UN Women Opens Office in Uzbekistan to Deepen Gender Equality Reforms
UN Women officially opened its country office in Uzbekistan on May 27. The ceremony in Tashkent gathered senior government officials, parliament members, UN agency heads, civil society representatives, and international partners.
The decision to establish a permanent presence was made during the 2024 visit of Sima Bahous, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women.
A Milestone for Gender Equality
The new office marks a key step in Uzbekistan’s cooperation with UN Women. It supports the country’s national agenda to advance gender equality and promote women’s empowerment across sectors.
«This is a clear symbol of the international recognition of our progress. It will elevate our bilateral relations and deepen constructive cooperation,» said Tanzila Narbaeva, Chair of the Senate.
First Project Already Underway
The opening follows the launch of a gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) project, funded by the European Union and coordinated jointly by UN Women and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. It will be the first initiative managed by the new office.
Partnership, Purpose, Progress
Elisa Fernandez Saenz, UN Women Deputy Regional Director, called the office a symbol of partnership and progress.
«Let this office be a beacon for every woman and girl who dares to dream, and every ally who walks beside her,» she said at the event.
Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, added that the office would help amplify shared efforts and ensure that no one is left behind.
Part of a Broader Global Agenda
The opening coincides with major UN Women milestones: the agency’s 15th anniversary, 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, and 25 years since UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
Since 2010, UN Women has worked globally to advance women’s rights, end gender-based violence, and promote access to leadership and justice. The Uzbekistan office continues this legacy of institutional support and inclusive development.
