TASHKENT, June 3. /Dunyo IA/. The Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS) Bakhtiyor Mustafayev participated in the 24th Meeting of the Governing Board of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), held in Geneva on 2–3 June, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The meeting brought together senior representatives from more than 40 countries that are members of the GCERF Governing Board and its partner network. Discussions focused on enhancing the effectiveness of the Fund’s programmes and identifying strategic priorities for its future activities.

A dedicated session examined the evolving risks and resilience factors in Central Asia. The discussion was moderated by Bakhtiyor Mustafayev. Participants explored the changing nature of contemporary threats, which are increasingly affecting the social sphere and necessitating comprehensive preventive approaches.

Participants noted that the countries of the region are facing new challenges stemming from shifting migration routes and the spread of extremist ideologies through digital platforms. Under these circumstances, preventive efforts aimed at strengthening social cohesion, supporting vulnerable groups, and preventing violent extremism are becoming increasingly important.

Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan’s experience in this field attracted considerable interest among participants. Members of the Governing Board praised the country’s comprehensive system of measures designed to reduce vulnerability factors and provide targeted support to at-risk individuals.

Particular recognition was also given to Uzbekistan’s system for the rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees. Experts noted that this approach represents one of the most successful practices in the region and offers valuable lessons for the international community.

Special attention was also given to the results of cooperation between ISRS and GCERF in the field of preventing violent extremism. As noted by Bakhtiyor Mustafayev, substantial progress has been achieved since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the parties in 2024. A Country Support Mechanism has been established, the GCERF Investment Strategy for Uzbekistan has been developed, and funding has been launched for projects implemented by local civil society organizations (CSOs).

Currently, with the support of the Fund, initiatives are being implemented by the NGOs “Barqaror hayot”, “Istiqbolli avlod”, and the Republican Center for Social Adaptation of Children. Their activities focus on strengthening local communities, supporting at-risk families, empowering young people, and enhancing digital literacy.

Tangible outcomes of these efforts include the establishment of child development centres and sports facilities, the launch of the “Start Your Career” and “Legal Clinic” laboratories, as well as small business development support programmes. Particular attention is being devoted to the Youth Digital Resilience initiative, which envisages the establishment of a media centre aimed at fostering critical thinking skills and responsible information consumption among young people.

At the conclusion of the session, participants reaffirmed their interest in further expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan and expressed readiness to advance joint initiatives in the areas of preventing violent extremism, promoting social integration, and strengthening the resilience of local communities.