Uzbekistan is setting a regional example with an integrated, digital-first social protection system designed to uplift vulnerable citizens and promote long-term social inclusion.
Uzbekistan is pioneering a new approach to social welfare in Central Asia through a series of comprehensive reforms guided by the national development strategy “Uzbekistan – 2030.” With a focus on the modernisation of its social policy, the country has launched a unified and digitised model of social protection that places individual needs at its core.
A major milestone in this transformation was the creation of the National Agency for Social Protection (NASP) in 2023 — the only ministerial-level agency of its kind in the region. Unlike neighbouring countries that manage social welfare through fragmented institutions, Uzbekistan has consolidated its services under NASP, significantly enhancing coordination and accountability.
Central to this system is the establishment of “Inson” Social Services Centres across all 208 districts and cities. These centres operate as one-stop-shops, offering more than 100 types of social services — from legal and psychological support to targeted aid — to diverse groups including low-income families, people with disabilities, and the elderly. In the second quarter of the year 2025, over 1.7 million applications were submitted, with more than 1.2 million already processed.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during a visit to the Shaykhantahur district’s Inson Centre, highlighted the human-centred mission of these reforms: “This is a place where every persons concerns are taken care of and where they strive to make people happy. Through such a system, social justice and human dignity are established in our society”.
Specialised programmes also focus on vulnerable children, particularly those deprived of parental care. The “From Poverty to Prosperity” programme prioritises foster placement in family environments over institutionalisation. Family-type homes now operate in multiple regions, offering individual care and education tailored to each child’s needs.
For children with disabilities, NASP has introduced public-private partnership models of day care, such as at the “Wunderkind” kindergarten in Tashkent, providing rehabilitative, social, and educational support while helping parents return to work.
Support also extends to adults requiring continuous care. Through the “Step Towards an Active Life” initiative, individuals receive home-based services including hygiene assistance, meals, and psychological support — all funded via social vouchers.
Uzbekistan’s reforms reflect a systemic shift toward dignity, inclusion, and long-term well-being. With digital integration, individualised care, and a strong emphasis on community-based solutions, the country is building a model that may inspire similar efforts across the region.
