Russian expert improves public participation in initiative budgeting in Uzbekistan

16 July 2020

Despite significant progress of Uzbekistan in introducing public finance management reforms and launching “Open Budget” platform, level of civic participation in budget planning remains rather low. Thus, current practices in public finance area still fall behind disclosure requirements recommended by the IMF and the World Bank and participation of the citizens in the budgetary process is limited.

Head of the Centre of participatory budgeting of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation supported Uzbekistan by reviewing best international practices and sharing Russian experience in the area of participatory budgeting. During the online seminar on participatory budgeting held on 8 June 2020 the expert provided recommendations and inputs on introduction of participatory budgeting in the country such as preparation of a civic engagement programme, creation and development of the network of advisory centers as well as development of mechanisms to motivate local government and citizens to participate in elaboration of the budget.

The outcome of the Russian expert’s work will help
to involve civil society into the budgetary process, increasing efficiency and
accountability of budget spending by strengthening public oversight over budget
revenues and expenditures which will expend public participation in
decision-making process in Uzbekistan.

The expert assignment is implemented under the Knowledge Management and Capacity Building in UNDP-Russia Partnership project.