On 15 July 2026, a two-day training programme on digital spatial and master planning began in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, bringing together over 50 urban planning professionals, government officials, architects, and regional specialists. The event is part of the EU-funded project “Further Improvement of Public Services Delivery in Uzbekistan,” implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice. The training aims to strengthen participants' knowledge of digital planning tools, international practices, and integrated territorial development approaches, as Uzbekistan advances urbanization and regional reforms.
The programme is funded by the European Union with a total budget of EUR 4.9 million for 2024-2029, and is executed by UNDP. It addresses challenges such as limited rural access to public services, low digital penetration, and outdated institutional frameworks. The project operates through four strategic pillars: transforming legal and regulatory frameworks for public service delivery; enhancing institutional capacity at national, regional, and local levels; conducting digital and user-centric transformation of back-office institutions; and reforming local governance to improve accountability and responsiveness.
Dr. Christos Marazopoulos, First Counsellor and Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, stated that the EU is proud to support capacity building for spatial and master planning, which he said is essential for sustainable urban development, resilient infrastructure, and improved quality of life. Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, noted that strong planning systems are critical for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities, and that equipping specialists with modern tools helps turn spatial plans into practical instruments for balanced territorial development.
The training builds on ongoing pilot master plans developed for Kuvasoy and Nurabad, with upcoming initiatives in Urgench and Shumanay. By 2029, the project aims to conduct functional reviews of 11 back-office institutions, train 1,000 civil servants on inclusive service delivery, digitally transform at least 35 public services, and establish 34 new public service zones in makhallas across the country. These reforms are designed to enhance citizen access to efficient, transparent, and inclusive government services, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 16 (strong institutions) and 9 (innovation and infrastructure).
The initiative directly impacts urban planning professionals and government officials in Uzbekistan by equipping them with digital skills and international best practices, potentially improving the quality of master plans and infrastructure investment decisions. Citizens stand to benefit from more livable and resilient cities, while the EU and UNDP strengthen their role as development partners in Central Asia. The project also supports Uzbekistan's reform agenda, promoting evidence-based decision-making and sustainable economic growth.