Public Policy

Introduction

As Uzbekistan continues its journey toward greater fiscal transparency, a significant project initiated by Vatandosh Connect has played a foundational role in transforming how the country's financial governance is managed. By bringing together key stakeholders, including the University of Connecticut (UConn) and the U.S. Treasury, Vatandosh Connect has helped set the stage for the substantial reforms we see today. This article reflects on the project's achievements and its lasting impact on Uzbekistan's fiscal landscape.

The Vision Behind the Project

Vatandosh Connect, an Uzbek-diaspora organization, has always been committed to creating sustainable solutions for Uzbekistan's most pressing challenges. In 2020, recognizing the need for enhanced fiscal transparency, Vatandosh Connect took the initiative to bring together UConn, the U.S. Treasury, and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Finance to develop a project aimed at improving the transparency and accountability of Uzbekistan’s national budget.

This collaborative effort, led by Dr. Mark D. Robbins, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy at UConn, was designed to provide Uzbek citizens and government officials with the tools and knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions. As the head of the project, Dr. Robbins oversaw the academic and technical aspects of the project. Meanwhile, on the ground in Uzbekistan, Ulugbek Kasimov, the Project Manager from Vatandosh Connect, played a crucial role in managing local operations, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring the smooth implementation of the project. Edward Schuldt, as Vice President for Operations at Vatandosh Connect, provided additional oversight and operational support.

Project Outcomes: Laying the Groundwork for Transparency

The project, which spanned from September 2020 to September 2022, achieved several critical outcomes:

1. Development of Citizen-Friendly Budget Documents:

One of the primary objectives was to create budget documents that were easy for the general public to understand. This led to the development of the "Citizens' Budget," a document that explained the national budget in simple terms, using analogies that resonated with everyday experiences. The "Budget in Brief" and "Family Budget" publications were particularly successful in making complex fiscal data accessible to all citizens, laying a foundation for continued public engagement with government finances.

2. Supporting Participatory Budgeting:

The project also focused on encouraging citizen participation in the budget process. Vatandosh Connect, under the management of Ulugbek Kasimov, coordinated the creation of explainer videos that detailed how participatory budgeting works and how citizens could propose and vote on budget initiatives. These videos were disseminated widely through media and the Ministry of Finance’s website, significantly boosting public involvement in fiscal decision-making.

3. Preparing Uzbekistan for International Budget Partnerships:

Another major achievement was preparing Uzbekistan for participation in international fiscal transparency initiatives, such as the International Budget Partnership (IBP). The project team, under Dr. Robbins’ guidance, conducted a thorough review of Uzbekistan's budget documents and practices, identifying areas for improvement and making recommendations to align with IBP standards.

Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

The journey wasn’t without challenges. Delays in approvals from the Ministry of Finance and complications with subcontractors were significant hurdles. However, Vatandosh Connect’s deep understanding of the local context and its strong networks within Uzbekistan, managed by Ulugbek Kasimov, allowed the team to navigate these issues effectively. By maintaining close communication with all stakeholders and adjusting the project’s strategies as needed, the team was able to deliver on its objectives, even in the face of obstacles.

Impact on Current Reforms

The influence of the project continues to resonate in Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms. The recent initiatives by the government to improve budget transparency, such as the publication of detailed budget reports and the expansion of participatory budgeting, are directly aligned with the groundwork laid by this project. The tools and strategies developed during the project have been integrated into the government’s broader efforts to enhance fiscal oversight and transparency.

For instance, the practice of participatory budgeting, which has gained momentum since 2022, owes much to the initial videos and educational materials produced under this project. Additionally, the increased public access to budget information through the Open Budget portal reflects the project's emphasis on making fiscal data readily available and understandable to citizens.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Fiscal Transparency in Uzbekistan

As Uzbekistan continues to implement its ambitious transparency and governance reforms, the foundations laid by Vatandosh Connect and its partners will remain crucial. The success of this project underscores the importance of international collaboration in driving meaningful change. By bringing together the expertise of UConn, the U.S. Treasury, and local stakeholders, Vatandosh Connect has demonstrated how diaspora organizations can lead significant development initiatives in their home countries.

The future of fiscal transparency in Uzbekistan looks promising, with ongoing efforts to integrate new methodologies, such as climate expenditure tagging, and to further expand public participation in budgetary decisions. Vatandosh Connect remains committed to supporting these developments, ensuring that Uzbekistan’s financial governance continues to evolve in ways that benefit all citizens.

Conclusion

The project “Enhancing Fiscal Transparency through Improved Oversight of Uzbekistan’s National Budget,” initiated by Vatandosh Connect, marks a significant milestone in Uzbekistan’s journey toward greater fiscal transparency. By fostering collaboration between international and local stakeholders, the project has not only achieved its goals but has also set the stage for continued progress in the years to come. As Uzbekistan builds on these successes, the work started by Vatandosh Connect will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of fiscal governance in the country.