A New and Technological Approach to Elections Begins

📅 30.07.2024

The Central Election Commission held a meeting and a series of events today, July 26th. The primary agenda item was the preparation and high-level accomplishment of the upcoming elections for the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and the Councils of People's Deputies in full compliance with the Constitution and laws.

According to Article 128 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, elections for the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and the Councils of People's Deputies are scheduled to take place on the first Sunday of the third ten-day period of October in the year their term expires. Considering that the term of the deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and the Councils of People's Deputies ends in 2024, the elections will be held on October 27th of this year, and the election campaign will begin on July 26th, as decided by the Central Election Commission.

These elections mark a significant departure from the past, taking place in a new socio-political environment as stipulated by our Constitution. The meeting underscored the unique features of these elections, which include:

1. For the first time in Uzbekistan's history, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis elections will be conducted using a mixed electoral system, combining majoritarian and proportional systems. This significant change will see seventy-five deputies elected directly through the majoritarian system, where voters vote for specific candidates. The remaining seventy-five deputies will be elected based on votes cast for political parties under the proportional system.
2. One of the most significant advancements is the full digitization of election commissions' activities at all levels and their interactions with participants in the election process. This development significantly reduces bureaucracy, time, and document handling in election procedures, ushering in a new era of efficiency in our electoral system.
3. Our election legislation has been fundamentally improved to align with advanced democratic standards. These improvements include introducing a new system for election bodies led by the Central Election Commission and requiring political parties to ensure that at least 40% of their candidates for deputy positions are women. Additionally, a candidate must receive a relative majority of votes to be elected. If a candidate gets more votes than other candidates in their respective electoral district, they will be elected without needing a repeat vote.

4. The elections are taking place in conditions of significantly strengthened parliamentarianism and the powers of representative bodies at the local level, as established by the Updated Constitution. Specifically, the absolute powers of the Legislative Chamber have increased from 5 to 12, and those of the Senate from 12 to 18. The parliament's oversight functions over the activities of executive, judicial, law enforcement agencies, and special services have been expanded. The institution of hokims leading local Councils of People's Deputies is being abolished. To enhance the role of representative bodies in resolving important state issues, 33 powers previously held by hokims have been transferred to local Councils.

The meeting underscored the significance of these elections as a vivid example of democratic state-building in our country and an essential means for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights to vote and be elected to democratic state bodies. The elections will involve the election of 150 deputies to the Legislative Chamber, 65 members to the Senate, 65 deputies to the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, deputies to 208 district (city) Councils in the regions and Tashkent city, with around 30,000 candidates and nearly 90,000 trusted representatives actively participating. Over 120,000 election commission members and more than 70,000 citizens and international observers are expected to participate in the election process.

Considering the important role of elections in state life and with the aim of widely engaging citizens in this process, the Central Election Commission announced that the elections will be held on October 27th under the slogan “My Choice—My Prosperous Homeland.”

The 'E-Saylov' information system is a key tool in making the election process more transparent and accessible. It facilitates around 60 interactions between election commissions, political party candidates, observers, and the media entirely electronically. Integrated with other electronic platforms, the system automates many procedures in the election process without human intervention. This system forms an extensive database of nearly 400,000 participants in the election process, including election commission members, candidates, and observers. Around 32,000 participants will professionally use the information system, which includes communication through 40 types of SMS notifications.

For citizens, the "E-Saylov" information system introduces several conveniences in obtaining election-related information. Specifically, it provides statistical data on voters and polling stations, information on candidates for various elections, and interactive maps to learn about candidates and their biographies.

The meeting emphasized that the "E-Saylov" information system represents a new level of technological advancement and transparency in elections.

It was also noted that according to Article 37 of the Election Code, political parties have the right to nominate candidates for deputies to the Legislative Chamber and local Councils.

To participate in the elections, political parties must have been registered by the Ministry of Justice at least four months before the announcement of the election campaign and collect at least 40,000 signatures supporting their participation.

Additionally, the meeting approved a calendar plan to ensure that the activities related to conducting the elections are carried out step-by-step within the timelines specified by election legislation. The Central Election Commission, as an impartial and independent constitutional body, will take all necessary measures to prepare for and conduct the upcoming elections in full compliance with national legislation and international election standards, ensuring the process is open and transparent.

A Press Center has also been established under the Central Election Commission.

Central Election Commission

of the Republic of Uzbekistan

 

Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the “SCO Plus” meeting

📅 07.07.2024

Esteemed Heads of Delegations!

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, esteemed Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for the warm welcome and excellent organization of the Summit in Astana.

We are highly estimate Kazakhstan’s effective chairmanship of the SCO, which has facilitated the expansion of multifaceted cooperation within the Organization.

It is a great honor to have with us the heads of observer-states and dialogue partners, esteemed guests.

Dear Participants of the Meeting!

I believe that a meeting in the broad format of SCO Plus is timely and necessary.

The world needs to restore trust, justice and solidarity more than ever.

The current global political and economic landscape is characterized by fractures, wars, and conflicts that are undermining the foundations and key principles of the system of international relations.

The contradictions and protectionism that have emerged are creating fragmentation of the world economy and supply chain disruptions, which are in turn creating new dividing lines that prevent countries from cooperating effectively in trade, finance and investment, technology transfer and innovation.

The only viable solution to these challenges is to consolidate efforts in the interest of global security, development, and prosperity.

The SCO has always advocated for and has been committed to a just world order based on the universally recognized principles of international law and multilateralism, with the UN playing a central coordinating role.

In this regard, our Organization continues to serve as a focal point for many countries seeking to build broad cooperation without political and ideological biases.

Concurrently, the evolving circumstances necessitate the implementation of new strategic approaches to enhance the efficacy of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Today, as it stands on the threshold of its 25th anniversary, it is imperative to develop a new agenda that aligns with the Organization’s immense potential and growing role in world politics and economy.

Building on the “Shanghai Spirit” and the founding principles of the Charter, unity and cohesion within the Organization should be preserved. I propose to intensify joint efforts with the objective of strengthening the atmosphere of trust and friendship within the SCO and to remove barriers to deeper cooperation.

First of all, it is necessary to undertake a comprehensive reevaluation of the conceptual foundation underpinning the SCO’s security-related activities.

The nature and scope of contemporary challenges have undergone a significant transformation since the establishment of the Organization.

Environmental and natural disasters, water and food shortages, cyberattacks, new methods of undermining sovereignty and economic stability pose an increasing threat.

All of this should also be taken into account when considering the strengthening of the SCO's potential, including the establishment of the Universal Center for Countering Security Threats and Challenges.

In this context, I propose to hold annually SCO Plus Dialogue on Security Issues with the participation of the heads of the competent bodies and experts of all our countries.

Uzbekistan proposes to consistently “reload” trade and economic cooperation in the SCO area, which continues to be fragmented.

So far, we could not manage to create a solid foundation for multilateral trade and inter-sectoral partnership.

For a long time, no consensus has been reached on the establishment of the SCO Development Fund and the SCO Development Bank.

Today at the summit we agreed to take comprehensive measures to simplify trade procedures and develop e-commerce, stimulate technological cooperation, including in the industries of the future.

In order to create an effective platform for business dialogue with the participation of all partners, we propose the annual holding of the SCO EXPO International Industrial Exhibition in our countries.

It is also important to actively promote economic interaction and seek opportunities for linking joint initiatives with the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Eurasian Economic Union, ASEAN and others.

The new geopolitical realities convince us of the need to build an inclusive and integrated transport and transit system to strengthen interregional connectivity.

The global problems such as climate change and environmental disasters cannot be ignored by the Organization. Our countries are increasingly facing natural disasters, land degradation, reduced agricultural yields, air pollution and water shortages.

I believe that climate cooperation should become a key element of the new SCO agenda.

We advocate for developing an Agreement on cooperation in combating climate change, with concrete measures to achieve common goals and objectives in the area of green development.

We are also proposing the establishment of the SCO Center for Innovative Climate Solutions in Tashkent. It will conduct research on environmental sustainability and “green” growth.

Improving livelihoods and social protection should be given a central place on the Organization’s agenda.

We intend to hold a Global Conference on Sustainable Social Protection in Samarkand next year, under the auspices of the United Nations, as a contribution to achieving the goals Summit of the Future.

Finally, we need to strengthen and promote together a unique model of inter-civilizational dialogue.

The rich cultural, historical and spiritual heritage, traditions, customs and ways of life of our peoples are a powerful and resilient force for building bridges of mutual trust, good-neighborliness and lasting friendship.

This is the message contained in the recent UN General Assembly resolution on the International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations, adopted at our joint initiative.

In this context, the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for Common Security and Prosperity, which we have put forward, aimed at overcoming the trust deficit through constructive dialogue and multilateral partnership, is more relevant than ever.

The practical implementation of this initiative will contribute to strengthening inter-civilizational dialogue to overcome contradictions on the path to sustainable development.

I am confident that together we can make the Organization even more creative through the implementation of programs in the area of cultural, educational, youth and tourist exchanges.

To this end, we propose to develop a Unified Bank of SCO Humanitarian Initiatives and Programs, which will enable projects in these areas to be systematized and jointly implemented.

I am convinced that the outcomes of this meeting will give a strong impetus to the development of a multifaceted partnership within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Thank you for your attention.

New Uzbekistan strategy – a new way of supporting the young generation

📅 08.07.2024

18.9 million of the population of Uzbekistan or 54 percent are young people and children under 30 years of age. 9.5 million of young people are male and 9.4 million are female.

More than 50 laws and regulations were adopted in 2017-2021 in order to strengthen the legal basis of state policy regarding youth in the republic, and June 30 was declared as "Youth Day ".

As a result of the socio-political and economic reforms implemented in our country in recent years, a step has been taken to a completely new level of development. Youth , culture and sports issues was established in the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan , a "Youth Parliament" consisting of 100 active and enterprising young people under the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and 250 active and initiative young people under the Legislative Chamber, a commission on youth issues was established in the Legislative Chamber. 22.9 percent of business entities operating in the republic or 106 thousand 574 of them belong to young people under the age of 30 will come 21.5% of individual entrepreneurs are young people under 30 years old. Also, more than 3.5 thousand young farmers and about 7.8 thousand young craftsmen are working in the country.

In the 2019 elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 9 (6%) young people were elected as deputies, and 10% of local council deputies are young people.

The "Brave Boy" state award and the "Builder of the Future" medal were established to reward young people between the ages of 14 and under 30, who set an example for their peers with their activity and initiative in the social and political life of the country, as well as who have achieved great achievements in their studies and work. At the core of these practical results are consistent and effective reforms carried out on the basis of the renewed strategy of reforms and the strong will of the head of state regarding youth policy.

The strategic goal of the state youth policy implemented in the republic is to create conditions for every young person to get a free education, to carry out productive work, to realize themselves and to develop creatively, and to raise the level of social life in all aspects , which made it possible to accumulate valuable experience in our country. At this point, it should be emphasized that, along with state organizations, non-governmental organizations operating in our country are actively involved in the search for talented young people and their support. For example, it is important that one of the main directions of the state policy regarding youth is aimed at supporting the talents and abilities of young people. At the same time, in 2019, by a special decree of the President, the "Hope of the Country" fund under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was established. Thousands of talented young people through educational grants awarded by this foundation

Our country has the opportunity to study in prestigious universities of developed foreign countries and learn advanced foreign experience. In particular, for the 2022-2023 academic year, 420 students and masters received scholarships and grants for studying abroad from the "Hope of the Country" fund. We can see that these practical works are being carried out in accordance with the goals of the development strategy of New Uzbekistan. Because, according to the 50th goal of the development strategy for 2022-2026, through the "Hope of the Country" fund, to double the scope of sending free and creative thinking young people to study at prestigious foreign universities, in which fifty percent of young people are trained in technical, exact sciences and IT fields and conducting open selection contests for bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies in the most prestigious universities of foreign countries, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs of foreign higher education institutions important goals such as announcing and conducting an open competition were set by the Foundation for the purpose of participation in educational programs. As a result of the practical work carried out by the Foundation, a number of young people have mastered the knowledge and skills required by the times and are applying them to a number of areas of reforms in our country.

One of the urgent tasks of this organization in the fields of education, science, technology, information technology, culture, art, sports, and entrepreneurship, and the tasks of encouraging and supporting their various initiatives.

         As the President of Uzbekistan stated at the Youth Forum of Uzbekistan, "No matter what reforms we try in our country, we will first of all rely on young people like you, on your energy and determination. As you all know, today we have set ourselves huge goals. We have begun to create the foundations of the Third Renaissance in our Motherland. We consider the family, pre-school education, school and higher education as well as scientific and cultural centers to be the most important links of the Renaissance. For this reason, we are implementing fundamental reforms in these areas. I believe that in creating a new foundation for the development of our country, you, our devoted and patriotic youth, will actively participate and make a worthy contribution."

In the "New Development Strategy of Uzbekistan", which serves as a unique road map of the renewed reforms aimed at realizing the potential of such determined young people.

One of the priority directions of the state policy regarding youth in our country is the issue of ensuring youth employment, providing them with education, and training them in the profession. During the meeting with young people within the framework of the 2021 Youth Forum, the head of state asked for new and very relevant proposals in this regard. In particular, from now on, governors of regions, districts and cities, ministers and responsible leaders should hold regular meetings with young people, governors should develop and implement "road maps " aimed at solving the problems of young people, and report to local councils on this issue every six months. it was decided to give and determine the plans for the next six months.

An important initiative was put forward at the forum, such as the organization of vocational and entrepreneurship training for unemployed and unorganized youth within the framework of the "Youth: 1+1" program. Based on the principle "Each entrepreneur helps young people", the initiative to connect one unemployed youth to one entrepreneur was actively supported by many of our entrepreneurs. The head of state approved this noble action, which can provide employment to at least 500,000 young people.

         Within the framework of this initiative, during the past period, a number of activities have been carried out to train young people, provide them with jobs, and direct them to entrepreneurship, so that the level of unemployment among young people is significantly decreasing.

In this place, in the following years, in order to further accelerate youth reforms, including reducing unemployment, further expanding the scope of vocational training, and providing comprehensive support to talented young people, with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated January 18, 2021 "A youth-oriented state in Uzbekistan Policy Development until 2025" Concept was approved. According to it, as a result of the statements of the state policy on youth, opportunities will be created to further strengthen the economic potential of the country and to widely apply advanced practices.

And also it is expected that by 2030, Uzbekistan will be among the first 30 advanced countries of the world according to the PISA (The Program for International Student Assessment) rating .

At the same time, adaptation of educational programs to international standards (PISA, STEAM), coverage of children in pre-school educational institutions, youth comprehensive schools and higher educational institutions will be gradually increased due to the expansion of opportunities for non-state educational institutions. In particular, 80 percent of children under 3-7 years of age in the republic are enrolled in pre-school education organizations.

To increase the cultural level of young people, the number of libraries, theaters, cinemas, museums, parks and other cultural institutions will be gradually increased, and the capacity of sports facilities will be increased by 30% by creating conditions for young people to engage in mass sports.

Conditions will be created for youth to engage in public sports in neighborhoods; IT-parks will be established in all regions, Digital technology training centers will be established in districts (cities), about 200,000 young people will be trained on the basis of the "One million Uzbek programmers" project.

Conditions will be created for young people to use high-quality, fast and cheap Internet services, provision of double growth of communication and information services will be the most important results of the "Youth of Uzbekistan - 2025" concept.

         In conclusion, it can be said that by 2030, our country will become one of the "countries with an income above the average", the country's gross domestic product will exceed four thousand dollars per capita, and our economy will double from its current state. The effective implementation of the concept "Youth of Uzbekistan - 2025", which is an important legal basis, is of great importance. The fact that young people of any country have intellectual potential, knowledge and modern profession remains an important factor of the country's development.

 

Asrorjon Sattorov,

                                 The University of Public Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan Associate professor

Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Arab-Islamic Summit

📅 12.11.2024

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim!

Honorable chairman!

Distinguished heads of delegations!

I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty the King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud for hosting this important summit today on the most urgent and painful issue on the global political agenda - the problem of Palestine.

Regrettably, since the historic meeting in Riyadh in 2023, the scope of this unfair and violent war has further widened.

Despite the resolute efforts and urges of the international community, flagrant violation of international norms and resolutions continues to this day.

We are all dismayed by the fact that now the flames of war encompass Lebanon as well.

As my colleagues have noted in their statements, these devastating and horrific attacks, which have caused the deaths of thousands of innocent children, women and the elderly, are turning into the darkest page of the new history of humanity.

One cannot watch without broken heart how social infrastructure facilities, schools, hospitals, mosques and even entire cities are turning into ruins, leaving millions of civilians homeless and doomed to hunger and disease.

Worst of all, as we all can see, this tragedy on the international arena is being approached through double standards.

This dramatically increases the potential for spillover of the war and poses a serious threat to international security.

Dear participants of the summit!

Uzbekistan fully supports all practical initiatives aimed at addressing the Palestinian-Israeli problem through peace and diplomacy.

In this regard, we believe that today's Summit will demonstrate common political will and unity, develop effective global and regional mechanisms and specific solutions, and swiftly put them in practice.

In first place, here we are referring to the need to drastically increase the role and influence of the United Nations and the Security Council in addressing this long-standing conflict.

Immediate cessation of military action, provision of safe humanitarian corridors and, most importantly, the initiation of peace negotiations should be at constant focus of this universal international structure.

Second. On November 15, the long suffering Palestinian people will celebrate their National Day - the Declaration of State of Palestine.

I am confident that this nation with an ancient and rich history has every right to establish an independent and free state within the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In this regard, we fully support the activities of the Global Alliance for Implementation of the Two-State Solution, organized at the initiative of Saudi Arabia.

Third. In order to prevent an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Lebanon, we need to expand the scope of assistance from our countries and within the framework of leading international organizations.

We support increasing the necessary assistance to the activities of UNRWA and other United Nations institutions, which have great experience.

In this regard, we express our readiness to provide free medical care to war-affected Palestinian children and women in Uzbekistan's hospitals.

We also intend to discuss the issue of extending practical assistance to the Palestinian people at the forthcoming GCC-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand next year.

Fourth. As part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, we should attach greater attention to ensuring the sanctity and preservation of the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque and other unique historical and cultural sites in Jerusalem.

Dear heads of delegations!

I hope that our extraordinary meeting today will be a big step towards addressing the Middle East problem.

I pray to Allah Almighty to bestow peace and tranquility upon the world and further strengthen the unity of our Ummah.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Autumn elections to the Parliament of Uzbekistan will be held on the basis of a new system

📅 30.07.2024

The text of the article is in Russian!

President of Uzbekistan points to the need of enriching partnership with the UAE

📅 16.12.2024

The issues of further expansion of practical interaction and promotion of investment cooperation projects were discussed at the meeting between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the delegation of the United Arab Emirates comprising Minister of Industry and Advanced Technologies Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohammed Al Mazroui.

At the beginning of the conversation, Sultan Al Jaber conveyed to the Head of our State sincere greetings and best wishes from the President of the Emirates Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister of the country, Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum and Vice President Sheikh Mansour Al Nahyan.

In the course of the meeting, the current highest level of Uzbek-Emirati multifaceted relations was noted with special satisfaction. The volumes of mutual trade turnover, the number of joint ventures and the frequency of flights are growing. The portfolio of ongoing and promising projects with the participation of leading Emirati companies in Uzbekistan reaches $20 billion.

Green energy is the driving force behind bilateral cooperation. Today, a 500 megawatt wind farm was commissioned in Navoi region, a project implemented by Masdar.

In general, in recent years with the participation of this company power generation facilities with total capacity of 1.5 gigawatts have been commissioned in our country.

Particular attention was paid to the early preparation and implementation of major investment projects in the energy, oil and gas and chemical industries, mining, water supply, household waste processing and other fields.

The importance of continuing productive contacts at all levels and careful preparation for the upcoming high-level events was noted.

The Uzbekistan-Korea summit has ended

📅 15.06.2024

The state visit of the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Seok-yol at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ended.
During the three-day visit, high-level talks were held, at the end of which the leaders signed a joint statement on further deepening and comprehensive expansion of the Special Strategic Partnership. A bilateral set of documents was received.
The heads of state participated in a joint business forum with the participation of representatives of leading Korean companies and banking and financial institutions.
The presidents visited the Technopark in Tashkent and got acquainted with the existing potential for industrial cooperation.
Today, the dialogue between the heads of state continued in Samarkand. The presidents and their wives got acquainted with the historical and architectural masterpieces of the ancient city.
After the end of the visit, President Yun Sok Yol and his wife were escorted by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his wife at the airport.

Members of the Uzbekistan national chess team

📅 24.09.2024

I cordially congratulate you on your worthy participation in the 45th World Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. You have opened another bright page in the history of Uzbek chess, taking the honorable third place among representatives of about 200 countries.

In very sharp and uncompromising chess duels, you, having demonstrated high intellectual potential, unwavering will and steadfastness, outperformed the teams of such countries as China, Serbia, Armenia, Germany, Azerbaijan, Slovenia, Spain, which is truly admirable.

By your example, we have seen that the youth of New Uzbekistan is capable of achieving truly high standards in competitions of mind and thinking, and this has filled our hearts with a sense of joy and pride.

The results achieved by Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Zhavohir Sindorov, Shamsiddin Vokhidov, Nodirbek Yokubboyev and Zhakhongir Vokhidov, who displayed outstanding intellectual abilities, are very valuable and dear to us.

It should be especially noted that Shamsiddin Vokhidov, having won a gold medal and Nodirbek Abdusattorov a silver medal in the board section, proved again what true masters of chess game they are.

Along with courageous and brave young men, our purposeful chess players such as Afruza Hamdamova, Nilufar Yokubboeva, Umida Omonova, Marjona Malikova, Nodira Nodirjonova, who directed all their strength and energy, skill and professionalism to worthily defend the honor of the Motherland, also took part in the competition.

It is undoubtedly noteworthy that they improved their results from the last Olympiad, taking the 12th place among the
170 countries. It is gratifying that our chess player Nodira Nodirjonova won the 2nd place in the board section and was awarded a silver medal. I sincerely congratulate them all, wish them to reach even higher milestones and take prizes at future competitions.

Undoubtedly, the tremendous success of our chess players is a practical result of the enormous attention paid to the youth in New Uzbekistan, the ongoing large-scale reforms to develop sports, including the most intellectual one - chess.

Undoubtedly, such bright achievements further unite our people on the way to noble goals, serve as a source of inspiration for thousands of young men and women.

Taking this opportunity, on behalf of all our people and on my own behalf I express my sincere gratitude to you, my dear ones, to your experienced mentors and coaches who made a great contribution to your success, to all members of the national team, to your parents who supported you and to all chess fans.

May you have good luck in conquering the highest peaks at the next World Chess Olympiad, which will be hosted by our native Uzbekistan for the first time in 2026!

I wish you all health, happiness and well-being, great success in your studies and subsequent activities. May your path to victory be steadfast, my dear ones!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PARLIAMENTARISM: SIGNIFICANCE, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPECTS IN THE GLOBAL DEMOCRATIC AGENDA

📅 27.06.2025

UN Secretary-General to visit Uzbekistan

📅 30.06.2024

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will pay an official visit to our country from June 30 to July 1.

The program of the high-ranking guest's stay in Tashkent envisages talks at the highest level.

The agenda includes issues of further expansion and strengthening of Uzbekistan's multifaceted cooperation with the UN and its institutions, as well as topical aspects of global policy and regional interaction. Special attention will be paid to supporting measures to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in our country.

During the visit, the UN Secretary-General will also visit a number of industrial and social sites, hold bilateral meetings and events.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Presentation of measures for the development of artificial intelligence technologies and startup projects was held

📅 14.08.2024

On August 13, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev familiarized himself with a presentation on measures to develop artificial intelligence technologies and IT startups.

Information technologies are developing rapidly in our country and are being introduced into all spheres. As a result, the volume of digital services exceeded 21 trillion soums only in the past period of this year, and by the end of the year it is expected to reach 43 trillion soums. Export of services of the sphere amounted to 367 million dollars. The number of IT park residents increased by 577 and exceeded 2 thousand. The number of young people working in them reached 32 thousand.

This year, more than 100 digitalization projects are being implemented in health care, energy, transport, education, agriculture, water management, construction and others.

Times are changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are penetrating into all spheres. A number of projects have also been launched in this direction in our country.

For example, “My ID” and “UzFace” solutions have been implemented in more than 70 organizations, banks, marketplaces and payment systems, and the possibility of remote biometric identification of 10 million users has been created. “Uzbekcosmos” with the help of artificial intelligence identified about 43 thousand cases of illegal use of subsoil and unauthorized construction.

The presentation considered measures to develop artificial intelligence technologies in such areas as health care, agriculture, banking, tax, customs.

It was noted that first of all it is necessary to create a legislative base for artificial intelligence. The task was set to develop a strategy for the introduction of artificial intelligence and a two-year program of projects. The Center for Artificial Intelligence Technologies was assigned to be created.

In particular, the need to expand the application of artificial intelligence in banking and finance, training of specialized personnel and professional development of employees was emphasized.

At present, the personnel on artificial intelligence is trained in 4 universities. There is a need for 600 specialists in big data processing and language models. This number will increase many times in the coming years. Taking this into account, the importance of training specialists corresponding to the needs in terms of industries was emphasized.

All leading IT companies of the world started their activities from a startup. We are also taking the first steps in this direction. Last year, the volume of venture investments attracted in such projects amounted to 134 million dollars.

The head of state emphasized that it is time to create broad conditions for venture investments to finance startup projects. In this regard, instructions have been given to develop the startup ecosystem and introduce venture capital financing mechanisms.

The President of Uzbekistan noted the priorities of expanding partnership with the World Bank

📅 08.10.2024

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Antonella Bassani on September 30.

The sides discussed topical issues of further expansion of strategic cooperation with the World Bank Group and support of this leading international financial institution to the ongoing reform program in New Uzbekistan.

At the beginning of the meeting, Vice President Antonella Bassani conveyed to the head of our state sincere greetings and best wishes of World Bank President Ajay Bangui.

During the conversation, the current high level and fruitful nature of bilateral cooperation were noted with deep satisfaction.

In recent years, our country has become one of the largest partners of the Bank - the portfolio of projects has increased several times and now exceeds 12 billion dollars.

The World Bank is supporting the implementation of important reforms aimed at ensuring the sustainability of economic and social sectors. The Bank's regional office in Tashkent has been operating since July this year.

Such areas as poverty reduction, transformation of state-owned enterprises and banks, decarbonization, support for WTO accession and others have been identified as priorities for further expansion of the partnership.

Special attention was paid to the programs of urbanization and integrated development of regions, modernization of energy and irrigation infrastructure, support to the private sector.

There was also an exchange of views on the promotion of regional projects.