A delegation from Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Social Protection under the President has completed a working visit to Finland aimed at studying international best practices in social welfare, education, legal services, local governance, and public administration.

Organized with the support of Uzbekistan’s Embassy in Finland, the visit focused on strengthening cooperation and exploring innovative approaches to supporting vulnerable populations, improving public services, and modernizing state institutions, The Caspian Post reports via UzDaily.

During meetings with Finnish government agencies, municipalities, and non-governmental organizations, the Uzbek delegation examined policies designed to protect children and families, expand inclusive education, and enhance the delivery of digital public services.

A key part of the visit centered on education reform. Uzbek officials held talks with representatives of Finland’s National Agency for Education, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and education technology company Edulyzer. Discussions covered digital learning platforms, modern student assessment methods, inclusive education practices, and opportunities for international cooperation.

The delegation also visited Lehtikuusi School in Vantaa, where they observed Finland’s approach to creating inclusive learning environments and supporting children with special educational needs.

In the legal sector, meetings with Finland’s National Legal Services Agency focused on state-guaranteed legal aid, digital legal services, and citizen counseling programs.

Local governance and social policy were also high on the agenda. Talks with officials from the City of Helsinki, the Association of Finnish Cities, and Deputy Mayor Maarit Vierunen explored how municipalities deliver social services and engage with local communities.

Representatives of the Y-Foundation shared Finland’s internationally recognized experience in preventing homelessness and implementing social housing programs. The delegation also met with leaders of the Helsinki Deaconess Institute to discuss cooperation between public and private organizations in providing services to vulnerable groups.

Another important component of the visit was a meeting with the leadership of the HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Administration, where both sides discussed professional training, retraining programs, and the development of modern leadership skills for civil servants.

The visit concluded with strong interest from Finnish partners in expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan. Several organizations expressed readiness to exchange experts, organize online seminars, and explore the signing of future cooperation agreements.