EU and UNDP contributes to strengthening the digital urban planning capacity in Uzbekistan

15 July 2026 - two-day training programme titled "Capacity Building Programme on Spatial and Master Plans: Digital Management and Advanced Approaches" has kicked off in the framework of the EU-funded project "Further Improvement of Public Services Delivery in Uzbekistan," implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The training brings together more than 50 urban planning professionals, government officials, architects, and regional planning specialists from across Uzbekistan, including representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regional master plan offices from all 14 regions of Uzbekistan and specialists from private architecture and urban planning companies. Through practical sessions and case studies, participants are strengthening their knowledge of digital planning tools, international practices, and innovative approaches to integrated territorial development.

As Uzbekistan continues to advance urbanization and regional development reforms, effective spatial planning is becoming increasingly important for ensuring sustainable economic growth, efficient infrastructure investment, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life. Modern master plans are evolving from traditional planning documents into integrated, data-driven tools that help guide long-term territorial development and support evidence-based decision-making.

"The European Union is proud to support Uzbekistan in strengthening capacities for spatial and master planning, which are essential for sustainable urban development, resilient infrastructure, and improved quality of life for citizens. By investing in knowledge, skills, and institutional cooperation, we are helping to lay the foundations for more inclusive, well-planned, and future-oriented communities across the country", said Dr. Christos Marazopoulos, First Counsellor and Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The training builds on ongoing efforts to strengthen spatial planning practices across Uzbekistan. Through pilot master plans developed for Kuvasoy and Nurabad, as well as upcoming initiatives in Urgench and Shumanay, the project continues to support the Government of Uzbekistan in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based territorial development.

"Strong planning systems are essential for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities. By equipping national and regional specialists with modern tools and international experience, we are helping ensure that spatial plans become practical instruments for improving people's lives and supporting balanced territorial development across Uzbekistan," said Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan.

By strengthening professional expertise and encouraging the use of modern planning approaches, the initiative contributes to creating more livable, resilient, and prosperous cities and regions throughout the country.

Background:

"Further Improvement of Public Service Delivery in Uzbekistan" project funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP with total budget of EUR 4,900,000 and implementation duration of 2024-2029 is aimed to address key challenges such as limited access to public services in rural areas, low digital penetration, and outdated institutional frameworks. It will do so through four strategic pillars:

1. Transform institutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks underpinning the back office of the national public services delivery system.

2. Enhance capacity of the back office institutions in public service delivery to ensure their effective operation at the national, regional and local levels.

3. Conduct digital and user-centric transformation of the back office institutions to improve availability and quality of public services.

4. Transform the system of local governance to ensure responsiveness, accountability and better operation of regional and local institutions functioning as back offices.

The Project supports Uzbekistan's reform agenda and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 16 on strong institutions and SDG 9 on innovation and infrastructure. By 2029, the initiative seeks to conduct functional reviews of 11 back-office institutions, train 1,000 civil servants on inclusive and user-centric service delivery, digitally transform at least 35 public services, and establish 34 new public service zones in makhallas across the country. These comprehensive reforms will significantly enhance citizen access to efficient, transparent, and inclusive government services nationwide.

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