RIGA, April 25. /Dunyo IA/. An official opening ceremony was held in the Latvian capital for summer training courses for representatives of Uzbekistan’s state bodies and non-governmental non-profit organizations, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event is organized in cooperation with the Latvian Financial and Contract Agency and Transparency International Latvia, with the aim of strengthening civil society institutions in Uzbekistan, enhancing transparency and openness in public administration, and supporting reforms in the field of anti-corruption.

The event brought together representatives of the Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan, the “NIHOL” Center for Development and Support of Initiatives, the National Association of NGOs of Uzbekistan, the Republican Social and Information Center “Istiqbolli avlod”, and other organizations.

Within the framework of the grant project, participants will engage in experience-sharing activities. Uzbek specialists will also study Latvia’s experience in civil society development and institutionalization, mechanisms of interaction between government bodies and civil society, anti-corruption and transparency practices, expansion of public participation and civic engagement, as well as modern approaches to information processing, analysis, and fact-checking.

The program also includes visits to a number of Latvian state and civil society institutions, including the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau, the Latvian Civic Alliance, the Society Integration Foundation, the Media Excellence Centre, and meetings with representatives of the Riga City Council. In addition, the delegation will study best practices in civil society development in the city of Kuldīga.

The total value of the grant project amounts to USD 250,000, and its next phase is scheduled to be implemented in Uzbekistan in August–September of the current year.