Pension and Social Insurance Reform Implementation and Institutional Strengthening

This Joint Programme (JP) expands social protection coverage (both short-term social insurance benefits and pension schemes), strengthens pension scheme financial sustainability and reinforces on-going efforts to reduce informality in Uzbekistan through a coordinated set of high-impact interventions across policy, institutional, and individual levels. At the policy level, the JP generates evidence and analysis to inform sustainable pension reform. This includes data collection and institutional diagnostics of the pension system, development of an actuarial model, and production of the first actuarial valuation of the Extrabudgetary Pension Fund. Reform scenarios are assessed in coordination with the National Tripartite Committee. Capacity is built through tailored actuarial training, knowledge-transfer workshops, and manuals in Uzbek and English to support the creation of in-house actuarial units. At the institutional level, the JP enhances the ability of the National Agency for Social Protection (NASP) and partners to deliver social benefits (both short-term social protection benefits —unemployment, sickness, and maternity – and care services). Standard operating procedures are developed, and special measures are designed to extend coverage to informal, young, and self-employed workers. This is complemented by digital and process improvements to improve delivery and access. At the community and societal level, the JP implements a nationwide awareness campaign using media and public influencers to promote the value of social insurance for informal workers, especially maternity protection. Roundtable discussions engage key stakeholders, tripartite constituents, international partners, NGOs, and journalists to reinforce social dialogue and partnership on international labour standards and social and solidarity economy (SSE). Finally, the JP conducts a dedicated youth study—including surveys, interviews, and focus groups—to examine barriers to formal employment and social insurance access. Findings guide policy recommendations to improve young workers’ inclusion in the formal economy and social insurance schemes. These activities contribute to sustainable policy and operational changes and inform future investment operations.

Project symbol

UZB/25/51/UND

Admin unit

DWT/CO-Moscow

Start date

14/12/2025

End date

14/12/2027

Total allocation

340000

Total expenditure

Status

Active

9337

Development Partners

Multi Partner Trust Fund Office, UNDP

Country/Countries

Uzbekistan

Outcomes

Outcome 7: Universal social protection