From December 1 to December 5, 2025, Tashkent hosted “Civil Society Week.” The week featured a series of high-level events, including discussions on the implementation results of the "Concept for the Development of Civil Society for 2021–2025" and the "Concept for its Development until 2030." The program also included meetings with the leadership of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, dialogues with the Ministry of Justice, a national forum of non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs), an international conference, a trade fair featuring products made by persons with disabilities, and the “Targeted Projects” campaign aimed at financing key NGO initiatives.
Speakers at the events emphasized that Uzbekistan is implementing vital reforms to strengthen mutual trust between the state and society. They noted that civil society institutions are now playing an active role in protecting citizens' rights and democratic values, combating corruption, and contributing to sectors such as ecology, education, healthcare, and culture.
The traditional “Civil Society Week” serves as a crucial platform for establishing effective and constructive dialogue between government authorities and civil society. It facilitates a systematic analysis of NGO needs, the exchange of views on the future development of the state, and the formulation of forward-looking initiatives. During the event, M.R. Shirinova delivered a keynote presentation titled "Developing Socio-Economic Opportunities through NGOs and Ways to Address Them."
The week concluded with a gala ceremony for the "Civil Initiative" National Award and the presentation of the "For Contribution to the Development of Civil Society" badge of honor. To evaluate the potential of civil society institutions and further strengthen the sector, an expanded meeting was held featuring members of parliament, government officials, civil society representatives, and international experts.
It is noteworthy that the "Civil Initiative" National Award was established following the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, "On measures to further improve the system of state support for civil society institutions," dated August 26, 2024. This year, citizens who demonstrated exceptional initiative over the past two years were recognized in the following categories:
- Activist for the Protection of Civil Rights and Freedoms;
- Activist for the Social Support of Youth;
- Proactive Environmental Activist;
- Activist in the Field of Social Protection;
- Public Activist for the Protection of Women's Rights.
A major highlight of the week was the ceremony awarding the "For Contribution to the Development of Civil Society" badge to representatives of both domestic and international NGOs, honoring their significant role in the establishment and growth of civil society institutions.
"As part of the 'Civil Society Week' on December 5, 2025, at the solemn ceremony of the 'Civil Initiative' National Award, Mavlyudakhon Rasulovna Shirinova, Director of the NCSED 'SABR', was recognized as the winner in the category 'Public Activist for the Protection of Women's Rights'."