On 22 April 2026, UNU and the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Japan will co-host the high-level dialogue “The Mahalla — An Important Social Bridge Between Civil Society and Government to Support Sustainable Development”. This event will start at 11:00 in Elizabeth Rose Hall at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
Civil society plays a critical role in implementing and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By translating these international Goals into local action, while fostering inclusivity and social cohesion, civil society helps ensure that we “leave no one behind”.
The mahalla (neighbourhood community) is a particularly compelling example of a civil society institution found in many countries across the Arab region, the Balkans and Central Asia. In Uzbekistan, these people-led, self-governing bodies exemplify an innovative approach to social governance and economic development. Mahallas address modern challenges at the local level while serving as structures that safeguard human values, culture and social cohesion.
This high-level dialogue aims to raise awareness and encourage discussion about the mahalla system and the broader role of civil society institutions in achieving the SDGs. The event will also offer opportunities to strengthen partnerships among civil society, the public sector, the private sector and international organizations in support of sustainable development.
The event will feature opening remarks by His Excellency Mr. Mukhsinkhuja Abdurakhmonov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Japan, followed by addresses by His Excellency Mr. Kahramon Kuranbaev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Chairman of the Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan, together with senior representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the United Nations University, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Japan and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR). These opening interventions will be followed by presentations, a panel discussion and interactive exchanges.
Please note that this event will be in English. Advance registration (by 21 April) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page. Please be prepared to present identification at check-in.
Programme
11:00 — Opening remarks
- H.E. Mr, Mukhsinkhuja Abdurakhmonov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Japan
- Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (TBC)
11:05 — Setting the stage
- H.E. Mr. Kahramon Kuranbaev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Chairman of the Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan
- Video screening on mahalla
- Prof. Aya Suzuki, Senior Vice-Rector of the United Nations University, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations
- H.E. Mr. Keita Sugawara, Executive Vice President, JCI Japan
- H.E. Mr. Mitsuru Kitano, Executive Advisor, CLAIR
11:30 — Panel discussion and presentations
- Mr. Hiwatari Masato, Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo, “Mahallabay Policy and Japan’s Technical Cooperation”
- Mr. Aktam Jalilov, Director of the Institute for Research of the Youth Problems and Training Prospective Personnel under the Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan
- Mr. Keita Sugawara, JCI Japan, “The Role and Best Practices of the Japan Junior Chamber (a civil society organization) in the Implementation of the SDGs”
- Mr. Feruz Ablayarov, Deputy Director of the Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan
- H.E. Mr. Mitsuru Kitano, CLAIR, “The Role of CLAIR in the Development of International Relations of Japan’s Regions”
12:15 — Audience questions
12:25 — Closing remarks
- H.E. Mr Mukhsinkhuja Abdurakhmonov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Japan
