Regina M Castillo

🇨🇭🇺🇿 H.E. Ms Simone Giger, Ambassador of Switzerland to Uzbekistan, 🇺🇳 @castillore_m, @UNICEF_UZB Rep, and Mr Jonas Astrup, Head of the Secretariat of the Ishonch Fund, visited schools supported and equipped under the #ISHONCH2030. We are pleased to share a TV report covering the visit, produced by Karakalpak journalists.

🇺🇳🇺🇿 The inauguration ceremony of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) was held today in Nukus. It is an important step towards strengthening the country’s capacity to prepare for and respond to infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies in the northwest region and beyond. For children and families, effective public health preparedness means faster responses and fewer interruptions to essential health services during emergencies. The center was established by @sanepidcommitte, with financial support from 🇺🇸 U.S. Government (@usembtashkent) and technical assistance from @UNICEF_UZB under the Global Health Security Program. ℹ️ Read more: uni.cf/3WIUA2o

🇺🇳🇺🇿 At the official opening ceremony of #PHEOC in Nukus, @UNICEF_UZB Representative @CastilloRe_M underscored the importance of moving beyond infrastructure to readiness and coordinated action: “The Nukus PHEOC is much more than a building. It represents readiness, coordination, and the ability to transform information into timely action when lives are at stake.”

🇨🇭🇺🇿 H.E. Ms Simone Giger, Ambassador of Switzerland to Uzbekistan, 🇺🇳 @CastilloRe_M, @UNICEF_UZB Representative, and @AstrupUN, Head of the Fund Secretariat for @IshonchFund, visited School No. 34 in Nukus and School No. 5 in Takhtakupir district. Both schools have been supported and equipped under #ISHONCH2030. They met children, teachers, parents and school communities to see integrated approaches to inclusive and digital learning in action, including accessible learning environments, assistive technologies, digital solutions and stronger teacher skills, all of which help every child learn and take part. Across schools supported under #ISHONCH2030, 50,000 students are now learning in inclusive settings, including 500 children with disabilities enrolled in mainstream classrooms.

🇺🇳🇺🇿 Welcoming the participants of the #WorldSummit, @UNICEF Regional Director for Europe, Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, @E_Beigbeder, underlined that conflicts, climate shocks and economic uncertainty are placing growing pressure on children and families across the world. However, childhood cannot be rescheduled. “A child cannot delay the years in which her brain develops, the education he needs today, or the protection she needs tonight. Investing in children builds the foundations of future prosperity”, he said.

🇺🇳🇺🇿 A joint visit of @UNICEF_UZB and @IjtimoiyHimoya teams to the Inson Centre in Samarkand showed Uzbekistan's efforts to make social protection more accessible to children and families, including through child and family benefits, digital delivery systems and integrated social assistance. @UNICEF #ECAMENA Regional Director, @E_Beigbeder, shared after his visit to Inson Centre: "The ultimate measure of success is whether people receive adequate support at the right time and that support improves children’s wellbeing and families’ resilience." He added: "UNICEF continues to support NASP in strengthening the social protection systems, especially for vulnerable children and families in Uzbekistan."

🌍 A Child’s Perspective: Uzbekistan’s Progress in Child Well-being to Take Centre Stage at Global Summit in Samarkand What difference are investments in children making in their lives today — and what do they mean for their future? On 21–22 October, Samarkand will host the World Summit on Investing in Children’s Well-being, where a dedicated exhibition will showcase Uzbekistan’s progress in improving children’s health, education and social protection. 💚 “A Child’s Perspective” is the guiding concept behind the exhibition, which brings national reforms to life by showing how policies and investments translate into real change in children’s everyday lives and future opportunities. The exhibition will highlight Uzbekistan’s efforts to improve maternal and child health, promote early childhood development, strengthen family-based care, advance inclusive education, protect children from violence and improve care for children with cancer. Particular attention will be given to support for children with disabilities, children without parental care, and those facing difficult circumstances. Through interactive displays and real-life stories, international delegates will discover how Uzbekistan is working to improve children’s lives and explore opportunities for stronger international cooperation to advance child well-being. Every reform changes a child’s life. Every investment helps shape their future. Learn more: investinchildren.uz

🇺🇳🇺🇿 The early years matter most! Uzbekistan’s ambitious reforms and sustained investment have tripled preschool enrolment coverage in recent years and scaled up inclusive education. At Inclusive Pre-school Hub #67 in Samarkand, UNICEF Regional Director of #ECAMENA @E_Beigbeder saw one of the country’s first models of inclusive preschools, where children of all abilities learn and play together - thanks to skilled teachers and @UNICEF_UZB partnership with @isdb_group, @GPforEducation, @arabcoordgroup.