In recent years, the Republic of Uzbekistan has undertaken a series of ambitious reforms aimed at enhancing institutional coordination, service quality, and policy effectiveness.  

A key milestone in this process was the establishment of the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NASP) by Presidential Decree No. UP-82 in 2023. Mandated to lead the development and implementation of national social protection policies, NASP serves as the central body responsible for overseeing service delivery and advancing a more efficient, equitable, and inclusive social protection system. 

To achieve these objectives, NASP identified capacity development as a strategic priority—both to equip staff with the necessary knowledge and tools and to align its institutional frameworks with international best practices. The International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITCILO) with its global expertise and experience in social protection governance, became a key partner in this endeavour.  

Through a series of high-level training programmes, study visits, and technical exchanges, the collaboration between NASP and ITCILO has contributed to building the foundations of a more professional, responsive, and integrated social protection system in Uzbekistan. 

The first activity took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 12 to 16 May 2025. The training focused on social protection governance and service quality, gathering 30 senior managers from NASP’s central and regional structures. Participants examined the foundations of good governance, including institutional mandates, inter-institutional coordination, leadership, and performance management. The workshop combined conceptual sessions, group exercises, and forward-looking planning discussions to contextualize international practices within NASP’s reform agenda. 

This training aimed to strengthen participants’ capacities to harness data, technology, and innovation for more effective and inclusive social service delivery. Throughout the week, participants explored how data and analytics can inform decision-making, monitoring, and evaluation processes, and discussed both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies in the social sector. They learned practical approaches to improving ICT infrastructure and using digital tools to enhance service quality and reach. The programme also introduced techniques for assessing the impact of social services and provided a dynamic platform for peer learning, enabling participants to exchange experiences and best practices. 

During this phase, a study visit to the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM), France, allowed participants to explore the operational and digital strategies used within the French social protection system. The visit provided practical insights into institutional cooperation and citizen-centred service design, reinforcing key lessons from the training. 

The training held in Turin from 11 to 15 August 2025 continued to build on implementation strategies, as part of the ongoing partnership with NASP. The training brought together social service professionals and policymakers from Uzbekistan to explore how international frameworks and global good practices can inform the modernization of the country’s social protection system.  

Building on Italy’s experience, the programme highlighted the central role of social services within an integrated social protection system and examined how effective collaboration between public institutions and private or community actors can enhance service delivery. Participants engaged with themes such as planning, procurement, and supervision of social services; co-design and innovation across sectors; and the importance of proactive and educational social services for vulnerable groups.  

Special attention was given to multidisciplinary teamwork, leadership within local service units, and coordination among professionals working with children, families, older persons, and persons with disabilities. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and a study visit, the training equipped participants to design and implement context-specific, person-centred, and inclusive social service models that strengthen the outreach and effectiveness of Uzbekistan’s social protection system.  

As part of the programme, participants took part in a study visit to the Department of Health, Welfare and Youth Policies of the Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta, where they explored innovative regional practices in the delivery of social and health services. The visit provided valuable insights into multidisciplinary teamwork, legal protections for vulnerable populations, and community-based service approaches aimed at bringing assistance closer to those in need.  

A wide range of international and local experts contributed to the success of the training activities through their rich knowledge and diverse institutional perspectives. Dr. Virginia Petersen, an international social protection expert and former CEO of the South African Social Security Agency, provided insights on service quality and transformation. Luc Boss, senior consultant and former advisor at the Dutch Social Security Bank (SVB), addressed digital innovation in client service delivery. Sven Hutse, ICT expert from Belgium and co-author of the ISSA ICT Guidelines, shared experiences on digital transformation in social protection systems. Ann Baeten, former HR and payroll director at the Belgian National Office of Employment, provided strategic guidance on human resources and change management. 

The programme also benefited from the expertise of Mr Michele Raffa, Service Manager and honorary judge at the Juvenile Court of Turin, who led in-depth sessions on social service systems and juvenile justice. Ms Manuela Penna, educator at Turin Social Protection with over two decades of experience in disability support, delivered multiple sessions on workflow management and multidisciplinary teams. Mr Fabrizio Bragastini, President of Cooperativa Sociale L’Arcobaleno, along with Ms Sara Binotto and Ms. Silvia Morassut, brought hands-on experience from the third sector, enriching the training with practical approaches to service contracting, disability care, and team coordination. 

The sessions were designed and facilitated under the coordination of Ms Olena Vazhynska, Programme Officer at ITCILO, who also delivered content on international frameworks and led institutional innovation discussions. The collective engagement of the experts ensured a learning environment grounded in practical relevance and global good practices. 

At the conclusion of the August training, In-service Training Center (ISTC) under NASP and ITCILO formalized their institutional cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU establishes a framework for future collaboration in capacity building, institutional innovation, and knowledge exchange. It also supports NASP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership and professional development in social protection. 

This multi-stage collaboration reflects a strong and growing partnership between ITCILO and NASP, grounded in mutual priorities and shared objectives. As Uzbekistan continues its reform of the national social protection system, this cooperation contributes to building more inclusive, resilient, and effective services for the population. 

Mr Azamat Davletyarov (Director of the In-service Training Center (ISTC) under NASP):  

 I believe everyone working in our system of social protection deserves the quality materials and methods of education, therefore we are currently using the obtained materials to train the directors of “Inson” social service centers, supervisors, and social workers. The program continues to help us enhance leadership competencies, improve service quality, and promote a more inclusive and proactive approach to social protection management across the system.  

Signing the Memorandum between our organizations has strengthened partnership and enabled our programs to be based on international standards in the social protection sector. 

Mr Bekzod Jumaboyev (Chief Specialist, Development of Social Services in the Regions): “The ITC-ILO training provided a completely new perspective on leadership and service delivery. The interactive sessions helped me understand how international standards can be adapted to our local context to improve the quality of social services.” 

Mr Sherzod Berdiyev (Head of the Khorezm Regional Department of the National Agency for Social Protection): “What impressed me most was the focus on people-centered approaches. I learned how to make our services more responsive and inclusive, ensuring that every person in need receives timely and professional support.” 

Ms Inobat Butayeva (Supervisor of the "Inson" social services center, Chiroqchi district, Kashkadarya region): “The training was not just about theory - it was about practical solutions. We discussed real-life cases and developed management tools that I have already started using in my daily work at “Inson” social service center.”