The Center, which is the result of cooperation between the National Agency for Social Protection of the Population of Uzbekistan, Columbia University, UNICEF and other partner organizations, will serve to provide advanced innovations on topical issues of social protection of the population.
"The establishment of this center marks a new stage in the development of social services and support for vulnerable groups of the population. The center will serve not only as a source of knowledge and innovation, but also as a place where social workers can share experiences and best practices," said Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection.
The purpose of the Center is to improve the social security system in Uzbekistan. Its activities will contribute to the professional development of staff, the creation of effective programs and techniques, the conduct of significant research and the strengthening of international cooperation.
"Trained social workers who are in contact with families and communities are vital to protecting children. Dedicated and qualified personnel in the field of child protection are needed to coordinate efforts and resources, and ensure a system of support for children and families in all sectors, including justice and social protection, health and education, security and disaster risk reduction," said the head of the UNICEF Office in Uzbekistan, Regina Castigio. "All this, in turn, will lead to an improvement in the quality of life and social justice for all segments of the population," she stressed.
Social workers play a central role in supporting children and families in communities by reducing poverty, identifying and managing risks, and facilitating access to and provision of social services to improve the well-being of children and families. To ensure this, the Center will offer a reliable infrastructure focused on the development of education, research and practice in the field of social protection and social services. The Center will draw on the academic leadership and mentoring support of Columbia University's School of Social Work (CSSW), leveraging Columbia University's leadership role in social work to strengthen innovative, evidence-based interventions that improve the well-being of vulnerable populations and local communities, as well as strengthen the social safety net.
"Using the community structure of mahallas in Uzbekistan, the Uzbekistan-Columbia Center aims to become a pioneer in community-led events that can become effective and sustainable social work practices. This approach not only complements, but also expands Columbia University's commitment to global social well-being by working with local community systems to develop solutions tailored to the specifics of the region," 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, as well as strengthen international relations and partnerships. Cooperation between partner organizations will contribute to the development of effective, evidence-based social protection strategies and programs.
"Columbia University faculty will play a key role in the partnership to develop innovative social programs in the unique context of Uzbekistan. The Center will also provide our students with invaluable international experience. We are confident that this collaboration will change the education and practice of social work in Uzbekistan and expand our global prospects," said Melissa D. Begg, Dean and professor at the Columbia School of Social Work.
