Tashkent hosts first National Dialogue on Business and Human Rights

The meeting took place on November 9 in a hybrid format. It was held as part of the "Business and Human Rights" project, implemented by the National Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Participants included government officials, representatives of the chambers of the Oliy Majlis, workers' and employers' associations, entrepreneurs, scholars, as well as NGOs and international organizations. The dialogue was opened by the centre's director, Academician Akmal Saidov, and UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Akiko Fujii, while UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Sabine Machl delivered a video address.

Saidov noted that negotiations on Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO are ongoing, and in 2026 the country intends to begin adhering to the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. According to him, the centre has already prepared a draft National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

During the second session, the findings of the National Baseline Assessment, commissioned by UNDP, were presented. According to the assessment, institutional and legal prerequisites for developing this sphere exist in the country, but they do not yet form a unified national system. In agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, the assessment identifies risks to labor rights, the environment, and the interests of local communities.

Participants also discussed areas of cooperation and the preparation of the upcoming national action plan. The outcomes of the discussions will be summarized by the National Centre and UNDP. On November 10, civil servants and civil society representatives underwent a one-day training on human rights due diligence. A three-day training for business representatives is taking place from November 11 to 13.