An international forum was held in Samarkand from October 31 to November 1, 2019 with around 50 participants from six countries, organized by the Republican Center for Social and Economic Development "SABR", DVV International Uzbekistan, the Regional Hokimiyat of Samarkand, the Parliamentary Commission supporting NGOs and other civil society institutions under the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and other strategic partners. One of the key topics discussed was the establishment and further development of Local Development Centers (LDCs), which internationally are frequently known as "Community Learning Centers" (CLCs).
In Uzbekistan, the idea of creating LDCs arose in the NGO "SABR" eight years ago and is now developing, being tested in conjunction with state and non-governmental organizations with the support of the Public Fund under the Oliy Majlis, DVV International, and other international organizations. At the Forum, NGO “SABR” presented its experience in implementing the public tender “Innovative partnership mechanisms in solving social problems, providing employment for vulnerable people, especially women and youth, as well as creating new jobs in rural areas of six regions of Uzbekistan”, and “Recommendations on the establishment of LDCs based on best practice”. It is expected that the Forum will become a regular platform for discussing issues of gender equality, health, education, and the empowerment of women in the region, as well as their role in sustainable social and economic development. DVV International Uzbekistan and SABR had announced a competition among journalists for the best publication on the topic of the forum. The 3 winners were announced and awarded during the forum:
- Gulrukh Muminova (Samarkand, Uzbekistan), "Zarafshon" newspaper for a number of articles in Uzbek language on empowering activities for women in Samarkand
- Munara Borombaeva (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan), Bars Media journalist for the article "The story of Aizada, a bull tamer and tractor enthusiast".
- Dana Oparina (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), Digital media outlet anhor.uz for the video "The vicious circle".
In the photo: Head of NGO "SABR" M. R. Shirinova. Source: news site kun.uz
Additional news on the work of NGO SABR:
Training for representatives of NGOs and employment and labor relations departments