UNDP assists the Government of Uzbekistan in providing the rural population with improved, affordable and environmentally friendly living conditions. Today, the rural housing construction sector in Uzbekistan is developing quite rapidly. In this regard, the question of switching to a more sustainable development path that ensures effective land use arises. This can be achieved through the introduction of effective and innovative solutions in the development of master plans for cities and rural settlements, since urban development of territories is a fundamental stage in the process of creating a sustainable life for the population.

    Within the UNDP/GEF and Ministry of Construction joint project "Market Transformation for Sustainable Rural Housing in Uzbekistan", a training on the development of master plans for local specialists (architects, urban planners, designers, engineers, constructors) representing design institutions, architectural bureaus and representatives of regional administrations and relevant government agencies. More than 170 participants in 5 regions improved their knowledge in spatial planning, namely, the development of master plans for cities and settlements with use of their best practices on smart cities development. In addition to the knowledge about spatial planning, the representatives of national design organizations communicated, interacted, exchanged ideas, and received answers to their questions about the modern solutions for master plan development. The training was delivered through various thematic discussions about urbanization processes as well as advanced design applications, and best international practices related to smart cities. Modern approaches applied to master plan development were presented to the audience.

    Mr. Khayot Bagirov, Director of the Samarkand branch of the Design Institute of the State Unitary Enterprise “ShaharsozlikLITI”, said:

 “At present, the large-scale transformations are underway in Uzbekistan. The building construction large infrastructure projects, business cities are implemented in all cities in the country, which attract huge foreign investments. Big international design companies are interested in participation in such projects. In this connection, there is hope that local experts will work together and learn from the international colleagues. I am grateful to UNDP for organization of such trainings. Thanks to today's training, the representatives of the regional construction and cadastral departments, as well as a number of deputy mayors of cities and regions, exchanged their views and came to the conclusion that decision-making requires involvement of all stakeholders to work out the optimal and consolidated resolution.”

Mr. Zukhriddin Mukhiddinov, the Chief Architect of Bukhara region, noted:

 “The development of master plans is a basis for any construction activity. In connection with recent demolitions in Ferghana, Khorezm and Kashkadarya regions, this is of the highest priority. The UNDP is actively involved in improving knowledge of building construction national specialists, and today's training demonstrated on how we, practicians, should considers the corresponding climate change and greater energy efficiency considerations in developing master plans for cities and rural settlements.”

After the training, the participants filled the questionnaires to identify their needs for further in-depth trainings.