In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a member of the Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB), the international conference titled “The Role of Civil Society in Strengthening Democracy in Uzbekistan: Global Challenges and Opportunities” was held on September 19, 2025.
Within the framework of International Democracy Day, the conference was organized by the Center for Analysis of Democratic Processes, with the support of the UN Representation in Uzbekistan, the UN Development Program, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the “Yuksalish” Institution, the “Strategy Development” Center, and the National Association of Civil Society Organizations. More than 150 participants, including international experts from Switzerland, Poland, Japan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of civil society organizations, research institutes, and state institutions in Uzbekistan, gathered at the event.
The conference addressed issues such as strengthening civil society in Uzbekistan, supporting democratic processes, and increasing cooperation with local administrations. The number of civil society institutions in Uzbekistan has currently reached approximately 30,000, with more than 150,000 people actively working in these institutions. Through reforms, the independence and effectiveness of civil society have been increased, administrative barriers reduced, and significant progress made in the delivery of social services and the support of vulnerable groups.
On behalf of TDBB, Secretary General Dr. Fahri Solak attended the conference and delivered a presentation titled “The Role of Inter-Municipal Cooperation in Building an Inclusive Society”. In his presentation, Solak addressed the concept of city diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of inter-municipal cooperation in building inclusive and participatory societies. He also highlighted TDBB’s activities in experience sharing and cooperation among municipalities of the Turkic world, drawing attention to joint projects carried out with local administrations and civil society organizations in Uzbekistan. He stressed that in recent years, the Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB) has significantly accelerated its work toward Uzbekistan, that the number of municipalities in Uzbekistan that are members of TDBB has reached nearly 20, and that TDBB continues to carry out projects in cooperation with various institutions to contribute to the development and reform processes of local administrations in Uzbekistan.
The conference also discussed topics such as strengthening the role of civil society in democratic processes through international cooperation, ensuring financial independence, and the transfer of good practices. The event created an important platform for the sharing of professional experiences and cooperation opportunities between local and international experts.
