The State of the “Third Sector” in Uzbekistan: Realities and Development Prospects

Abstract

The article examines the strategic directions of civil society development in the medium and long term. At the same time, the purpose of this study is to develop proposals for improving the organizational, legal, and economic foundations of NGO activities. Special attention should also be paid to the issues of improving the effectiveness of implementation of social partnership and public control, creating favorable conditions for the expansion of NGO participation in public administration, further strengthening of their organizational capacity, organization of training and professional development of specialists. In order to study the real state of the "third sector" in Uzbekistan, to assess the interaction of NGOs with the state authorities, a comprehensive analysis of the interaction of NGOs with the state authorities in addressing the current socio-economic, socio-political, cultural and humanitarian tasks of the region, the attitude of citizens to the socially useful activities of NGOs, its impact on the social development of regions of the country, participation in government programs, implementation of grant projects and provision of services to the population was carried out. Based on the analysis of the state of the "third sector" the reasons that hinder the effective functioning of NGOs in these areas were identified and proposals and recommendations for further strengthening the activities of the role and importance of NGOs in the socio-economic development of the regions were developed. Taking into account the importance and necessity of the NGO sector in implementing the tasks of socio-economic, socio-political and cultural-humanitarian development of the country, there is a need to improve the legal framework of NGOs, to strengthen the organizational and financial sustainability of NGOs, to enhance the positive image of NGOs, to strengthen international relations. At the same time, it is necessary to develop and publish methodological manuals and guidelines for employees of government agencies, NGOs and other civil society institutions on the interaction with foreign and international organizations, as well as to take the necessary measures to consolidate the intellectual, material, technical and other resources of all self-initiated NGOs.