Tashkent, May 2025 — UN Women Uzbekistan and the Center for Progressive Reforms (CPR), an independent Uzbek think tank, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across Uzbekistan. The partnership focuses on driving evidence-based policy reform, strengthening institutional capacities, and fostering inclusive national dialogue on key gender issues.

The agreement brings together UN Women’s global mandate and technical expertise with CPR’s deep local insight and research capabilities. The collaboration will support initiatives focused on preventing gender-based violence, enhancing women’s economic opportunities, and promoting gender-sensitive governance and media.

"This marks an important step in our broader strategy to work closely with independent policy centers and thought leaders across the region. Sustainable progress on gender equality depends not only on government action, but on the contributions of credible, data-driven institutions like CPR," said Elisa Fernandez Seanz, Deputy Regional Director, UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

CPR will lead efforts to collect and analyze data, generate policy-relevant research, and engage national and local actors in the co-creation of inclusive solutions. UN Women will provide access to global best practices, technical assistance, and support for integrating Uzbekistan’s reform efforts into broader international frameworks.

"This partnership reflects a shift toward locally grounded, globally informed solutions to gender inequality. By combining our strengths, we aim to create lasting impact through research, dialogue, and action," said Mirshohid Aslanov, Director of the Center for Progressive Reforms.

The MoU outlines joint communication protocols and shared advocacy goals while preserving each organization’s independent voice. This partnership is part of Uzbekistan’s growing ecosystem of reform-oriented collaboration and aligns with national commitments under Sustainable Development Goal 5.