Uzbekistan’s government is committed to a path of resilience and sustainable development, with a national priority on transforming healthcare, education and social infrastructure. During my recent visit, I had the opportunity to speak with the government and other partners to explore how UNOPS can further support this journey.

Around the III International forum “From poverty to prosperity” and during discussions with key officials – including the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Health, First Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, and the UN Resident Coordinator – the role of UNOPS as a key implementing partner was reinforced. We discussed opportunities for increased engagement in areas such as resilient infrastructure, health system strengthening, climate action and transparent procurement to support Uzbekistan's national development priorities.

In Tashkent, I visited the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Oncology and Radiology. This government-led project made possible with financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and supported through the procurement of equipment by UNOPS, is a testament to what strong partnerships can achieve together.

Standing alongside H.E. Dr. Asilbek Khudayarov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Health, and H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, President of IsDB, we saw first hand the tangible progress that is being made in nationwide cancer diagnosis and treatment. This cutting edge national oncology centre is part of the larger effort to modernize 14 oncology facilities and transform critical healthcare for people across the country.

In Namangan, I also saw the impact of our collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in Uzbekistan's health protection system. Working together, UNOPS is procuring new specialized equipment and providing training to healthcare specialists in more than 200 health facilities – laying the foundation for the national public health system to be better equipped with improved infrastructure, technology and laboratory services for years to come.

By working efficiently together with the government, funding partners and technical specialists, UNOPS is helping turn national development priorities into life-changing results for women and men, girls and boys across Uzbekistan.