I. General provisions

1. The purchasing decisions of the Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi (hereinafter “the University”) have economic, social and environmental consequences. This Policy establishes how the University ensures that the food, supplies, works and services it purchases are sourced ethically and sustainably.

2. The Policy guides employees involved in procurement and sets requirements for current and prospective suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.

3. The Policy has been prepared in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Public Procurement”, the Labour Code and the ILO conventions ratified by the Republic of Uzbekistan. Sustainability requirements are applied within the procedures established by public procurement legislation, through technical specifications, qualification requirements and evaluation criteria.

II. Terms used in this Policy

4. The following terms are used in this Policy:

ethical sourcing – ensuring that products are obtained in a responsible and sustainable way, that the workers who make them are safe and treated fairly, and that environmental and social impacts are taken into account during sourcing;

local supplier – a producer or supplier registered and operating in the city of Tashkent or Tashkent region.

III. Ethical sourcing of food and supplies

5. The University purchases food and supplies only from sources that respect workers’ rights and limit harm to the environment. Suppliers are required to comply with the Labour Code and the core ILO labour standards, not to use forced or child labour, to respect freedom of association and to provide safe working conditions.

6. Major suppliers sign the Supplier Code of Conduct (Annex) before the contract is concluded. Where available on the market, tea, coffee, textiles and similar goods are purchased with a recognised fair-trade or sustainability certification.

IV. Sustainable purchasing practice

7. Before purchasing, units consider whether the need can be met by repair, reuse or sharing. Decisions take into account whole-life cost and environmental impact, and preference is given, where offers are comparable, to products that are energy-efficient, durable, recyclable or made from recycled materials, with minimal packaging.

8. The University prioritises the purchase of food and other products from local and sustainable sources, in particular fruit, vegetables, dairy products and bread from producers in Tashkent region (TUIT-SP-08).

V. Extension to outsourced services and the supply chain

9. The University’s policies on minimising plastic and disposable items (TUIT-SP-06) are included in contracts for outsourced services on its premises, including catering, cleaning, security and vending, and in contracts with suppliers of equipment, stationery and furniture and building contractors.

10. Contractors providing services on University premises are required to observe the rights of their workers established by labour legislation, as set out in the Fair Employment Policy (TUIT-SP-12).

VI. Responsibilities

11. The Procurement Department applies this Policy in procurement documents, keeps a register of contracts with sustainability requirements and the signed Supplier Codes of Conduct, and organises training of procurement staff. The Sustainability Committee considers the annual procurement report.

VII. Monitoring and expected results

12. The following indicators are reported every year: the share of contracts containing sustainability requirements; the number of signed Supplier Codes of Conduct; and the share of food purchases from local suppliers.

13. Expected results by 2030: sustainability requirements included in all new major contracts; a Supplier Code of Conduct signed by all major suppliers; a growing share of local food purchases.

VIII. Final provisions

14. This Policy is reviewed at least once every two years, and earlier if there are significant changes in legislation or in the activities of the University. Amendments are approved by the University Council.

15. This Policy enters into force on the date of its approval by the University Council and replaces the Sustainable Procurement Policy.

16. This Policy is published on the official website of the University (tuit.uz/sustainability) in Uzbek and English and remains publicly available.

Annex. Supplier Code of Conduct

By signing this Code, the supplier confirms that it and its subcontractors: comply with the Labour Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the core ILO labour standards; do not use forced, bonded or child labour; respect freedom of association; provide safe and healthy working conditions; do not discriminate against workers; comply with environmental legislation and minimise waste and packaging; and allow the University, on request, to verify compliance.

Supplier: ____________________ Signature: ____________ Date: ____________