The training session were presented by national trainers trained by UNDP Bratislava Centre who had direct experience of working with the MDGs, localization theory and concepts applicable to Uzbekistan.

The participants were middle level government officials and representatives from the Mahalla Fund, Fund Soglom Avlod Uchun and others. Participation in this training is competitive and trainees were chosen on the basis of their answers to a questionnaire, developed by the ELS project together with the Hokimiyat of Andijan region.

The first part of the training was a mini lecture that dealt with the general concept of MDGs, followed by a session on local development strategies and national MDGs. During the interactive part of the training, participants were divided into groups to elaborate local development plans as part of their duties in the local government. They were also asked to include local targets based on the national MDGs. The training ended with a discussion on how to achieve national MDGs and the role of local authorities in this process.

This is not ELS’s first experience in training in regional development planning. The project has already organized two similar training in the Fergana Valley. One of the lessons learned is that to be effective training should preferably be organized in the format of series of modules delivered independently by various organizations (i.e. UNDP, UN agencies, the State Academy of Social Development and Reconstruction, national and international trainers and experts) rather than one rigid, complete package. Depending on the target audiences, this module format allows flexibly taking out some modules, changing the sequences, etc. thus achieving maximum effectiveness.

The event is part of a series of modules on socio-economic statistical development, developing, planning and implementation of regional development strategies, enhancement of living standards in Andijan region. The seminars will be organized and lead by UN Agencies, national research centres and national and international trainers, who have experience of MDG monitoring system and best practices of localization processes.

For more information on MDG Campaign and MDG localization in Uzbekistan please refer to:

www.un.uz, www.undp.uz

For more information on UNDP RBEC in Bratislava please refer to:

http://europeandcis.undp.org/