SAMARKAND, September 17. /Dunyo IA/. Samarkand hosted the international forum “The Significance of Civil Society Institutions in Democratic Development: The Experience of Uzbekistan and Central Asian Countries”, held to mark the International Day of Democracy, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event brought together experts from the United States, Canada, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Germany, Spain, France, Sweden, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, India, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of civil society organizations, academic institutions, government bodies and the media.

Forum was organized by the Center for Analysis of Democratic Processes, with the support of the UN and UNDP Country Office in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Public Fund under the Oliy Majlis and civil society organizations.

Participants discussed current trends in democratic development, the role of civil society and mechanisms for interaction between the state and society. Particular attention was paid to the experience of Central Asian countries in modernizing public administration, expanding public participation and supporting civil society institutions.

Particular emphasis was placed on the significance of the initiatives put forward by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to strengthen peace, stability and good-neighbourliness in Central Asia. The development of “green” energy, the rational use of transboundary water resources, addressing environmental problems in the Aral Sea region, and mitigating the consequences of climate change were identified among the region’s priorities.

Following the opening ceremony, sessions were held on implementing reforms and social partnership, the role of civil society in safeguarding human interests, as well as advancing cooperation and good-neighbourly relations in Central Asia.

Participants also considered prospects for expanding cooperation among civil society institutions across the region, implementing joint projects, and building expert and non-governmental networks. International experts shared their experience in public oversight and monitoring and highlighted the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan to develop civil society.

Following the forum, a Resolution was adopted aimed at supporting civil society institutions in Uzbekistan and the Central Asian countries, expanding the exchange of experience and advancing regional dialogue.