In today's interconnected world, a country's attractiveness is measured not only by its economic potential or cultural heritage, but also by how safe people feel in their daily lives. Public safety has become one of the key factors influencing tourism, investment and international cooperation.

According to the Safety Perceptions Index 2023, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (Vision of Humanity), Uzbekistan ranks first among 121 countries worldwide in perceived personal safety.

The index is based on data from the World Risk Poll and measures people's perception of safety in everyday life rather than official crime statistics.

This achievement reflects the effectiveness of Uzbekistan's ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening public security, modernizing infrastructure, expanding digital public services and pursuing a policy of openness.

Today, Uzbekistan continues to strengthen its position as one of Central Asia's most attractive destinations for tourism, investment and international partnership. Visa liberalization, improved connectivity, modern infrastructure and the country's renowned hospitality have created a welcoming environment for visitors from around the world.

International experts increasingly recognize that the perception of safety has become one of the most important factors shaping travel decisions. In this context, Uzbekistan's leading position in the Safety Perceptions Index 2023 reinforces the country's reputation as a reliable, secure and welcoming destination.

Combining the legacy of the ancient Silk Road with modern development, openness and social stability, Uzbekistan offers a unique environment where history, innovation and security come together.

Uzbekistan — a country of trust, stability and opportunity.

The Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum will take place on June 16–19, 2026. This year’s theme – “Investment Resilience: New Frontiers, New Partnerships” – frames the agenda around a set of pressing questions: how to protect capital amid global uncertainty, what institutional mechanisms enhance investment resilience in frontier markets, and where the new partnership routes lie.

The forum’s context is set by macroeconomic results. According to the National Statistics Committee, Uzbekistan’s GDP grew by 7.7% in 2025 and exceeded $147 billion – the fastest pace since 2021 and among the highest in the Europe and Central Asia region. Fitch Ratings and S&P Global upgraded the country’s sovereign rating from BB– to BB for the first time, while Moody’s revised its outlook to “positive.” International reserves, per the Central Bank, surpass $77 billion. Exports rose 24% to $33.8 billion. Foreign direct investment increased by 46.9%, with FDI accounting for 40.5% of total capital investment. For an economy that attracted only $4 billion in annual foreign investment in 2017, the surge to $42 billion by 2025 represents a fundamentally different scale of growth. This tenfold increase over eight years underscores a profound transformation in the nation's investment landscape.

The forum is scaling alongside the economy. Last year’s TIIF drew over 8,000 participants, including some 3,000 international delegates from 97 countries. Guests included Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, heads of government from all Central Asian states, EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso, and New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff. The aggregate value of signed investment contracts and trade agreements reached $30.5 billion. Yet what best speaks to the platform’s maturity is not the number of signings but the conversion rate – the share of agreements that translate into operating assets is increasingly the metric that matters to returning investors.

The centrepiece of this year’s forum will be the Tashkent International Financial Centre (TIFC), established by presidential decree in March 2026. Behind the headline sits a specific institutional architecture: a special legal regime based on common-law principles, a dedicated financial services regulator, an arbitration centre (TIAC), and tax exemptions through 2076. TIFC is part of a global trend toward specialised financial hubs that offer international market participants a familiar legal environment and regulatory predictability. Its defining feature is integration within the country’s legal framework: the centre operates under a special legal regime rather than creating a separate jurisdiction, reducing regulatory fragmentation and simplifying engagement with the domestic economy. A panel session featuring leaders of major global financial centres and international investors operating in Uzbekistan will address the central question: what are the practical conditions under which TIFC can attract international market participants.

The TIIF 2026 programme is structured around four thematic pillars: investment resilience and capital protection mechanisms, financial infrastructure and capital market development, trade connectivity and logistics corridors, and energy transition and climate finance. Key sessions include a discussion of the regulatory framework for alternative investment funds (a legal basis for private equity and venture capital being adopted for the first time), a panel on the Middle Corridor and trans-Caspian logistics, a session on sovereign ratings across Central Asia, and a practitioner-led workshop on blended finance instruments in frontier markets. A dedicated arbitration and dispute resolution track features two panel sessions co-organised with the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre (TIAC), the British-Uzbek Legal Association (BrULA), and the British Embassy. Topics range from the institutional design of Uzbekistan’s arbitration ecosystem – including the innovative Dispute Avoidance Protocol (DAP) – to the country’s positioning within the global investment protection architecture: ISDS frameworks, bilateral investment treaty reform, and New York Convention enforcement.

The energy agenda warrants particular attention. Uzbekistan has set an ambitious target of raising the share of renewables in electricity generation to 54% by 2030. Currently, the country operates solar and wind facilities with a combined installed capacity exceeding 4 GW, with a project pipeline envisaging an additional 19 GW of green capacity. Alongside this, the public-private partnership mechanism continues to develop: as of early 2025, PPP agreements worth approximately $28 billion had been signed in the country. For investors, this represents a large, structured market with standardised PPA contracts and a clear entry mechanism – a subject that will be examined in detail during the forum’s energy panel.

TIIF 2026 retains its bilateral business forum format, reflecting the expanding geography of Uzbekistan’s economic partnerships. Confirmed platforms include business forums with the Republic of Korea, the United States, Croatia, Hungary, Turkey, and Albania, as well as a China–SCO countries investment dialogue; the lineup continues to grow as the event approaches. The plenary session featuring heads of state and government will set the tone for the business programme. Running in parallel is an exhibition of industrial and investment potential spanning approximately 6,000 sq m – in 2025, a comparable facility facilitated over 500 B2B and B2G meetings for 100 participating companies.

At the same time, the forum agenda implicitly flags unresolved challenges. The corporate governance session raises the question of transitioning from concentrated to dispersed ownership – a process without which the stock market will remain illiquid. The discussion of privatisation and state asset IPOs calls for a candid conversation about pacing and institutional quality. The responsible business conduct panel, anchored in OECD standards, recognises that tax incentives alone are insufficient for accessing institutional capital – what is needed is verifiable supply chain transparency and functioning National Contact Point mechanisms.

The business programme is complemented by networking formats: an FIC and EY business breakfast on digitalisation and AI, the annual SQB Investor Day, an ESG Award ceremony, and the European Business Evening. The informal component – an invitational tennis tournament, TIIF Open, and an evening run – is designed for delegates who prefer to build relationships beyond the conference hall. The anniversary evening concludes with a collaboration with the Stihia electronic music festival – a detail that captures the tone in which Uzbekistan presents itself to an international audience.

For Uzbekistan, TIIF has long ceased to be a showcase. It is a working instrument of investment policy, whose effectiveness is measured not by the number of signing ceremonies but by the volume of capital that actually enters the economy between forums. The fifth, anniversary edition takes place at a moment when the country is simultaneously launching an international financial centre, adopting an alternative investment funds law, and receiving a sovereign rating upgrade – a convergence that creates a window of opportunity for investors prepared to operate in frontier markets with a growing institutional base.

The President of Uzbekistan has signed the Resolution “On measures to introduce a system of continuous improvement of knowledge of the population and civil servants in the fight against corruption”.

The legal and institutional framework for preventing and combating corruption has been improved in Uzbekistan in recent years. At the same time, there is a need to raise to a new level the system of developing an intolerant attitude towards corruption among the population and civil servants, immunizing them with ‘integrity vaccine’, as well as increasing knowledge and skills in the fight against corruption based on the requirements of the time.

In this regard, the President of Uzbekistan has signed the Resolution “On measures to introduce a system of continuous improvement of knowledge of the population and civil servants in the fight against corruption”.

The Resolution will introduce a system of continuous improvement of knowledge of the population and civil servants in combating corruption.

For this purpose, from January 1, 2025, the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy electronic platform (Virtual Academy) will be launched.

The Anti-Corruption Agency and the Law Enforcement Academy are in charge in organization and conduct of educational activities at the Virtual Academy. The Agency forms a contingent of civil servants who are subject to training, in agreement with the Academy, approves the annual training schedule, and monitors the quality organization of the educational process. The Agency submits annually information on the activities of the Virtual Academy to the National Anti-Corruption Council.

The key is that any citizen will have the opportunity to voluntarily study at the Academy’s basic courses. In particular, educational programs of various formats will be developed for preschool and school children, students, entrepreneurs, and representatives of nongovernmental organizations, taking into account their age, level of development and field of activity.

Increasing knowledge and skills in combating corruption at the Academy is mandatory for all civil servants.

This, undoubtedly, is of great importance in increasing the legal consciousness and culture of the population and civil servants, creating legal immunity from corruption in society, and cultivating the integrity values in the younger generation.

Training at the Virtual Academy in basic courses is organized free of charge for all users, and advanced training in special courses is fee-based.

The Agency formulates recommended annual research topics in the field of anti-corruption for higher education institutions and research organizations. All higher education and research organizations will annually submit to the Agency the results of research they conducted in the area. The Academy will maintain an electronic database on achievements, domestic and foreign experience, scientific, methodological and practical developments and research work.

Based on the Resolution, a Road Map is approved to ensure the effective functioning and strengthening of the material and technical base of the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy electronic platform.

According to it, the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy electronic platform and its mobile app will be launched by January 1, 2025. Special programs and content organized in the Virtual Academy for pre-school and school children, and students will be developed by October 1, 2024.

As part of the Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment (GRACE) Initiative, measures will be taken to create high-quality animated films, video and audio materials intended for students.

The launch of the Virtual Academy will serve to accelerate the formation of an intolerant attitude towards corruption in society, as well as the introduction of a system of continuous improvement of the knowledge and skills of the population and civil servants in the fight against corruption.

Dunyo IA

Uzbekistan, located in the heart of Central Asia, faces unique environmental challenges that require an integrated approach and strategic planning. In recent years, the country has been taking active steps to protect the environment by integrating sustainable development into national programs and projects. These efforts are not only aimed at improving the environmental situation in the country, but also make a significant contribution to solving global problems. Uzbekistan actively participates in global initiatives to combat climate change. The country ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016, committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.

Environmental policy issues play a key role on the agenda of the New Uzbekistan. Measures to transform the sphere of ecology and environmental protection to improve the activities of our ministry, actions to combat climate change and its consequences, a moratorium on tree cutting, the introduction of clean “green” energy, solid waste management, the development of “green” transport infrastructure, expansion networks of protected natural areas, measures to restore ecosystems and preserve biodiversity, combat desertification and drought, unify environmental legislation in accordance with international standards, supporting the introduction of modern information technologies, show positive trends.

One of the key aspects of Uzbekistan’s environmental strategy is the development of a “green economy”. The state program “Green Economy” for 2019-2030 is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint, increasing energy efficiency and developing renewable energy sources (RES).

Moreover, the government of Uzbekistan has set ambitious goals to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the country’s overall energy balance. As part of the Development Strategy “Uzbekistan - 2030” and subsequent plans. As President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated at the third Tashkent International Investment Forum held in early may this year, our country strives to create more than 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and increase its share in the energy sector. balance up to 40 percent. These goals include the construction of new solar and wind power plants, as well as the modernization of existing energy infrastructure.

In 2019, the law “On Renewable Energy Sources” was adopted, which creates a legal basis for the development of the green energy sector. The law provides benefits and preferences for investors, which stimulates the attraction of both domestic and foreign investment.

The development of “green energy” in Uzbekistan is actively supported by international organizations and financial institutions. Cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other structures plays an important role. Investments and technical support from these organizations contribute to the rapid implementation of innovative technologies and best practices in the field of renewable energy sources.

Just last year, together with the strategic partners of Uzbekistan - the companies Masdar, Gezhouba, China Energy”, large wind and solar power plants with a capacity of 1.4 gigawatts were launched. Also, together with ACWA Power, we began implementing a project for the production of “green” hydrogen.

Currently, work is underway on the implementation of 28 eight projects in this direction. It is noteworthy that these important projects are carried out exclusively through foreign direct investment on the basis of public-private partnerships.

Achieving global sustainable development goals is no less important for the country.

In Uzbekistan, in 2022, an updated Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers “On additional measures to accelerate the implementation of National Goals and Objectives in the field of sustainable development for the period up to 2030” was adopted, which confirms Uzbekistan’s strong determination in achieving the global Agenda for the period up to 2030 year in a comprehensive partnership with all UN member countries to achieve sixteen national sustainable development goals.

The National Goals and Objectives in the field of sustainable development for the period until 2030, the Plan of Measures for the effective implementation of the National Goals and Objectives in the field of sustainable development for the period 2022–2026, as well as the National Development Strategies of Uzbekistan, approved by the Government of our country, serve the implementation of the Goals of Sustainable Development development.

The achieved results in implementing the national goals and objectives of Uzbekistan are generally approved and recognized by the international community.

The basic principle of the new Uzbekistan “In the name of the honor and dignity of man” is consonant with the UN principle on sustainable development “Leave no one behind”.

In the Interagency Ranking of Sustainable Development Goals published by the UN (SDR) in 2023, Uzbekistan took 69th place among 166 countries, increasing its ranking by 8 points.

The Voluntary National Reviews prepared in 2020 and 2023 on the implementation of the national Goals and objectives of sustainable development of Uzbekistan until 2023 were positively assessed by the UN.

Uzbekistan has achieved significant results on all Sustainable Development Goals, which were balanced and interconnected with the implementation of the “Strategy of Action for Five Priority Areas of Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017 - 2021”

An analysis of the current state of protected natural areas in Uzbekistan and current trends in this area shows that in recent years the number and area of protected natural areas in the country have been increasing. Reforms are being carried out in the forestry sector, as a result of which the amount of forest land in the country has noticeably increased.

In this context, the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev “Yashil makon” (“Green space”) has become a truly national project. The forest area in relation to the total land area of Uzbekistan has increased over 7 years from 8.3% to 8.7%. The share of protected areas increased 2.0 times.

Uzbekistan actively participates in international mechanisms for environmental protection and human development. Various initiatives are being implemented to preserve biodiversity, restore ecosystems in the Aral Sea region, protect the ozone layer and mitigate the effects of climate change, and waste management. There are also policies and programs aimed at ensuring people's access to healthy food and clean water. Uzbekistan cooperates with the European Union, its institutional bodies for environmental protection and sustainable development, as well as with individual states such as Germany, Finland, Turkey, and South Korea.

The country is a party to 14 international conventions, as well as more than 20 protocols, agreements and memoranda of understanding in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development.

Uzbekistan regularly takes an active part in the annual meetings of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. During the 27th meeting, held in 2022, the Uzbek delegation advocated consolidating efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, promoting renewable energy sources, climate change adaptation projects, combating desertification and land degradation, introducing water-saving technologies and other climate actions in Central Asia.

Another significant aspect was that the UN supported the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to hold the first International Climate Forum in Samarkand in 2024, dedicated to climate change issues, which provides for a discussion of opportunities for international cooperation to reduce risks and threats in the Central Asian region and issues of attracting climate finance . During the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September of this year. In New York, the President of Uzbekistan took the initiative to adopt the UN General Assembly resolution «Central Asia in the face of global climate threats: solidarity for common prosperity» and proposed discussing its main provisions at the Samarkand Forum.

Cooperation with the countries of Central Asia is critically important to address the many environmental challenges facing the region. Cooperation in this area contributes not only to improving the environmental situation, but also to strengthening regional stability and sustainable development.

Another significant aspect was that the UN supported the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to hold the first International Climate Forum in Samarkand in 2024, dedicated to climate change issues, which provides for a discussion of opportunities for international cooperation to reduce risks and threats in the Central Asian region and issues of attracting climate finance . During the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September of this year. In New York, the President of Uzbekistan took the initiative to adopt the UN General Assembly resolution “Central Asia in the face of global climate threats: solidarity for common prosperity” and proposed discussing its main provisions at the Samarkand Forum.

One of the most significant areas of cooperation between Uzbekistan and neighboring countries is water resources management. The transboundary rivers Amudarya and Syrdarya are vital for all countries in the region. Uzbekistan actively participates in international forums and initiatives aimed at the rational use of water resources and conflict prevention. Joint projects with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan include modernizing irrigation systems, introducing water-saving technologies and improving water basin management.

The problem of the drying up of the Aral Sea is one of the most acute environmental disasters in the region. The Aral Sea region is of international importance. In the second half of the 20th century, the state of the Aral Sea entered a phase of instability. This period, caused by anthropogenic impact, is characterized by a decrease in the volume and flow of water, an increase in salinity, a decrease in fish biodiversity and other negative processes. The shrinking Aral Sea has a significant impact on the ecosystems of all neighboring countries, its critical situation extends directly to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, in particular to the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Bukhara and Navoi regions, and indirectly to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Restoring the Aral Sea requires joint efforts of all coastal states. Uzbekistan actively cooperates with Kazakhstan within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), implementing projects on reforestation, improving water supply and combating dust storms. These measures not only help improve the environmental situation, but also help mitigate the socio-economic consequences of an environmental disaster.

Desertification and land degradation are a serious problem for the countries of Central Asia. Uzbekistan is actively participating in regional projects aimed at combating these phenomena. Collaborative efforts include planting shelterbelts, restoring pastures, improving land management and introducing sustainable agricultural practices. Cooperation with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan allows for the exchange of best practices and technologies, which contributes to the effective fight against desertification.

Positive trends include the adoption of measures to increase the area of green space, a reduction in areas allocated for cotton and an increase in areas for growing vegetables, grains, fruits and fodder crops, as well as an increase in government support for the introduction of water-saving irrigation technologies.

Cooperation in the field of environmental education and knowledge exchange plays an important role in solving environmental problems in the region. Uzbekistan, together with neighboring countries, is implementing programs to increase environmental awareness of the population, train specialists and conduct joint research. This includes organizing conferences, seminars, training programs and exchanges of students and scientists. Such interaction contributes to the formation of a sustainable environmental culture and the training of qualified personnel to solve environmental problems.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia in the field of environmental protection is a key element of the regional sustainable development policy. Joint efforts to manage water resources, restore the Aral Sea, develop renewable energy sources, combat desertification and environmental education contribute not only to improving the environmental situation, but also to strengthening regional stability and prosperity. Uzbekistan continues to actively participate in international and regional initiatives aimed at solving common environmental problems, demonstrating its commitment to the principles of sustainable development and international cooperation.

In general, environmental protection in Uzbekistan is an integral part of the country’s sustainable development strategy. The measures taken to develop a green economy, combat climate change, protect water resources and promote sustainable agriculture not only improve the environmental situation in the country, but also make a significant contribution to solving global environmental problems. Uzbekistan demonstrates that an integrated and strategic approach to environmental protection can lead to a sustainable future, both nationally and globally.

Amid growing water scarcity and climate instability in Central Asia, Uzbekistan and Finland are implementing a unique form of scientific cooperation that combines digital innovation with sustainable water resource management.

In 2021, the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at the rational development of natural resources through advanced technologies. Today, this project stands as an example of scientific diplomacy that unites European expertise with Uzbekistan’s potential.

From Paper Maps to Digital Models.

For many years, hydrogeological maps of Uzbekistan existed only in paper form. Within the framework of the joint project, they were digitized using the ArcGIS platform, creating a unified national groundwater database. This digital transformation enables specialists to monitor aquifer conditions, analyze water balances, and forecast the impacts of climate change.

Finnish experts conducted a series of training programs for Uzbek specialists, introducing modern methods of digital mapping and data processing. This strengthened the professional capacity of the sector and laid the foundation for scientifically grounded and transparent water resource management.

Scientific Practice: Experimental Site in Akhangaran.

An experimental site was established in the Akhangaran district of the Tashkent region, where joint research teams conducted geophysical studies and developed digital models of groundwater flow. The obtained data help predict groundwater levels, plan water supply systems, and identify areas vulnerable to drought.

The use of the MODFLOW software package made it possible to create models that provide scientifically based solutions for water resource allocation — particularly important for regions with limited water reserves.

European Partnership for Climate Resilience.

Cooperation with Finland is part of a broader European agenda aimed at supporting climate adaptation and sustainable development in Central Asia. By combining European technologies with Uzbekistan’s scientific resources, the project demonstrates how international partnerships can strengthen ecological security and water stability.

The results of the joint work were published in the journal Water (Scopus) under the title “Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Groundwater Recharge and Storage Using MODFLOW in the Akhangaran River Alluvial Aquifer, Eastern Uzbekistan.”

Furthermore, new areas of cooperation have opened — with the University of Padua (Italy) in geological risk monitoring, and with the Belarusian Scientific and Production Center for Geology in groundwater observation.

Looking Ahead.

The joint project between Uzbekistan and Finland is more than a transfer of technology — it represents a step toward creating a new culture of rational water use and responsible climate action. The establishment of a national digital hydrogeological database will become a key element in the country’s environmentally sustainable development.

As Europe and Central Asia continue to strengthen cooperation in water, energy, and climate, the Uzbek-Finnish project serves as a model of how scientific initiatives can deliver tangible environmental and social benefits.

The strategic convergence between Turkiye and Central Asian states –driven by shared historical and cultural heritage alongside mutually reinforcing economic interests – is cultivating a novel architectural framework for regional interconnectedness. Through multilateral formats and bilateral initiatives, these actors have been establishing a durable platform for cooperation across trade, energy, transportation, and the “green” economy, transforming geographical proximity into a long-term factor of stability and collective development.

Amidst the diversification of Central Asian countries’ foreign policy vectors and the Turkish diplomacy’s increasing emphasis on the Eurasian dimension, this partnership has been acquiring a systemic character that goes beyond specific projects, thereby shaping a sustainable architecture of regional interconnectedness.

Political Foundations of Institutionalizing the Partnership

The core instrument facilitating political engagement is the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), which has evolved from a cultural and educational association into a regional a center of attraction spanning from Central Asia to the Caucasus and Europe. Regular summit meetings of OTS leaders exemplify a transition to a pragmatic cooperation phase. Particular significance is attributed to Uzbekistan and its President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has initiated to deepen collaboration within the organization.

At the October 2025 OTS summit in Gabala, Azerbaijan, the Uzbek leader proposed to craft OTS’s Strategy of Development 2030, including the establishment of a Permanent Council for economic partnership headquartered in Tashkent. These initiatives aim to coordinate economic projects, support business initiatives, and enhance the efficiency of interaction – underscoring Uzbekistan’s aspiration to become a regional hub of integration and a platform for sustainable development.

Simultaneously, Turkiye is intensifying its engagement within other multilateral structures relevant to Central Asia, such as Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where Ankara, holding the status of a partner and strives for full membership. This multi-format engagement allows for flexible adaptation of the agenda to specific priorities – from confidence-building measures in security to the coordination of transport corridors.

On January 20 2026, a meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group took place, co-chaired by the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan and Turkiye, confirming mutual readiness to deepen coordination within the UN, OSCE, OIC, and ECO, and to support each other’s candidacies in international organizations. This approach transforms bilateral relations into a component of a broader global diplomatic strategy, where support on the international stage becomes a shared interest.

Economic Dimension: From Trade to Strategic Investments

Since 2018, the bilateral trade volume between Central Asia and Ankara has more than doubled – from 6 billion to14.5 billion in 2025. In the long-term Turkiye has set an ambitious target of reaching $30 billion in bilateral trade with Central Asian region.

The volume of Turkish investments exhibits an even more remarkable trend. From 2016 to 2024, Turkish investments in the region increased 2.5 times – from 1.1 billion to3 billion – significantly surpassing the overall growth of Turkish investments in Eurasia (34%) during the same period. Central Asia accounts for 24% of Turkiye’s total accumulated investments in Eurasia. The number of Turkish companies operating in the region increased from 4,000 in 2016 to over 7,000 in 2025. Turkiye has become  Uzbekistan’s third-largest investor (after China and Russia), with more than 2,000 enterprises, including 438 joint ventures.

Turkish business is gradually shifting from small-scale operations to implementing large-scale infrastructure projects across construction, telecommunications, textiles, and agribusiness sectors. Framework documents such as the “OTS Strategy-2026” and the “OTS Strategy-2040,” approved within the OTS, envisage creating a unified economic space –including a common energy grid and a regional development bank. Uzbekistan’s initiatives to expand the activities of the Turkic Investment Fund and the adoption of the “OTS’s Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence and the Creative Economy” indicate a transition towards a high-tech collaboration agenda.

Energy Interdependence: From Hydrocarbons to “Green” Transformation

Central Asia possesses significant hydrocarbon reserves: Kazakhstan holds approximately 30 billion barrels of oil; Turkmenistan ranks fifth globally in natural gas reserves; Uzbekistan has sizable, largely undeveloped deposits. Correspondingly, Turkiye aims to become an energy hub, providing Central Asia with direct access to the European market amid EU’s decarbonization efforts and reduced reliance on Russian supplies.

The Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, initially intended for Azerbaijani oil, has evolved into the Trans-Caspian export route. Kazakhstan has been exporting oil through this corridor since 2008, and Turkmenistan since 2010.

In addition, negotiations are underway concerning the export of Turkmen gas via the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), with plans to double its capacity from 16 to 32 billion cubic meters.

Simultaneously, the countries are actively transitioning to renewable energy sources. In Uzbekistan, the Turkish conglomerate “Cengiz” has completed construction of two power plants totaling 460 MW, with additional facilities exceeding 500 MW under construction in Jizzakh. According to estimates from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan possess immense potential not only for domestic green energy production but also for export.

The culmination of these efforts is exemplified by the Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor project – an initiative under the Green Corridor Alliance, a joint Kazakh-Uzbek-Azerbaijani enterprise, with funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. It aims to connect the electricity grids of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with Azerbaijan across the Caspian Sea for subsequent export to Turkiye and Europe. An agreement on strategic partnership for this project was signed at COP29 in Baku in 2024.

The Central Corridor: An Artery of Development

The Trans-Caspian route (the Middle Corridor) has gained strategic importance as an alternative land corridor connecting China with Europe via Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and Turkiye. Forecasts suggest that freight volumes along this route could double by 2030, heightening economic interdependence and boosting its geopolitical relevance.

Uzbekistan actively supports the reinforcement of the Central Corridor, viewing it as a core factor for sustainable regional economic development. The infrastructural interdependence created by this project fosters long-term stability among the countries of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Turkiye, transforming transport cooperation into a tool for regional security enhancement.

Cultural and Humanitarian Dimension: The Foundation of Sustainable Partnership

Historical and cultural links rooted in a common Turkic heritage continue to underpin modern cooperation. The parties are steadily expanding educational programs within the “Turkic World” concept. Several universities operate across Central Asia, including the International University of Turkic States and the Turkish University of Economics and Technology in Uzbekistan. Special attention is given to increasing scholarships for Uzbek students within the “Türkiye Bursları” program and developing joint scholarship initiatives.

Such exchanges in science and culture foster durable horizontal ties among the citizens of Turkiye and Central Asian countries. An increasingly important element is digital cooperation: joint projects in artificial intelligence, digital governance, and creative industries open new avenues for engagement. The expansion of tourism flows and media exchanges also contribute to forming a unified informational and communicational space which is particularly relevant amid the global competition in the modern media environment of information manipulation.

Conclusion

Overall, the partnership between Central Asia and Turkiye reflects a transition from ad hoc interactions to a systematic model of cooperation based on resource, infrastructural, and strategic complementarity. Turkiye gains access to energy resources and transit routes, strengthening its status as an Eurasian hub. In turn, Central Asian states diversify their foreign policy and economic ties, increasing their autonomy and competitiveness.

The future prospects of this partnership hinge on three core vectors: first, deepening economic integration through the OTS and bilateral agreements; second, jointly implementing cross-border infrastructure projects in energy and transportation; third, advancing the “green” and digital agendas as foundations for sustainable development. Achieving these objectives requires ongoing dialogue, regulatory harmonization, and trust-building measures, but it already clear that the Central Asia–Turkiye partnership forms a robust platform for regional stability and collective prosperity in a multipolar world.

Dilorom MAMATKULOVA,

Leading research fellow of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Social policy in our country contains a wide range of issues on poverty alleviation, job creation, and support for socially vulnerable groups of the population. Investments in human capital are both a contribution to the social and economic sectors of the country's development. Moreover, according to a study by the Institute of Macroeconomic and Regional Studies under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, improving the quality of human capital leads to an increase in the inflow of foreign direct investment by 0.51 percent.
Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the new wording, adopted following the results of the national referendum, once again confirmed the commitment and orientation of the state to care for its citizens from the first days of their birth, regardless of their social status. It should be noted that the state did not come to this principle immediately, as the domestic social policy was formed step by step, i.e. in the process of long negotiations, permanent compromises and economic opportunities.
The enshrinement in the Constitution of the statement that Uzbekistan is a sovereign, democratic, law-based, social and secular State increases its social obligations.
It should be noted that a social state in the general sense guarantees quality education, qualified medical care, comprehensive support for families, children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities, provides housing and employment for those in need, creates safe working conditions and reduces poverty.
All of the above-mentioned state guarantees began to be reflected in the last decade of our country, which entered the world history as New Uzbekistan.
First, the Strategy of Action on Five Priority Areas of Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021 and the Strategy for the Development of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 identify as priority tasks: building a humane state by elevating human honor and dignity and further developing a free civil society; turning the principles of justice and the rule of law into a fundamental and necessary condition for the country's development; accelerating the development of the national economy and ensuring high growth rates; carrying out the development of the country's economy; and ensuring the development of the national economy.

Secondly, the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction has been established, the Ishga Markhamat monocenters have been launched, the “iron” “women's” and “youth” notebook systems have been set up, one hundred percent pensions are paid to working pensioners, the Social Protection Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been approved, and the problem of poverty in the country has been recognized. Moreover, the post of assistant khokims has been introduced, who are responsible for poverty reduction, developing entrepreneurship, organizing jobs and increasing the incomes of citizens. Most importantly, a new system of caring for the population has been created.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a video conference call on May 15, 2023 to discuss measures to reduce poverty and provide employment. Following the recognition of the existence of poverty in the country, a system to reduce it was introduced. At the beginning of last year, all districts in Uzbekistan were divided into five categories and given differentiated benefits based on the pace of socio-economic development. As a result, one million people have been lifted out of poverty.
Thirdly, education and medicine are the most important and comprehensive social spheres. In order to accelerate reforms and improve efficiency in these sectors, relevant project offices have been established.
Undoubtedly, investment in human capital is the best contribution to the future. In this regard, unprecedented reforms have been carried out in the area of continuous improvement of the system of continuous quality education and training of qualified personnel. As a result, preschool education coverage has increased from 27 to 74 percent, 11-year compulsory schooling has been resumed, the workload of school teachers has been optimized, and forced labor has been abolished.
Changes in the higher education system in recent years have also shown significant positive results. As a result, enrollment in higher education has increased from nine to 42 per cent, and the number of higher education institutions has grown from 77 to 212.

Our country pays great attention to the medical sphere, which directly affects the quality of life. Over the past seven years, the financing of the health care system has increased from 5.9 trillion to 33.5 trillion soums, i.e. six times. Hospitals are being equipped with modern equipment and new facilities are being built. In order to bring medicine closer to the people, on-site screening examinations are being conducted.
It should be noted that Uzbekistan is working on targeted support for socially vulnerable segments of the population. This is evidenced by the addition of a new wording to article 57 of the Constitution on State measures aimed at improving the quality of life of socially vulnerable categories, creating conditions for their equal participation in public and State life with other citizens, and expanding their opportunities to independently provide for their basic living needs.
One of the main innovations is article 42 of the Basic Law, which states that the minimum wage shall be determined taking into account the need to ensure a decent standard of living. From December 1, 2023, the minimum wage is equal to 1.05 million soums, while the cost of consumer expenditures is set at 568 thousand soums per person per month.
In addition, according to the Presidential Decision “On measures to further improve the system of social services and assistance to the population” of September 28, 2023, a new system of social assistance by the employees of the social service centers “Inson” of the National Agency for Social Protection has been introduced in 28 districts (cities) on a pilot basis since October 15 last year. The employees are responsible for keeping records and register of lonely, elderly and disabled persons in need of care, which helps to develop a plan of individualized social services by taking into account the degree of need for care. At the same time, assistance to the lonely elderly included in the Unified Register of Social Protection is provided on the basis of a contract.

On 4-6 June, Tashkent will host the second meeting of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia under the theme: “Peace, Connectivity, and Resilience: Shaping the Foundation for Shared Prosperity”.

Established in 2025 as a permanent international platform, the Termez Dialogue is intended to facilitate the practical advancement of the initiative put forward by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at strengthening interconnectivity between Central and South Asia. This initiative has received broad international support and was enshrined in a special resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 July 2022.

The current meeting is organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the Head of our State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan in partnership with the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

The forum will bring together more than 150 representatives of political, business, and expert communities, as well as international and regional organizations from Central and South Asia, Europe, the CIS, the South Caucasus, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, and the Americas. This underscores the inclusive and open nature of the Termez Dialogue as a comprehensive international platform for developing joint approaches to strengthening connectivity, trust, and sustainable development across the Eurasian space.

Partners and participants of the Dialogue include the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), as well as leading think tanks, research institutions, and peacebuilding organizations, including the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the Center for Progressive Reforms, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Berghof Foundation, PeaceNexus, Search for Common Ground, Georgetown University, and other organizations.

The forum programme includes a high-level plenary session on the theme: “Political Dialogue and Economic Connectivity as Pillars of Sustainable Development in the CICA Region”, as well as two special thematic sessions dedicated to joint climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability, and to deepening cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

The event will also feature expert and academic discussions, as well as side events devoted to regional security, expanding engagement with Afghanistan, including the development of the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan–Pakistan dialogue, strengthening transport and logistics connectivity, fostering regional trust, and advancing a common sustainable development agenda. Particular attention will be paid to issues of Central Asian regional identity, as well as to expanding youth cooperation in the fields of peacebuilding and sustainable development.

The forum programme also envisages off-site sessions. Participants of the Dialogue are scheduled to visit Termez, where they will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the modern trade, economic, and logistics infrastructure supporting cooperation with South Asian countries, including the operations of the Airitom International Trade Center and the international logistics hub Termez Cargo Center, as well as experience the rich cultural and historical heritage of the ancient city.

The third day of the Dialogue will take place in Samarkand, where delegates will explore the unique civilizational heritage of the Samarkand Renaissance, which historically served as a bridge between East and West, North and South.

The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of a Communiqué intended to reaffirm the commitment to strengthening trust, advancing constructive cooperation, and promoting sustainable connectivity between Central and South Asia.

Dunyo IA

On March 5 President of the Republic of Uzbekistan attended a meeting of the National council on combating corruption. The meeting analysed the work carried out on creating corruption-free environment and defined further goals.

In his speech, the Head of State mentioned that corruption is a serious challenge in the course of reforms.

In this connection in the past years laws were adopted and a new system on combating this vice was created. Responsible committees were formed in the parliamentary chambers, a National council and Anti-Corruption Agency were established.

Particular attention is paid to creating conditions where the public can openly raise and discuss the problem of corruption. The role and influence of the media in this sphere are raising.

Primarily, measures are taken to combat the causes of corruption. For example, the abandonment of allocation of land plots by decisions of khokims and transition to the auction system made the allocation process more open. There have also been positive changes in this area since the introduction of the “Shaffof Kurilish” program.

The adoption of the law on public procurement, digitalization of the system of elections and tenders, as well as the establishment of healthy competition allowed saving 14 trillion soums of budget funds last year.

Today, all banks provide household loans up to 100 million soums online in 5 minutes without human involvement. As a result, thousands of bankers, who used to process such applications, now work directly in mahallas, offering projects and credit programs, thus contributing to the growth of the customer base.

In the pre-school and school education system, more than 10 types of services have been fully converted to electronic format, reducing the number of applications by 2.5 times.

The higher education system was also digitalized: a system for taking tests and selecting universities based on their results was introduced, and the automated receipt of 35 types of documents reduced the number of requests by 2.2 times.

Due to the use of body cameras by traffic safety inspectors, the sale of license plates through auctions, and the elimination of paper protocols, corruption factors have been significantly reduced.

Services to the population and entrepreneurs are organized on the basis of the principle of “the state serving the people”: the requirements to provide 120 types of documents, more than 160 licenses and permits have been abolished. This led to the emergence of almost 200 thousand new entrepreneurs in the market, and the number of enterprises with foreign participation increased almost 5 times, reaching 23 thousand.

The number of electronic public services increased 15 times, reaching 721, and the number of their users exceeded 11 million.

Most importantly, these measures have strengthened the faith of the population, entrepreneurs, foreign partners, international organizations and investors in the ongoing reforms. Over the past seven years, over $120 billion in investments have been attracted, and the country's economy has doubled, reaching $115 billion last year.

The President emphasized that the fight against corruption is an ongoing process and outlined the current issues and future tasks in this sphere.

It was noted that law enforcement agencies are mainly focused on detecting and punishing corrupt acts, while preventive measures aimed at eradicating corruption factors are neglected.

In this regard, it was decided to change the working methodology of the Anti-Corruption Agency. As an experiment, compliance control in five agencies - the Ministries of Health, Construction, Water Resources, Joint Stock Companies “Uzbekneftegaz” and “Uzsuvtaminot” will be transferred to the Agency.

In addition, an in-depth study of factors of domestic and systemic corruption will be conducted at the district level, which will be used to develop specific measures and submitted to the National Council.

It was noted that 75 percent of corruption crimes are committed in the form of domestic corruption in districts and mahallas, so the composition of the regional councils on combating corruption will be completely renewed. They will be headed by chairmen of regional councils of people's deputies.

The regional councils will propose to the National Council amendments to legislation aimed at eradicating corruption factors and ensuring inevitability of punishment.

Eight years ago, a system of sectors for the integrated development of territories was introduced. They contributed to solving socio-economic problems. In recent years, the potential of the regions has increased significantly.

In this regard, it was decided that prosecutors, heads of internal affairs and tax authorities would no longer be involved in sector activities. Additional tasks have been set to prevent and combat crime.

Special attention is paid to preventing corruption in public procurement. An Expert Commission will be established for this purpose. Based on best practices, an electronic platform will be developed to monitor that the prices of goods and services purchased through public procurement do not exceed the market average by more than 20 percent. Accountability measures and fines will be introduced for violation of this requirement.

Requirements for the procurement of fixed assets at the expense of the budget and extra-budgetary funds will also be tightened. Domestic transportation and furniture will be given priority in procurement by government agencies, and a requirement for evaluation against high anti-corruption standards will be introduced for major projects.

The fight against corruption begins with the selection of professional and dedicated employees for the civil service. In this regard, instructions have been given to improve procedures for hiring and evaluating candidates.

The need to adopt a law on the declaration of income of civil servants was noted, and a draft of this law will be submitted for public discussion.

The importance of instilling the ideas of honesty in educational institutions was emphasized in order to educate a new generation intolerant of corruption, as well as to support the initiatives of young people.

Addressing the public, the President said that the fight against corruption is a national task and a matter of conscience for every patriot of the country.

- If we all join forces, we will definitely achieve significant positive results. That is why mahalla activists, the older generation, intellectuals, writers and poets, art and culture workers, businessmen, well-known figures, leaders, deputies and senators - the entire public should become united and consider corruption as a “plague on the body of society”.

During the meeting, a dialogue was held with members of parliament, government representatives and the public.

For the first time, the event held in such a format demonstrated a strong political will to fight corruption.

The Head of State presented 55 concrete initiatives, which will include the development of 5 laws, 12 decrees and resolutions, as well as strengthening the role of Parliament, National and Regional Councils and civil society institutions in the fight against corruption.

The legal basis for the fight against corruption will be strengthened: the introduction of a new system of income declaration and a procedure for preventing illicit enrichment will reduce corruption factors. The activities of the Anti-Corruption Agency and internal control structures in organizations will be strengthened.

The responsibility of heads of ministries and agencies in preventing domestic corruption will be increased. A system of public evaluation of the quality of public services will be established, and strict measures will be taken against managers with the worst performance.

The independence of control inspections will be strengthened, and corruption prevention mechanisms will be introduced in major investment projects and auctions.

By streamlining the public procurement system and restricting direct procurement, budget savings will be achieved, and diversion of public funds will be curbed.

The freed resources will be mobilized to fight crime, which will lead to greater stability in society and increase the confidence of citizens. Strengthened prosecutorial oversight of illegal inspections will contribute to improving the business and investment climate in the regions.

The achieved results will improve the position of our country in international ratings, and by 2027 conditions will be created for Uzbekistan's candidacy for the UNCAC conference.

Most importantly, the legal consciousness of the population, especially young people, will be raised, and the society will form ownership of the fight against corruption.

This May, Baku will serve as the world's leading platform for discussions on the future of cities. From May 17 to 22, the capital of Azerbaijan will host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum – the United Nations' leading global forum on sustainable urbanization. The forum's theme is "Housing for All: A Better Urban Future." Organizers indicate that the forum will address both the global housing crisis and the broader impact of housing on building inclusive, resilient, and climate-adapted urban environments.

According to UN-Habitat, nearly 3 billion people worldwide currently lack access to safe and affordable housing, more than 1.1 billion live in informal settlements or slums, and over 300 million are entirely without shelter.

For Uzbekistan, participation in this forum represents an opportunity to present its unique model of urban transformation to an international audience. Having moved beyond its image as a predominantly agrarian republic with ancient historic cities, the country today projects a new reality – expanding agglomerations, large-scale infrastructure modernization, and the growing significance of regional centers.

According to the National Committee on Statistics, as of January 1, 2026, the permanent population of the Republic of Uzbekistan exceeded 38 million, with the urbanization rate reaching 51 percent, representing nearly 20 million urban residents.

These figures mark a significant historical milestone. Uzbekistan has entered a stage in which national strength is measured not only by the throughput capacity of export corridors or the number of industrial zones, but also by the quality, connectivity, environmental sustainability, and economic productivity of its cities.

In contemporary Uzbekistan, a city is no longer merely an administrative unit. It is a place where young people receive education, entrepreneurs launch businesses, families seek affordable housing, and the state tests new approaches to infrastructure, transportation, and territorial governance. Rapid urbanization, however, is frequently perceived as a source of risk.

Indeed, when a city grows faster than its engineering networks, transportation arteries, and social infrastructure – schools, hospitals, parks –it begins to generate social tension rather than opportunity.

The Uzbek experience, however, is of particular interest precisely because urbanization is increasingly treated as a manageable resource for development. This process encompasses not only the construction of new districts, but also a transition toward a fundamentally higher quality of urban environment.

As the President of Uzbekistan has noted, each 1-percent point increase in the urbanization rate generates at least 1 percent of additional economic growth, with commensurate increases in investment flows, business and startup activity, and labor productivity. For this reason, Uzbekistan is developing a unified approach to the sustainable management of urbanization across the country.

To this end, the National Committee on Sustainable Urbanization and Housing Market Development has been established, tasked with implementing state policy in the areas of urbanization, housing construction, urban renewal, and mortgage lending. The Committee will also coordinate and advance programs across these domains.

The Future of Uzbekistan's Cities

According to World Bank projections, more than half of Uzbekistan's population currently resides in cities, and this share could exceed 60% by 2050. Such a trajectory means that urban planning, transportation, waste management, utility services, and public spaces are no longer merely matters of convenience –they are becoming a key determinant of national competitiveness.

This is where the core analytical insight lies: for Uzbekistan, urbanization is not a byproduct of demographic growth but a powerful lever of modernization whose economic rationale is abundantly clear. Quality infrastructure stimulates labor mobility, a livable urban environment attracts investment and talent, and the development of regional centers alleviates pressure on the capital.

While Tashkent naturally plays a pivotal role as the primary center of gravity, the country's sustainable development requires a deliberate shift of focus toward other cities.

Supported by the Asian Development Bank, cities such as Jizzakh, Khavast, Khiva, and Yangiyer are emerging as anchor points of this new geography, where projects for modern and inclusive infrastructure are being implemented. These cities exemplify the transformation of regional centers from peripheral locations into autonomous hubs of growth.

This approach fundamentally reframes the development philosophy. At its core lies not simply the decongestion of Tashkent, but a comprehensive strategy for creating genuine alternatives in the regions –with new employment opportunities, public spaces, transportation connectivity, a business-enabling environment, and high-quality municipal services.

To give powerful impetus to entrepreneurship in the regions, establish production of high value-added goods, and introduce urban living standards and conditions in rural mahallas, a program has been approved for the creation of 33 model districts and cities embodying the "New Uzbekistan" vision. The strategic objectives set by the President of Uzbekistan in this domain are ultimately aimed at transforming the architectural character of New Uzbekistan, while ensuring a dignified standard of living for the population and confidence in the future.

All of these measures are critically important for a country with a predominantly young population, since relocation to the capital must not be perceived by young people as the only viable path to self-fulfillment. In this sense, second-tier cities offer a new life scenario –education, employment, business, and a dignified existence without having to leave one's hometown.

Large-scale investment is being mobilized to realize this potential. In December 2025, the World Bank approved a financial package for Uzbekistan totaling $250 million. The funds will be directed toward improving municipal infrastructure and urban services in 16 districts and cities. The program covers territories with a combined population of approximately 3.6 million people and is expected to directly improve living conditions for roughly 1 million people by 2030. Among the anticipated outcomes are improved transportation access for 300,000 residents, the development of parks and public spaces for 400,000 residents, and the creation of approximately 10,000 temporary jobs in the construction sector.

Uzbekistan's Positive Achievements in Urban Development and Urbanization

Those figures matter not merely as investment statistics. They demonstrate that urban infrastructure is a form of social policy.

A compelling illustration of this principle is the experience of the Aral Sea region, which can be presented as a practical case study in implementing new approaches to territorial adaptation, water resource management, community support, and climate risk mitigation.

It is here that questions of urbanization acquire particular depth. How does one develop settlements in an ecologically vulnerable zone? How does one create employment where the natural environment has suffered severe degradation? How does one integrate afforestation, water security, public health, infrastructure, and the local economy into a coherent whole?

The answers to these questions are relevant not only for Uzbekistan. They hold lessons for many regions of the world where climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity are already affecting urban quality of life. Indeed, the story of Uzbek urbanization is significant not only as a national case study, but as a reflection of a broader strategic shift underway across Central Asia.

This shift marks a move beyond the traditional perception of the region through the prism of geopolitics, energy, raw materials, and transportation corridors. Today, the relevant question is framed differently: what will the cities of Central Asia look like?

Will they simply expand, consuming land and overstretching infrastructure? Or will they evolve into spaces where economic growth is reconciled with environmental responsibility, affordable housing, public transportation, green zones, and meaningful civic participation?

Uzbekistan stands precisely at this crossroads. Its advantages lie in its scale, demographics, and growing attention to regional development. Its challenge is to ensure that the quality of urban planning keeps pace with rapid urban growth.

In this sense, Baku –as host of the World Urban Forum –becomes a symbolic platform for the entire region. For Uzbekistan, it is an opportunity to demonstrate that its urbanization agenda carries both national and international significance. The country has the potential to offer the world a pragmatic yet human-centered approach –one in which the region functions not only as an economic node, but also as a mechanism of social resilience.

Altogether, Uzbekistan today stands on the threshold of the most ambitious urbanization reforms in its history. The new strategic plan envisions decisive measures aimed at supporting demographic growth and improving the welfare of the population. This is the central meaning of Uzbekistan's new urbanization.

Tursunboy Zikirov and Alisher Nizamov,

Heads of Departments,

The Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Experts often use the Latin phrase “si vis pacem, para bellum”, which translates as “if you want peace, prepare for war”. They emphasis that only force can guarantee peace.

The processes observed in Central Asia in recent years suggest the opposite. Against the backdrop of geopolitical turbulence, countries in the region regularly pursue policies based primarily on the principles of dialogue and good neighborliness.

In a short period of time, the face of the region has changed dramatically, common points of growth are forming, and mutual trust is becoming an important condition for stability. Common triggers for development are being identified: the formation of a common economic space, active attraction of investment, and the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties. A spirit of unity and solidarity has formed in the region.

As Uzbekistan's leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, “Today, Central Asia is different - it is united and strong, open to dialogue and full-scale partnership”.

The political transformation of the region is underpinned by steady economic growth, demonstrating the region's growing power. In particular, over the last 10  years, Central Asia's GDP has grown by more than 6% annually — twice as fast as the global average.

Due to political will and joint efforts of the leaders of the states, significant results have been achieved in resolving border issues. An important milestone on this path was the trilateral meeting of the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, held on 31 March 2025 in Khujand.

As a result, an agreement was signed on the junction point of the state borders of the three countries, which is clear evidence that the governments of our states place peace and harmony above all else.

All this confirms the idea that peace can only be achieved through mutual understanding, support and cooperation, which are the basis of friendly relations. We are guided by the principle: “If you want peace, be friends with your neighbors” This approach reflects the essence of the integration processes taking place in the region and certainly deserves the attention of the international community as a “exemplary model” for resolving even the most complex conflicts of our time.

How has humanity understood the world over the centuries?

Throughout human history, peace has been regarded as one of the highest spiritual and social values. Even in ancient times, thinkers in Ancient Greece sought to understand the phenomenon of Eirene – a state of harmony, the cessation of hostility and stable order in society.

In Eastern philosophical thought, the concept of peace also occupied a special place. It was understood, first and foremost, as the inner harmony of a person with themselves and the surrounding world, as a path to spiritual balance and moral perfection.

The great thinkers of Central Asia continued to develop the idea of peace, giving it philosophical and humanistic content. Thus, Abu Nasr Farabi regarded peace and harmony as an indispensable condition for the existence of a “Virtuous City”, where justice, reason, and mutual understanding between people become the basis of social well-being. Alisher Navoi, in his poetic works, presented peace as the highest form of spiritual and moral perfection of man, the basis of creation and mutual respect between peoples.

Thus, over the centuries, the idea of peace has evolved from an understanding of it as the absence of war to an awareness of spiritual and moral harmony between people and nations.

Why was Fergana chosen as the venue for the Forum?

The choice of Fergana as the venue for the forum is no coincidence.

The Fergana Valley is a unique geographical area where peoples speaking different languages and practicing different religions have coexisted peacefully for centuries. The Great Silk Road passed through the valley, and its inhabitants were engaged in crafts, trade and science, always striving for mutual understanding and dialogue. Conflict is a foreign concept to the region.

Today, the Fergana Valley unites the territories of three independent states, whose relations are based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Fergana Valley is the most populous region in Central Asia. According to data, the Andijan, Namangan and Fergana regions of Uzbekistan alone are home to about 11 million people, which is almost a third of the country's population. If we take into account the population of the territories of neighboring states that are geographically part of the region, the total figure is about 17 million.

With this in mind, the countries of Central Asia are striving to deepen regional integration, viewing it as an important condition for sustainable development. Strengthening mutual trust and partnership is becoming one of the key areas of their foreign policy. To discuss specific steps and exchange experiences, platforms are needed that promote open dialogue and coordination of positions.

One such platform will be the Fergana Peace Forum, which will be held on 15–16 October at Fergana State University. It will be attended by representatives of government agencies and business circles of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, experts from scientific, analytical and research centers, as well as delegates from the CIS, SCO, OSCE, UNDP, EU and other international organizations.

In addition, the Fergana Valley is a multinational region where representatives of all peoples and ethnic groups live in peace and harmony.

In this regard, the attention that the government pays to strengthening interethnic friendship and creating conditions for all citizens to receive education in their native language and study their national culture is of great importance.

Today, there are more than 250 schools in the Fergana, Namangan and Andijan regions where instruction is conducted in Kyrgyz, Russian and Tajik.

It is important to emphasize the important role of regional branches of national cultural centers, which are involved in ensuring inter-ethnic harmony, developing intercultural dialogue and tolerance, and strengthening good-neighborly relations with neighboring states.

Various activities are carried out in this area by 17 national cultural centers (8 in Fergana, 5 in Andijan and 4 in Namangan regions), including Russian, Slavic, Korean, Jewish, German, Tatar, Kyrgyz, Uyghur, Tajik and Turkish.

Special mention should be made of the activities of public associations, foundations and NGOs implementing socially significant projects, both with funding from domestic donors and with the support of international organizations and foreign partners such as the World Bank, UNDP, the United Nations Population Fund, the UN Women, the European Union, the International Organization for Migration, Saferworld, DVV International, Fair and Sustainable Development Solutions, DIA International and others.

The implementation of such projects contributes to ensuring access to social protection, developing entrepreneurial skills, increasing the participation of women and young people in public affairs, and strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between residents of border areas.

Overall, the first Fergana Peace Forum opens a new page in the development of good neighborly relations and partnership between the countries of the region.

In this case, the choice of the Fergana Valley as the venue reflects its historical role as a space for mutual understanding and harmony. Undoubtedly, this forum will provide an additional stimulus for further strengthening stability and expanding cooperation in Central Asia.

Abror Yusupov,

PhD in Political Science,

Associate Professor,

Deputy Director of the

Center for Analysis of Democratic Processes