Activity under preparation Digitalisation and integration of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in Uzbekistan Uzbekistan¿s system for urban and rural land planning dates more than half a century back and is based on a governance structure in which the full planning process is done by central State actors with little involvement of citizens or the private sector,who make an increasing share of the investments. The Government is weak in its regulatory role as responsibilities are distributed over an array of different Ministries and Agencies, who generally do not wish to cooperate with each other. There are multiple data sets on ownership, use, utilities, etc. which are not (yet) integrated in a single national spatial data infrastructure (NSDI), although this is essential for effective and efficient planning. The Government also struggles to capture the value of state-owned land when being developed and is unable to set clear preconditions or enforce for what the private sector can and cannot do. Although construction on irrigated farm land is forbidden, it is common practice and linked to corruption. Approximately 60% of the current building stock is unregulated (i.e. did not receive planning permission or was not recorded).The Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ASR) which plays a pivotal role in driving reforms and bringing different government entities together, reached out to the EU Delegation for support, in particular in relation to the regulatory framework and the NSDI. In line with Global Gateway, the proposed action aims to improve spatial development visioning and strategic planning, decentralise municipal governance and budgets and introduce a new generation of urban and rural plans adjusted to the new sustainable development patterns. New integrated planning and management strategies that leverage inter-institutional coordination, digitalisation and data-driven decision-making will be introduced. Partnership with relevant ministries, international organisations and IFIs will be crucial for a successful implementation. The impact will be the substantial contribution to balanced and inclusive regional urban and rural development, improved liveability, enhanced sustainability in urban and rural areas and reduced environmental hazards. The action will also address the involvement of citizens and civil society organisations in planning decisions, the need for adequate compensation in case of expropriation and forced eviction, and the preservation of cultural heritage.The action will directly serve the development of the regional Global Gateway Flagship, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which will benefit from an improved regulatory framework, planning processes, and data access. In addition, improved planning can have a catalyst effect for attracting key infrastructure and logistical services needed for the TCTC¿s network across regions. The Action will have the following main components:Reforming the regulatory and institutional framework governing the territorial planning systemand securing future sustainable urbanisation through medium and long-term strategic policy planning;Supporting the utilisation of spatial data in the preparation of territorial plans and ensuring accessibility to a digitalised and integrated NSDI.