Residents of Chorkesar and Yangiabad Embrace Entrepreneurship
From August 18 to 23, 2025, the people of Chorkesar and Yangiabad made a meaningful effort toward sustainable development of their own communities by taking part in trainings on business planning. These sessions were part of the “Stakeholder Engagement for Uranium Legacy Remediation in Central Asia (Phase III)” project, jointly implemented by UNDP and OSCE, with funding from the European Union.
Over 40 local participants — including aspiring entrepreneurs, women leaders, and youth — came together to learn the fundamentals of business planning, goal setting, and profitability assessment. The training was not just theoretical: participants actively developed business ideas tailored to the unique needs and resources of their communities.
“This training helped me see how my small idea of packing dried fruits and other products could become a real business,” said Ms. Joylobova Qamara the participant from Chorkesar. “I now understand how to plan, calculate costs, and think about long-term impact”
Where the Ideas Came From
Many of the business ideas were inspired by the participants’ daily lives and the challenges they face. These ideas reflect a deep understanding of local conditions — and a desire to turn challenges into opportunities.
What Happens Next
The project does not end with these trainings. In 2025–2026, selected pilot initiatives will receive seed funding to bring their business plans to life. This support will help create jobs, improve local services, and build resilience in communities affected by the legacy of uranium mining.
Why These Trainings Matter
Such training courses are vital for several reasons:
- They empower local people with practical skills to improve their livelihoods.
- They foster innovation in areas often overlooked by traditional development programs.
- They build community resilience, especially in regions like Chorkesar and Yangiabad, which are near former uranium tailings and face environmental and economic challenges.
Supporting people in Chorkesar is especially important because the region has long been associated with environmental degradation and limited economic opportunity resulting from the former uranium mining site. By investing in human potential, the project helps shift the narrative from dependency to self-reliance.
The Bigger Picture: Added Value
The added value of this initiative goes beyond business:
- It builds trust between communities and institutions.
- It promotes inclusive development, especially for women and youth.
- It contributes to environmental remediation by aligning economic activity with sustainability goals.
In essence, this is not just about business — it is about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity in places that need it most.