Present in Uzbekistan since 1999, Acted carries out activities nationwide to promote sustainable development in response to the country's main development challenges. Working across the all pillars of the 3ZERO Strategy, Acted implements projects in close collaboration with local stakeholders, emphasising capacity building and partnerships with civil society organisations (CSOs), to empower them as independent development actors, communities, and government institutions. Projects cover gender equality and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, labour rights, integrated rural development, biodiversity conservation, climate change and green economy, and natural resource management.
Uzbekistan, a resource-rich, double-landlocked country, faces various humanitarian and development challenges, exacerbated by climate change. Rapid population growth and industrial expansion are straining already poorly managed resources. Inefficient use and infrastructure drive water scarcity, together with increasing temperatures and altered water cycles, while agricultural practices reduce productivity through soil degradation and desertification, significantly affecting rural livelihoods. Despite significant reforms and growth, economic development and equal access to opportunities remains an issue, particularly for youth, vulnerable groups, and in remote areas. Other key challenges include gender inequality, GBV, limited civil society participation, and gaps in effective and transparent governance.
Acted in Uzbekistan
3ZERO in Uzbekistan
Acted has developed strong partnerships with government authorities, civil society, and other stakeholders, and established itself as a trusted development partner with a focus on inclusion, women’s empowerment, and climate solutions. Across all projects, Acted involves local civil society and partners to
empower them as independent development actors, including through deploying its CATALYST assessment. Recognising the shared challenges across Central Asia, Acted closely cooperates with country missions in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Zero Exclusion
Acted is a key gender equality, women’s rights and GBV prevention actor in Uzbekistan. Acted also promotes good governance through an empowered, pluralistic civil society, social cohesion, and inclusive and responsive institutions
Zero Carbon
Acted promotes the adoption of climate smart and water-saving practices, conflict-sensitive natural resource management systems, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Activities also strengthen the capacities of CSOs to protect the environment and biodiversity, and Acted advocates for policies in support of green/circular economy and ecotourism.
Zero Poverty
Acted supports economic reform and strengthens CSOs to protect vulnerable populations’ labour and employment rights and ensure inclusive opportunities. In support of sustainable and inclusive growth, projects support rural communities, small entrepreneurs and women to foster economic growth and strengthen value chains.
Acted’s multi-donor regional STREAM programme (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) is guided by the principles of THRIVE and AGORA. It focuses on improving natural resource management within selected watersheds, with the aim of promoting climate resilience and sustainable water management across the Fergana Valley, an important population and production area for Uzbekistan. It includes the development of natural resource management modules to support community-led adaptation and sustainable resource use, as well as improved dialogue at the national and regional level, women’s participation, awareness raising on climate smart agricultural practices and water-saving, and the installation of water efficient technologies.
