BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 21. Uzbekistan and
the Asian Development Bank discussed steps on Sept. 18 in Tashkent
to advance gender-responsive budgeting and more systematically
integrate gender considerations into public financial
management.


This was reflected in the statement by the Uzbekistan’s Ministry
of Economy and Finance, following a meeting between Deputy Minister
of Economy and Finance Axadbek Khaydarov and representatives of the
Asian Development Bank.


The sides reviewed Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to introduce
gender-responsive budgeting into practice, as well as current
priorities and potential areas for further cooperation.


Particular attention was given to strengthening
gender-responsive approaches in education, healthcare and social
protection, while also improving the knowledge and practical skills
of government officials responsible for budget planning and
implementation.


The participants discussed the development of a practical,
easy-to-understand guide for civil servants explaining the
objectives, principles and application of gender-responsive
budgeting.


“The further development of gender-responsive approaches in
public spending requires not only appropriate budget mechanisms,
but also stronger institutional capacity and practical knowledge
among government officials,” the ministry said.







The meeting also covered plans for training and professional
development programs for government employees, as well as the
preparation of a practical roadmap to advance gender-responsive
budgeting in Uzbekistan.


The sides agreed to identify additional measures based on the
country’s current two-year strategy and work already carried out in
the area.


They also agreed to organize working meetings involving relevant
ministries and government agencies, as well as international
organizations, to coordinate further steps and develop practical
approaches to gender-responsive budgeting.


The discussions are part of Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to
strengthen gender considerations in public policy and ensure that
budget planning takes into account the differing needs and
priorities of women and men across key areas of public
services.