The European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) representatives recently visited the Public Service Centers (PSC) in Termez city, Uzbekistan, to explore the first ever self-service corner in the country. This corner, located in Guliston mahalla, is part of a joint project between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the European Union, and UNDP called “Improved Public Service Delivery and Enhanced Governance in Rural Uzbekistan” (IPSD). Through an interactive touch table, citizens can access public services independently.
The Shurchi District of Surkhandarya is one of the seven centers chosen as a pilot for IPSD. It has been outfitted with modern IT and communications technologies, a comfortable waiting area, and a modern air conditioning system.
From October 2021 to June 2023, 1781 citizens applied to the Women’s Advisory Groups (WAG) in Shurchi district. This included 639 women, 257 men, 435 young people, 79 older people, and 36 people with disabilities. All of them were provided information about the public services and helped to get online public services. 533 citizens received advice on legal, psychological, business, and social issues.
The EU and UNDP are helping the Ministry of Justice create an environment that is inclusive and accommodating to all visitors. This includes providing technical support and expertise to ensure the PSC complies with modern, inclusive urban planning standards and technical requirements, particularly for people with special needs.
UNDP will continue to support regional cooperation and stability through multi-sectoral efforts for equitable and inclusive development of Surkhandarya region.
UzA