On 15 July 2026, a two-day training programme on digital spatial and master planning kicked off in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, bringing together over 50 urban planning professionals, government officials, architects, and regional specialists. The training 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 initiative aims to strengthen digital planning tools and international practices for integrated territorial development as Uzbekistan advances urbanization reforms.
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 called essential for sustainable urban development, resilient infrastructure, and improved quality of life. Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, added that equipping specialists with modern tools and international experience helps ensure spatial plans become practical instruments for balanced territorial development.
The training builds on pilot master plans already developed for Kuvasoy and Nurabad, with upcoming initiatives in Urgench and Shumanay. The broader project, with a total budget of EUR 4.9 million running from 2024 to 2029, aims to address limited access to public services in rural areas, low digital penetration, and outdated institutional frameworks. By 2029, it seeks 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.
The initiative supports Uzbekistan’s reform agenda and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 16 (strong institutions) and 9 (innovation and infrastructure). Participants include representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, regional master plan offices from all 14 regions, and private architecture and urban planning companies. Through practical sessions and case studies, the training focuses on data-driven tools for long-term territorial development and evidence-based decision-making.