In a historic move to drive social change, Uzbekistan today has launched the Center for Advancing Community Strengths and Social Wellbeing. The centre will serve as a hub for innovative interventions to address social issues and advance the social protection and social service systems in Uzbekistan.
A result of collaboration between the National Agency for Social Protection of Uzbekistan, Columbia University, UNICEF and other partner organizations, the center will serve to provide cutting-edge innovation on pertinent social protection issues.
“Establishment of this Center marks a new phase in the development of social services and support for vulnerable groups. The Center will serve not only as a source of knowledge and innovation but also as a venue where social workers can exchange experiences and best practices” said Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection.
The Center aims to improve the social welfare system in Uzbekistan. Its activities will contribute to the professional development of personnel, the creation of effective programs and methodologies, the conduct of meaningful research, and the strengthening of international cooperation.
“A trained social service workforce that is in contact with families and communities is vital to child protection. Dedicated and qualified human resources in child protection are essential to coordinating efforts and resources and providing a system of support for children and families across all sectors, including justice and social protection, health and education, security and disaster risk reduction,” said Regina Castillo, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan. “All of this, in turn, will lead to improved quality of life and social justice for all segments of the population”, she added.
The social service workforce plays a central role in supporting children and families in communities by alleviating poverty, identifying and managing risks, and facilitating access to and delivery of social services to enhance child and family well-being. To ensure this, the Center will offer a robust educational infrastructure, focusing on enhancing education, research, and practice in social protection work and social services. The Center will benefit from the academic leadership and mentoring support of Columbia University's School of Social Work (CSSW), leveraging Columbia's leading role in the social work field to strengthen innovative, evidence-based interventions that improve the well-being of vulnerable populations and local communities, and enhance the social protection system.
“Leveraging Uzbekistan's societal structure of mahallas, the Uzbekistan-Columbia Center aims to pioneer community-led interventions with the potential for impactful and sustainable social work practices. This approach not only complements but also extends Columbia University's commitment to global social welfare by engaging with local community systems to foster region-specific solutions,” said Dr. Nabila El-Bassel, University Professor and Director of the Social Intervention Group (SIG) at Columbia University School of Social Work.
The Center will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, while strengthening international connections and partnerships. Collaboration between partner organizations will drive the development of effective, evidence-based strategies and programs in social protection.
“Columbia faculty will play a pivotal role in partnering to develop innovative social interventions within Uzbekistan’s unique context. The center will also provide our students with invaluable international experience. We believe this collaboration will transform social work education and practice in Uzbekistan and enrich our global perspective,” said Melissa D. Begg, Dean and Professor at Columbia School of Social Work.
