Mirjakhon Turdiev is an international development expert with over 20 years of experience in developing, managing, and implementing development programs of USAID, JICA, World Bank, UNDP, UNICEF, and OSCE in fulltime and consultancy capacities. His areas of expertise include social policy analysis and implementation, capacity building for social sector stakeholders, including government and civil society actors, disability inclusive development, research of disability policy and practice of developing countries such as Uzbekistan and Ukraine. Over the last four years, Mirjakhon has been an essential analytical and educational point of reference for the national government, NGOs, and international donors in studying disability policies and the situation of persons with disabilities in Uzbekistan as well as building the knowledge base of stakeholders on the social aspects of disability and the rights of persons with disabilities. For his dedicated contribution to the international development, Mirjakhon has been awarded with Distinguished Service Award by USAID (2003, 2005), The La Fuerza Community Enhancement Award by Syracuse University (2021), and For Outstanding Achievement for Ukraine Rapid Damage, Loss, and Needs Assessment by the Vice President of World Bank Group (2022). Mirjakhon holds master’s degree in public administration and Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) on Disability Studies from Syracuse University, and currently, pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Social Science at Syracuse University.