between expert institutions and sharing experience in public administration, digitalization, water management, ecology and climate change. Eldor Tulyakov, Executive Director of Uzbekistan’s Development Strategy Center, met with Maria Ogren, Ambassador of Finland to Uzbekistan, with the talks centered on cooperation between think tanks and prospects for joint expert work.

At the meeting, Tulyakov outlined the Center’s activities related to monitoring the implementation of reforms and strategic development programs in Uzbekistan. Since 2017, the organization has been involved in tracking the country’s reform process, including the priorities set out under the Uzbekistan 2030 strategy.

The Center’s work includes examining public opinion across Uzbekistan’s regions, analyzing issues raised by citizens and drafting proposals aimed at improving how reforms are carried out. It also helps promote dialogue among government agencies, civil society and local and international experts. Another part of its activity is studying international practices and assessing how they could be applied in Uzbekistan.

Ogren spoke about Uzbekistan’s ongoing economic transformation and highlighted the importance of dialogue between government and society in implementing reforms. She also stressed the need to take citizens’ views into account and involve the public in the process. The Finnish ambassador also referred to the Development Strategy Center’s cooperation with government institutions, civil society, experts, media organizations and international partners.

The two sides exchanged views on studying Finland’s experience in a number of areas, including public administration and local government. Digitalization, water resource management, environmental policy and responses to climate change were also identified as possible areas for cooperation.

The meeting also touched on earlier visits by Uzbek delegations to developed countries, including Finland. According to the information presented, the experience gained during those visits has been used in preparing proposals intended to improve the work of local government authorities in Uzbekistan. Ogren said she was ready to cooperate with the Development Strategy Center in specific areas and to help establish direct contacts with Finnish organizations, specialists and think tanks.

The sides also discussed the possibility of organizing joint meetings and other events during future visits to Uzbekistan by representatives of Finland’s political and expert communities.