Uzbek officials gained key insights from Slovak experts on integrating environmental priorities into national finance and planning systems.
A delegation of high-level representatives from Uzbekistan visited Slovakia June 16–19, 2025 to deepen their understanding of how to integrate green priorities into strategic planning and public finance management. This marks a milestone for regional cooperation, as Uzbekistan becomes the first Central Asian country to join the Public Finance for Development programme following its expansion to the region in 2025.
“Bringing together experts from Slovakia and Uzbekistan strengthens our shared commitment to sustainable development and climate-smart public finance,” stated Viktoria Rieger Mlynarčiková, Partnerships Specialist from the UNDP.
Embracing Green Public Finance
The Uzbek delegation included representatives from the Parliament, the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan and the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan. During the study visit, they engaged in productive discussions and knowledge exchanges with a diverse range of Slovak institutions and experts:
These meetings provided valuable insights into number of key areas. Partners explored green tax forecasting and the strategic framework for green policies in Slovakia. They also learned how Slovakia integrates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national strategic planning.
Discussions highlighted the role of academia in shaping national and regional strategies on climate change, sustainability, decarbonization, and carbon neutrality. The delegation also examined practical examples from the Bratislava Self-Governing Region, particularly how medium-term regional planning and budgeting can be aligned with national development and green priorities or how citizens, either though the trade unions or non-governmental organizations could effectively influence the policy making process.
Reflecting on the visit, Muhamedov Sherzod Dilmuratovich, Director of the State Budget Policy Department at the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said:
“What left the strongest impression was the implementation of fiscal rules in practice, especially the ‘debt brake’ rule. The independent operation of the Fiscal Council, medium-term budgeting, and the results-based budgeting approach also deserve special recognition.”
Strengthening Ties
Besides gaining insights into Slovakia’s green development and financing policies, the visit helped build an initial relationship with Slovak officials, experts, and institutions. These exchanges encouraged the sharing of best practices and opened doors for future cooperation.
As Dilmuratovich noted,
“Such international knowledge exchanges are of great practical importance for public institutions. They not only enhance institutional knowledge but also contribute to the development of technical tools, policy-making approaches, and a culture of good governance.”
The visit aligns with the Public Finance for Development programme in Uzbekistan, which supports the government in building a results-driven, SDG-oriented budgeting system using green finance tools to improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
