EUROUZ hosted a special Summer Breakfast Meeting of the Human Resources & Capacity Building Committee at the Hyatt Regency Tashkent, bringing together around 60 professionals from member companies, international organizations, and government institutions.
Focused on the topic “Supporting Women in Business and Entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan,” the event offered a meaningful platform for open conversation around inclusive leadership, gender equality, and workforce development. It brought together voices from the public and private sectors, as well as international organisations, all committed to empowering women in the workplace.
The morning began with welcome remarks from Shakhzodbek Makhmudov, Head of EUROUZ Tashkent Branch; Ketevan Antidze, Director of the Commerzbank AG Representative Office in Tashkent; and Venera Erzina, HR Director, Ipoteka Bank - OTP Group, Committee Chairperson.
Each emphasized the Committee’s continued efforts to promote innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration in human resources.
Inspiring keynote speakers shared their perspectives:
Ms Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, spoke about the UNDP’s ongoing efforts to promote women’s economic participation through inclusive policy development, targeted capacity-building initiatives, and entrepreneurship programmes that aim to unlock opportunities for women across sectors.
Ms Nozimakhon Davletova, Head of Division within the Department of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, Member of the Supervisory Board of “Hamroh” - Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Programme, Chair of the Council of Women Entrepreneurs, highlighted national programmes supporting women in business - most notably the government-backed Hamroh initiative. Hamroh serves as a comprehensive support platform for female entrepreneurs, offering access to finance, mentorship, training, and partnerships with both international organizations and the private sector, helping women start and grow their businesses in a sustainable way.
Mr Jon Zaidi, Country Director of ACWA Power Uzbekistan, shared how the company is driving inclusion by creating tangible opportunities for women in leadership, technical, and operational roles - demonstrating the private sector’s critical role in shaping a more diverse and equitable workforce in the energy industry.
The breakfast concluded with an open conversation, during which members exchanged personal stories, reflected on their lived experiences, and discussed practical ways to foster more inclusive and supportive workplace cultures.
EUROUZ thanks all speakers and participants for their contributions and looks forward to continuing this important dialogue to help shape a more inclusive and dynamic business environment in Uzbekistan.
“The WESP programme is a transformative step in empowering women entrepreneurs across Uzbekistan with the skills, confidence, and support needed to build sustainable businesses,” noted Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan.
“By working together with private sector partners and international organizations, Uzbekistan is creating a strong and supportive environment that helps women entrepreneurs grow and succeed,” stressed Nozimakhon Davletova, Head of Division within the Department of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, Member of the Supervisory Board of “Hamroh”, a Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Programme, Chair of the Council of Women Entrepreneurs
“As we invest in Uzbekistan’s energy future, we also have a responsibility to invest in its people. Supporting women in technical, leadership, and operational roles is not just good practice - it’s essential for building a more inclusive and resilient private sector,” said Jon Zaidi, Country Director, ACWA Power Uzbekistan
