Launching a Transformative Initiative to Improve Learning Outcomes and Promote Inclusive, Competency-Based Education in Uzbekistan
TASHKENT, 17 May 2025 – Today, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education and UNICEF have announced the signing of two project implementation partnership agreements for a total of $19.2 million to support Uzbekistan’s education reform through quality and inclusive education within the framework of THE JOINT ISDB/ ISFD/ GPE SMART-ED PROJECT FOR Improving the quality and efficiency of education services in the Republic OF Uzbekistan (SmartED project).
Launched at the Human Capability Initiative Conference in Riyadh on April 13, 2025, the $220.25 million SmartEd project is the largest external education development investment in Uzbekistan’s education sector. It is aligned with the nation’s education development goals and priorities and focused on facilitating the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 4 promptly and sustainably. The project will support national education reforms to evolve and establish an inclusive, efficient and accountable high-performing system by 2030.
“IsDB is both encouraged and challenged to reaffirm our resolve and commitment to strengthening, consolidating and scaling SmartED project to deliver on our collective global mission and vision for every child to access and benefit optimally from quality education in member countries. (H.E. Dr. Mansur Muhtar, IsDB, Vice-President for Operations at the time of the statement)
Through this partnership, UNICEF will work closely with the Government of Uzbekistan and IsDB to support the national transition towards competency-based education (CBE), which equips learners with critical 21st Century skills for the emerging global marketplace and personal empowerment.
Further resources will support an updated National Curriculum and Assessment Frameworks, that will promote climate awareness, inclusive practices, and socio-emotional learning—ensuring that all children, including girls and children with disabilities, gain essential life skills and are better prepared for the future.
“The SmartEd Programme presents an opportunity to advance Uzbekistan’s education system significantly. By prioritizing inclusivity, modernizing curricula, and providing educators with state-of-the-art tools and methodologies, we are laying the foundation for a future in which every child has access to quality education,” stated Mr. Temur Komilov, Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education.
UNICEF will collaborate in the development of new curricula and teaching and learning materials, train teacher and ensure hands-on capacity building, ensuring that educators gain access to modern teaching tools and training aligned with international best practices, empowering them to ensure play-based and student-centered learning. Local experts from the Ministry will collaborate with international specialists to ensure reforms are tailored to national needs while benefiting from global expertise.
“This programme bears testimony to the transformative power of partnerships. This is without a doubt timely and meaningful investment that will drive the much-needed reform in the Education Sector in Uzbekistan,” said Regina Castillo, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan. “UNICEF’s added value lies in its ability to leverage best international practices for competency-based education and learning outcomes, ensuring all children—especially the most vulnerable—gain essential skills, thrive in school, and are prepared for the future.”
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