Strategic Action and Strong Social Policy: International Practices and Uzbekistan’s Experience

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN (ILO News) – The International Conference “Strategic Action and Strong Social Policy: International Practices and Uzbekistan’s Experience” was held here on April 24-26.

The conference involved officials of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Pan-European Regional Council of the ITUC, International Organization of Employers, as well as experts, major researchers from more than 30 countries worldwide, diplomatic staff, heads of international organizations accredited in Uzbekistan, and representatives of international trade union centers.The ILO’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) was represented by its director Maria Helena Andre.


In his presentation, Kudratilla Rafikov, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan, noted that the main thrust of reforms underway in the country was to refocus on each person’s daily needs and concerns. This is an assurance that the desired goals will be successfully achieved, he said.

“Economic and political transition without serious involvement of the workers and their trade unions will not succeed. Transition needs a strong social dimension, which can only be provided by ensuring the involvement and rights of working people,” said Maria Helena Andre, Director of ACTRAV. She stressed the role of social dialogue, saying that “standards on social dialogue include the principle of tripartite cooperation. As we have seen, tripartite cooperation has already now an important role in Uzbekistan. Consequently, it would be important to strengthen this further through the ratification of Convention No. 144, which is the main ILO guide on this issue.”

In the follow-up to the conference, the participants adopted a resolution noting that this event held in Tashkent by the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the social partners was instrumental in exchanging national and international experience, consolidating efforts by public authorities, organisations of workers and employers, and other civil society institutions to improve social protection of the population. The international conference became an important venue for constructive discussion and study of the best practices between tripartite partners directly involved in addressing social and labour issues.