Ahead of the 81st session of the U.N. General Assembly and the 2026 SDG Moment, regional mechanisms for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals are gaining new relevance.

Jakhongir Isaev

The 81st session of the U.N. General Assembly opens on Sept. 8, while world leaders will gather for the SDG Moment on Sept. 18. These events will once again focus attention on how to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals in the limited time remaining before 2030.

The U.N.’s 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Report shows that of 139 targets with sufficient trend data, only 36% are on track or making moderate progress. The report emphasizes the need for more investment, technology, data and international cooperation. At the same time, many of the most difficult development challenges are regional, while the main delivery mechanisms remain largely national.

Water basins, electricity grids, transport corridors, air pollution, climate risks and labor markets do not stop at national borders. National plans therefore increasingly need to be complemented by regional coordination, shared data, financing instruments and accountability mechanisms.

Central Asia is beginning to accumulate practical experience in this direction. It would be misleading to present the region as a finished model: serious water, infrastructure and institutional challenges remain. Yet several initiatives advanced in 2026 indicate how a regional layer of SDG implementation can take shape.

In April, the U.N. General Assembly adopted Resolution 80/260 on strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration for sustainable development in Central Asia. Supported by the five Central Asian states and 66 co-sponsors, the resolution calls for closer coordination among countries and for U.N. agencies, funds and programs to align their work around regional priorities.

The practical value of this approach is that country programs run by international organizations can be linked around common cross-border outcomes. Water efficiency, clean electricity trade or better transport connectivity can become measurable regional missions around which national reforms and development-partner resources are coordinated.

Energy is already moving in that direction. In January, the World Bank approved the first phase of the Regional Electricity Market Interconnectivity and Trade program. The 10-year initiative aims to establish Central Asia’s first regional electricity market, expand transmission capacity and enable larger-scale renewable-energy integration.

Water cooperation provides another important example. The World Bank estimates that limited coordination among national water systems costs Central Asia more than $4.5 billion a year. In July, it approved a regional project through the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea to strengthen transboundary water management, digitize water accounting and prepare joint infrastructure investments. Around 40 million people are expected to benefit directly or indirectly.

Regional cooperation inevitably requires countries to reconcile different interests — between upstream and downstream states, electricity exporters and importers, transit economies and landlocked countries. For that reason, an effective model also needs mechanisms for benefit-sharing, dispute resolution and transparent monitoring.

Central Asia’s emerging experience suggests four practical lessons for the wider SDG system. First, regional cooperation should focus on specific and measurable missions. Second, multilateral development banks could expand regional financing instruments that reward joint delivery. Third, common standards and interoperable data platforms should be treated as part of regional public infrastructure. Fourth, the U.N. development system can align more of its country-level support around common regional results when dealing with transboundary challenges.

Such an approach does not weaken national sovereignty. On the contrary, it gives governments additional tools to address problems that cannot be solved effectively by one country alone. Regional cooperation also does not replace global cooperation; it serves as an important bridge between global goals and national implementation.

The 2026 SDG Moment emphasizes scaling solutions that have demonstrated results. The mechanisms now emerging in Central Asia are relevant from this perspective because they point to the need to scale not only individual projects, but also the institutions that connect countries, budgets, data and accountability.

In the next phase of the SDGs, greater attention should therefore be given to strengthening practical delivery mechanisms. For many cross-border challenges, regional cooperation can be one of the most effective levels at which this work is organized.

Jakhongir Isaev is Head of Department at the NGO Center for Sustainable Development. He writes on sustainable development, international cooperation and regional policy.

The text of the article is in Uzbek language!

Bakhtiyor Mustafayev, Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the Head of our state (ISRS), commented on the outcomes of the working visit of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Switzerland and his participation in the ceremony of signing the Board of Peace Charter in Davos:

- The participation of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in events held on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026 constituted a landmark development, reflecting the country’s transition to a new stage of international positioning.

Against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, Uzbekistan demonstrated an approach that aligns domestic reforms with evolving global expectations, positioning itself as a reliable and predictable partner for investment and initiatives in the field of security.

A central milestone of the working visit was the participation of the Head of State in the ceremonial signing of the Board of Peace Charter on January 22, 2026. The invitation extended to the President of Uzbekistan by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to join this body as a founding member reflects a high level of international confidence.

Uzbekistan’s participation in the Board of Peace is grounded in clear strategic considerations.

First, this represents a natural continuation of the strategy of openness and multi-vector dialogue that Uzbekistan has consistently pursued in recent years.
Tashkent has been purposefully strengthening its presence across all major global platforms, actively participating in regional and international formats of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and BRICS+.

The invitation extended to U.S. President Donald Trump to participate in the G20 Summit reflects the growing recognition of Uzbekistan as a responsible partner in global governance. Accession to the Board of Peace logically builds on this trajectory, reaffirming Uzbekistan’s capacity to engage on an equal footing with the world’s leading powers and to make a constructive contribution to the development of new mechanisms of international cooperation.

Second, Uzbekistan’s participation in the Board of Peace clearly demonstrates its firm commitment to a principled position on the Palestinian issue, where Tashkent combines humanitarian resolve with practical action.
Following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s public call for a ceasefire in November 2023, the country moved from words to deeds: USD 1.5 million in assistance was allocated through UNRWA, and in December 2024 Uzbekistan carried out a humanitarian evacuation of 100 wounded Palestinian women and children from Rafah.

Drawing on the successful experience of the Mehr program, Tashkent created comprehensive conditions for their medical treatment and social rehabilitation, effectively offering the international community a functioning model of practical humanitarianism. This state policy—going beyond declarations and implying real responsibility for human lives—became a key factor of trust in the formation of the Board of Peace.

Third, the Davos platform served as a catalyst for advancing Uzbekistan’s economic and investment profile toward a higher level of global competitiveness. Over the past decade, the country has demonstrated sustained economic growth: GDP has more than doubled to USD 145 billion, economic growth reached 7.7 percent in 2025, and foreign exchange and gold reserves exceeded USD 60 billion for the first time.

Structural transformation of the economy is reflected in the fact that more than 80 percent of GDP is generated by processing industries, while exports reached a historic high of USD 33.4 billion, representing a 24 percent increase. Equally significant are the social outcomes of the reforms, including a reduction in the poverty rate from 35 percent in 2017 to 5.8 percent in 2025, contributing to more inclusive economic development.

In addition, negotiations between the President of Uzbekistan and the leadership of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, marked an important step toward attracting long-term and sustainable investment. Discussions on potential equity participation and the establishment of joint investment mechanisms indicate Uzbekistan’s growing integration into global investment processes. This confidence is also reflected in the activities of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), whose total investments in Uzbekistan have reached nearly USD 7 billion, making the country one of the Bank’s key partners in the region.

Fourth, amid the fragmentation of the global order and the escalation of regional tensions, ensuring that the interests of Uzbekistan and Central Asia are adequately reflected in emerging security frameworks remains of critical importance. Participation in the Board of Peace serves as an instrument of preventive diplomacy based on the understanding of the interconnected nature of contemporary challenges and threats.

Uzbekistan is effectively establishing the first line of defence for its own security and for the stability of the entire region, ensuring that national and Central Asian interests are not marginalized in global decision-making processes.

In conclusion, it can be stated with confidence that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Switzerland has set a new strategic trajectory for the country’s development.

The combination of institutional consolidation within the Board of Peace, internationally recognized macroeconomic achievements, a consistent humanitarian stance, and the active promotion of regional interests at the global level positions Uzbekistan as a unique model of successful modernization in the contemporary world — a state that not only adapts to changes in the international system, but also earns the right to participate in shaping the global agenda of the 21st century.

Dunyo IA

Today, the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia provide the region’s leaders with a regular platform to align their positions on issues that shape the future of Central Asia as a whole. Over the course of eight summits, direct dialogue has evolved into sustained engagement at the level of national coordinators, relevant ministries and agencies, regions, and business communities. From an economic perspective, it is particularly important that trade, industry, transport, and investment are being addressed with due consideration for the interdependence of national development plans.

Central Asia has arrived at its current model of cooperation within a relatively short period of time. In 2017, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed holding regular meetings of the region’s leaders, and the first such meeting took place in Astana in March 2018. The format was built around direct dialogue, allowing the states themselves to define the range of common issues and coordinate their positions in areas where results depend on the actions of neighboring countries. At the same time, the format has retained its fundamentally consultative nature, based on the independence of its participants.

As the scope of cooperation expanded, the necessary mechanisms were gradually established. In 2021, the establishment of a Business Council was proposed. In 2022, the Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century was signed. The Council of National Coordinators was established in 2023, and a year later the Central Asia 2040 Concept for the Development of Regional Cooperation was adopted. In this way, political dialogue acquired an institutional and legal framework between summits while preserving the flexibility of the original format.

Uzbekistan’s chairmanship in 2025 significantly strengthened sectoral cooperation. More than 20 major sectoral and interregional events were held, including the Interregional Cooperation Forum at the level of deputy prime ministers. Ahead of the Seventh Consultative Meeting in Tashkent, the first meeting of the Council of Ministers of Trade and Investment of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan was held. Discussions focused on practical objectives: increasing mutual trade to USD 20 billion, establishing production facilities under the “Made in Central Asia” brand, and attracting international financial institutions to infrastructure and industrial projects.

The current scale of economic ties makes it possible to pursue more ambitious objectives. By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with the Central Asian countries had reached USD 8.3 billion, an increase of 15.2 percent. In the same year, the volume of direct investment and loans attracted from countries in the region amounted to USD 1.3 billion. Growing trade and investment activity is creating a foundation for deeper industrial cooperation and the development of production chains among enterprises across the region.

This is the underlying rationale of “Made in Central Asia.” Enterprises from several countries can participate in the creation of a final product by distributing individual stages of production among themselves. For Uzbek businesses, such a model expands the pool of potential customers and enables production to be planned in response to demand beyond the domestic market. A practical foundation is already taking shape: an Action Plan for the Development of Industrial Cooperation for 2025–2027 has been approved, bilateral investment funds have been established, cross-border trade zones and industrial cooperation centers are being developed, and joint sectoral projects are being implemented.

The economics of production chains is directly dependent on logistics. The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, as well as the Trans-Afghan and Trans-Caspian routes, involve different groups of participating countries.

The consultative platform provides an opportunity to coordinate countries’ infrastructure plans, border crossing operations, and logistics hubs in advance. In 2025, Uzbekistan proposed establishing an Infrastructure Development Council at the level of deputy prime ministers in order to place such coordination on a permanent footing.

A more favorable business environment is also being shaped through decisions taken in bilateral and trilateral formats. Since 2023, citizens of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have been able to cross the shared border using ID cards. In 2025, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan signed a treaty on the junction point of their state borders. These measures facilitate travel, business contacts, and cross-border trade.

Azerbaijan’s accession as a full-fledged participant in November 2025 expanded the permanent dialogue toward the South Caucasus and brought into the format a country located along the continuation of the Trans-Caspian routes. This makes it possible to address trade, transport, energy, and investment issues within a broader economic geography.

At the same time, the planning horizon is expanding. The Central Asia 2040 Concept established long-term priorities, while at the Tashkent summit Uzbekistan proposed developing a Comprehensive Regional Program for Trade and Economic Cooperation through 2035, adopting a Declaration on a Common Investment Space, and introducing a joint program for the development of e-commerce. For businesses, these initiatives create a more predictable horizon for planning investments, supply chains, and entry into neighboring markets.

Uzbekistan’s proposal to move toward a strategic “Central Asian Community” format also fits within this longer-term perspective, with the aim of strengthening continuity in the implementation of long-term infrastructure, industrial, and investment initiatives.

Following the conclusion of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship, the focus continued to shift toward new forms of economic connectivity. At the informal meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in July 2026, Uzbekistan proposed substantive work on integrated industrial and technological value chains, shared digital services, and investment platforms.

The mechanisms developed in recent years make it possible to connect suppliers across several countries, establish production facilities serving broader markets, attract capital to projects of regional scale, and incorporate logistics considerations from the earliest stages of investment planning. The established channels of cooperation facilitate the transition from strategic priorities to concrete projects while preserving each state’s independence in decision-making. Translating high-level agreements into programs and measurable results is what defines the substance of the next stage.

For Uzbekistan, this represents a qualitatively new scale of regional economic policy. Central Asia is becoming a space where coordinated decisions expand the potential market for national enterprises, connect production capacities, open new routes, and strengthen the foundation for investment. This is precisely where the strategic significance of the platform lies: the countries of the region are themselves shaping the conditions for long-term growth, while Uzbekistan consistently advances initiatives that translate the potential of good-neighborly relations into tangible economic opportunities.

On 23 September this year, a regular meeting of the Central Election Commission was held to discuss the accreditation of observers from abroad and from international organizations, as well as the organization of the activities of the Instant Information Center.

The interest of foreign countries and international organizations in the elections to the representative bodies of state power, which will be held this year in accordance with the updated electoral legislation, is extremely high.

In particular, it is expected that more than 1,000 international and foreign observers will participate in observing the elections, particularly about 400 from 50 countries, about 500 from 21 international organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States and another 60 from the election commissions of 26 foreign countries.

It should be noted that the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe intends to participate in the observation of the elections in Uzbekistan with a comprehensive mission consisting of a core group, long-term and short-term observers, about 350 observers in total.

The great interest of foreign states and international organizations in the elections in Uzbekistan testifies to the international community's recognition of the democratic reforms being carried out in our country.

Accordingly, it was decided at the Central Election Commission meeting to accredit observers from international organizations who will participate in the elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and the local Councils (Kengashes), and some observers from international organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe were accredited.

As of today, foreign and international organizations wishing to accredit observers can log into the “E-Saylov” information system in their country and enter data electronically in a specific format and submit it for review.

Another notable aspect of this process is that new samples of mandates of accredited foreign observers are automatically generated electronically through this system.

Also at the meeting of the Central Election Commission, the relevant decision was taken on the establishment of the Instant Information Center – “Call Center” - and the approval of its statutes. The “Call Center” will receive citizens' complaints centrally and provide them with legal explanations and consultations in real time.

The main objectives of the “Call Center” are to establish a dialog with citizens in real time during the election campaign, to provide the population with complete and reliable information on the activities of the commissions, the stages of the electoral process, to create the necessary conditions for the unconditional realization of citizens' rights to vote and appeal, and to strengthen their awareness of electoral legislation and processes.

Central Election Commission Press Service

Today, environmental challenges such as climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss and air pollution are driving countries around the world toward closer cooperation. Uzbekistan has likewise identified environmental protection and climate change adaptation as key priorities of its state policy. In this context, the development of international partnerships, particularly with the United States, is of special importance.

At present, experts and representatives from both countries actively engage on various international platforms. In particular, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan regularly participates in meetings of the Environment and Energy Working Groups within the C5+1 framework. This dialogue platform enables the countries of Central Asia and the United States to exchange expertise on environmental issues and advance new initiatives.

In recent years, bilateral cooperation has gained significant momentum. Uzbek delegations have taken part in international forums, educational programs, and professional development initiatives hosted in the United States. Participation in sessions of the United Nations Forum on Forests, visits organized through cooperation with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and educational exchanges on environmental topics under the U.S. Congress’s Open World Program have all contributed to strengthening professional expertise and promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

In 2024, a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, and U.S. Presidential Advisor Sara Minkara underscored the importance of integrating social considerations into the environmental agenda. The parties discussed the impact of climate change on persons with disabilities and reached an agreement to foster cooperation between higher education institutions in the two countries.

Significant progress is also being made in scientific collaboration.
A memorandum signed in 2025 between Green University in Tashkent and the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University is expected to elevate research in the fields of ecology and climate change to a new level. A practical outcome of this partnership was the visit to Uzbekistan by world-renowned economist and sustainable development expert Jeffrey Sachs.

Looking ahead, there are broad opportunities to further expand environmental cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States. One particularly promising area is the study of U.S. experience in forest management. Approximately one-third of the United States is covered by forests and the country has developed advanced forest management and monitoring systems that may offer valuable insights for Uzbekistan.

Considerable potential also exists in the fields of biodiversity conservation and protected area management. In the United States, millions of hectares of land are managed for conservation purposes and this experience could contribute to the further development of Uzbekistan’s protected area system.

Particular attention should also be given to cooperation in education and science. Establishing partnerships between Green University and leading global institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, Stanford University, Harvard University and Yale University would not only enhance the quality of scientific research but also help prepare a new generation of specialists in ecology and climate science.

In addition, the United States’ advanced experience in sustainable urban development and «green» infrastructure is of considerable interest for Uzbekistan’s cities. Cities such as Portland and Seattle have successfully implemented projects involving «green» streets, cycling infrastructure, modern waste management systems and air quality monitoring technologies. Studying these practices could support the advancement of green city initiatives across Uzbekistan.

The hosting of the Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Samarkand in 2026 further strengthened Uzbekistan’s international standing in the field of environmental cooperation. The participation of U.S. representatives in Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, organized as part of this landmark event, has the potential to elevate environmental partnership between the two countries to a qualitatively new level.

Today, environmental cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States extends beyond individual projects and events, increasingly taking on the character of a long-term strategic partnership. At a time when climate change and environmental security are becoming ever more pressing global concerns, such cooperation will contribute to sustainable development not only in both countries, but across the wider region as well.

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

Starting from the 2021/2022 academic year, the dual education system, which has proven effective in the German education system, was introduced in Uzbekistan. This new form of education allows young people to apply theoretical knowledge obtained in educational institutions in practice simultaneously.
Initially, the legal basis for introducing and improving this form of education in Uzbekistan was created. The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Education" (No. ORQ-637) dated September 23, 2020, Article 15, specifies dual education as a separate form of education. Article 17 of the same law defines dual education as follows:
"Dual education is aimed at providing learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies, with the theoretical part taking place in educational institutions and the practical part at the learner's workplace."
Additionally, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has paid attention to the systematic development of the dual education system based on German experience. In particular, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Measures for the Development of Education, Science, and Innovation in the New Period of Development of Uzbekistan" (No. PF-6108) dated November 6, 2020, stipulated the introduction of practice-oriented educational programs in vocational educational institutions starting from the 2021/2022 academic year.
As a result, new mechanisms for training competitive personnel have been introduced in Uzbekistan by organizing education in harmony with labor activities for specific job positions in the economic sectors and companies (organizations), based on the real needs of the labor market.
In collaboration with experts from the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), specific rules and procedures for organizing dual education have been developed. The Cabinet of Ministers' Resolution No. 163 dated March 29, 2021, "On Measures to Organize Dual Education in the Vocational Education System," was adopted.
This resolution approved the regulation on organizing dual education in the vocational education system, consisting of four chapters. Currently, students are admitted to dual education programs based on the requirements of this regulation. In the initial year, more than 2,000 students were admitted to colleges and technical schools for dual education in fields such as preschool education, railways, and construction. The demand for mid-level specialists prepared through this form of education has led to the expansion of dual education.
Employers now have the opportunity to select and hire the best specialists in this education system. In the 2022/2023 academic year, nearly 45,000 young people were admitted to vocational educational institutions for dual education. In addition to the previously mentioned fields, dual education has been introduced in information technology, light industry, agriculture, and services.
Currently, about 13,000 students are receiving dual education in 234 vocational educational institutions across Uzbekistan. These students are supervised by 3,144 qualified mentors from companies and organizations, who develop their practical skills directly at the workplace.
Moreover, dual education is particularly prominent in areas such as automotive technical service, agriculture, preschool education, light industry, and services. Over 3,600 companies and organizations in Uzbekistan participate in dual education.
For instance, the Asaka Agrotechnology Technical School in Andijan region has established cooperation with "UzAvto Motors" JSC, a major automobile manufacturer in Uzbekistan, for training mid-level specialists through dual education. As a result, more than 500 students are being trained in specialties such as "Welding Technology and Equipment," "Automobile Assembly and Testing," "Mechanical Engineering Technology," and "Automobile Technical Service and Repair."
In recent years, significant work has been done to develop the vocational education system in Uzbekistan with foreign partners such as the European Union, German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), UNESCO, and the Swiss Embassy in Uzbekistan.
For example, two technical schools in the agricultural sector received four tractors, 42 relevant technical equipment, 72 computers, and two refrigerators for storing agricultural products, with a total value of $700,000.
Additionally, 15 pilot educational institutions selected by GIZ were equipped with sewing machine sets (21 sewing machines, 6 overlocks, 6 interlocks, 3 zigzags, 3 embroidery machines), 9 cutting tables, ironing equipment, and 3 multifunctional digital "smartboards." The Almazor Light Industry College was equipped with modern equipment for a practice room in the "Computer-Aided Design" (CAD) direction, including 12 special tablets for designing and modeling, 12 computers, 1 presentation screen, and 1 plotter.
Furthermore, 109 pedagogical staff members were trained in Germany and Switzerland. Additionally, 750 teachers were trained in entrepreneurial skills based on German methodology with the support of German foreign donors.
Under the GIZ "Vocational Education for Economic Growth in Central Asia (PECA V)" grant project, six pilot educational institutions were selected for training mid-level specialists in the fields of bread, bakery, confectionery, and pasta production, as well as logistics.
Within this project, the material and technical base of the Yangiyul Agrotechnology Technical School, Samarkand Tourism and Service Technical School, Tashkent State Agrarian University, and Bukhara Engineering Technology Institute were strengthened.
Equipment for 34 items was delivered to the Yangiyul Agrotechnology and Samarkand Tourism and Service Technical Schools.
In collaboration with Germany, 70 modular education programs for dual education have been developed. Additionally, the "Concept for the Introduction and Further Development of Dual Education in Uzbekistan" and a "Guide for Developing Educational Standards Based on Professional Standards for Dual Education" were prepared.
To ensure that graduates of vocational educational institutions are self-employed in the future, i.e., set up their own businesses, it is crucial to teach them and introduce new methodologies into the educational process. In this regard, the "Basics of Business" subject was developed in collaboration with the German "German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation" organization and introduced into practice.
Moreover, to increase the attractiveness of the vocational education system in Uzbekistan and to provide students with in-depth foreign language training, one of the priority directions is to ensure the competitiveness of mid-level specialists in the domestic and foreign labor markets.
In particular, one-year special German language courses were organized in 33 vocational educational institutions. Currently, 773 students in technical schools in the medical field are being taught in these German language courses.
A one-year program for teaching German was developed and introduced into these courses based on advanced German experience and methodologies. To provide students with educational materials, 6,000 copies of modern textbooks for levels A1, A2, B1, and B2 were purchased from Germany and delivered to educational institutions based on the recommendations of the Goethe Institute.
The system for training professional and qualified mid-level specialists for state-significant sectors and industrial enterprises is being systematically improved by providing the labor market in Uzbekistan with mid-level specialists with modern professional skills.
The Presidential Decree No. PQ-200 dated July 3, 2023, "On Measures for the Effective Organization of State Management in Higher Education, Science, and Innovation within the Framework of Administrative Reforms," stipulated the introduction of a system for year-round admission of students to dual education in vocational educational institutions based on the orders of companies and organizations. This has given a significant impetus to the development of this form of education.
Additionally, due to the increasing demand for mid-level specialists in job positions created based on regional socio-economic development programs, the need arose to organize year-round dual education in vocational educational institutions based on the orders of organizations.
The Cabinet of Ministers' Resolution No. 647 dated December 7, 2023, "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Introduction of a System for Year-Round Admission of Students to Dual Education in Vocational Educational Institutions," created the opportunity to organize year-round dual education in vocational educational institutions based on the orders of organizations.
Despite the fact that only two months have passed since the adoption of this resolution, more than 750 students have already been admitted to dual education based on the existing needs of over 20 companies.
Furthermore, from now on, free short-term advanced training courses will be organized annually for the voluntary improvement of the pedagogical skills of mentors assigned from organizations to dual education.
Additionally, by the 2024/2025 academic year, an electronic platform will be created to determine the current and prospective needs of the labor market for mid-level specialists. An electronic system for signing contracts between organizations willing to train mid-level specialists and vocational educational institutions will be introduced.
As a result of the reforms implemented to develop the dual education system in Uzbekistan, the coverage of dual education will reach 50,000 students by the end of this year. Furthermore, by the beginning of the new academic year, 100 professions will be selected, and professional standards will be developed based on the experiences of Germany, Switzerland, and Great Britain. The demand for professions will be aligned with the needs of employers.

Utkirjon Alijonov
Head of the Department for the Development
of the Vocational Education System,
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation

The changes taking place in Central Asia in recent years can hardly be described as simplediplomatic rapprochement. This process is also transforming the economic landscape of the region.

Several years ago, issues related to borders, transport, water and energy were largely viewed as sources of disagreement. Today, these very areas are becoming some of the greatest opportunities for cooperation. This is because the countries have come to understand that the individual market and opportunities of each country are limited, while an interconnected region creates a much larger economic space.

The political foundation of this change is linked to a new regional approach that began in 2017. The policy of openness, good-neighborliness and pragmatism promoted by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has strengthened dialogue among the Central Asian states.

While the first Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was held in Astana in 2018, by 2025 such meetings had become a regular tradition. Most importantly, the economic results of this dialogue have become increasingly visible.

For example, in 2023, mutual trade among the countries of the region increased by more than 2.5 times compared with previous years, while mutual investment grew almost sixfold. At the 2025 Tashkent meeting, it was noted that intra-regional trade in Central Asia had reached $10.7 billion.

 There is an important logic behind these figures: as trust increases, risks decrease; as risks decrease, trade and investment increase.

The Seventh Consultative Meeting in Tashkent: A New Geoeconomic Architecture

The seventh Consultative Meeting, held in Tashkent in November 2025, marked a new stage in regional cooperation. Azerbaijan’s accession to the format as a full-fledged participant expanded the economic geography of Central Asia.

Why is this important? One of the major challenges facing Central Asia is its limited direct access to seaports. Azerbaijan, through the Caspian Sea, connects the region with the markets of the Caucasus, Türkiye and Europe.

In this regard, the Port of Baku, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and railway networks may open new export opportunities for Central Asia.

This is not simply about transporting goods. Logistics centers, warehouses, insurance and financial services, and processing enterprises will emerge around the new corridors. In other words, a single transport corridor can create new businesses across several sectors.

Therefore, Central Asia is gradually beginning to emerge not simply as a “landlocked region,” but as an economic hub where Eurasian transport corridors intersect.

Integration Is Driven by Business, Not Summits

The real outcome of regional cooperation is measured not by the number of documents signed at summits, but by changes in the lives of enterprises and entrepreneurs. In this regard, bilateral relations are particularly important. For example, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is planned to increase to $10 billion.

Thousands of joint enterprises have been established in the two countries in recent years.

 Trade with Turkmenistan has also approached $1 billion. The growth of cross-border trade and cargo transportation shows that economic ties between the two countries are developing not only at the level of capitals, but also at the regional level.

With Kyrgyzstan, transport and energy cooperation is of particular importance, especially the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project. If implemented, it will further strengthen Central Asia’s transport connectivity along east-west routes.

Relations with Tajikistan are also increasingly viewing trade, industrial cooperation, transport, water and energy issues from the perspective of economic cooperation.

All these processes are connected by one trend: neighboring countries are beginning to see each other not only as markets, but also as partners in production and investment.

Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan: Towards Lasting Friendship and Joint Markets

Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan relations hold a special place in cooperation between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Joint projects between the two countries are expanding in trade, energy, logistics, construction, geology, textiles and tourism.

Bilateral trade increased in 2025, and high growth rates have continued in 2026.

Most importantly, relations are moving beyond ordinary trade toward investment and joint production. A target has also been set to bring bilateral trade turnover to $1 billion by 2030.

Another important aspect of this cooperation is the possibility of combining Uzbekistan’s production capabilities with Azerbaijan’s logistics opportunities in the Caspian and Caucasus regions.

For example, products manufactured in Uzbekistan can reach Azerbaijan via the Caspian Sea and then access the markets of Türkiye and Europe. If customs procedures, railway transportation, port operations and electronic document systems are coordinated along this route, the time and cost required to bring products to market can be reduced.

Therefore, Azerbaijan’s accession to the regional cooperation format is not merely a symbolic diplomatic event. It is a practical step that expands Central Asia’s economic map westward through the Caspian Sea.

From Cholpon-Ata to Avaza: Ahead of the Eighth Consultative Meeting

On October 8–9, 2026, the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia is scheduled to take place in the Avaza National Tourist Zone of Turkmenistan.

The importance of this meeting can also be seen in its agenda. Along with transport and energy, issues related to water, climate, ecology, the Aral Sea, education and human capital are expected to be discussed.

This is not accidental. The economic future of the region can no longer be divided into separate sectors.

For example, water is directly connected with agriculture and energy; energy is connected with industry; transport is connected with exports; and education is connected with high technologies.

Therefore, at the next stage, it is not enough to understand integration simply as “more trade.” The key issue is to create more value together.

Regional Value Chains

One of the most important issues for Central Asian countries in the future is not simply increasing the volume of trade, but determining how much added value is created within that trade.

For example, if automotive components are produced in one country, a vehicle is assembled in another, spare parts are manufactured in a third, and the finished product reaches external markets through a fourth country — this represents genuine regional economic integration.

Such a model can be applied in textiles, electrical engineering, automotive manufacturing, food production, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and construction materials.

For this, a business-friendly environment is needed: digitalization of customs procedures, mutual recognition of certificates, shorter border-crossing times, and compatibility of electronic payments and documents.

Simply put, the greatest result of integration should not be a new declaration, but the ability of an entrepreneur to cross the border faster and at lower cost.

Water and Energy: From a Challenge to a Common Interest

           One of the most complex issues of integration in Central Asia is water and energy.

Water resources and energy potential are not distributed evenly among the countries. Therefore, if a state acts solely on the basis of its own interests, this may lead to unfavorable consequences for the region as a whole.

Conversely, coordinating reservoirs, hydropower, agriculture and electricity grids increases overall efficiency.

Climate change is making this issue even more urgent. Droughts, shrinking glaciers and growing demand for water will require countries to cooperate even more closely in the future.
Therefore, digital water accounting, data exchange, joint forecasting and the development of cross-border energy projects will become important components of integration.

“Central Asia Plus”: The Region Is Moving in Harmony with the Outside World

 Another important outcome of regional rapprochement is the growing perception of Central Asia as a common economic actor in negotiations with external partners.

Through “Central Asia Plus” formats, dialogue is being conducted with the European Union, China, Russia, the United States, South Korea and other partners.

The important point here is that external partners now have an opportunity to view the region not only as five separate markets, but as a larger interconnected economic space.

At the first “Central Asia–European Union” summit, held in Samarkand in 2025, transport, green energy, investment and digitalization were discussed. Trade and transport links with China are also expanding. The first “Central Asia–Republic of Korea” summit, held in Seoul in 2026, demonstrates the growing importance of technology and human capital.

Thus, the region is simultaneously strengthening internal integration and diversifying its external economic relations.

Seven Priority Economic Areas for New Development

 Political trust has been established in Central Asia. The next task is to turn it into economic results. Several areas are crucial for achieving this.

First, customs and trade processes need to be digitalized.

Second, the number of joint industrial enterprises and regional value chains should be increased.

Third, the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the Trans-Caspian Corridor and other routes should be developed as a single interconnected logistics system.

Fourth, investment funds, export credit, insurance and public-private partnership mechanisms need to be expanded.

Fifth, data exchange and long-term planning in water and energy should be coordinated.

Sixth, common standards for digital payments and e-commerce are important.

Finally, investment in human capital is essential. The integration of the future will be driven not only by railways, but also by engineers, programmers, scientists, entrepreneurs and specialists of the new generation.

The most important feature of current developments in Central Asia is that countries are increasingly beginning to see one another not as competitors, but as partners.

The goal of increasing trade with Kazakhstan to $10 billion, the growth of cross-border trade and transport links with Turkmenistan, railway and energy projects with Kyrgyzstan, water and energy dialogue with Tajikistan, and the opening of new transport and investment opportunities through the Caspian Sea with Azerbaijan are all different manifestations of the same process.

This process is not yet complete. On the contrary, its most important stage is only beginning.

Because turning political agreements into economic results is not always easy. An agreement signed at a summit must become a new product at an enterprise, a transport agreement must lead to cheaper logistics, and an investment agreement must create a new job.

If this chain works, the geographical constraints of Central Asia can become an economic advantage.

If the ports on the Caspian Sea, railways coming from the east, common energy systems, regional industrial chains and a large consumer market become interconnected, Central Asia will become not simply a geographical region, but an important economic space in Eurasia.

Today, the region faces a historic opportunity: to turn geographical constraints into economic advantages, common problems into joint projects, and national markets into a large interconnected space for development.

To achieve this, the agreements reached at summits must be transformed into tangible results that enterprises, investors, farmers, transport operators, scientists and ordinary citizens can feel in their daily lives.

Only then will cooperation in Central Asia become not a political slogan, but a real economic force creating prosperity.

The New Uzbekistan’s open and pragmatic regional policy will remain one of the important initiators and driving forces behind this common path of development.

Tulkin Teshabaev,

Rector of Tashkent State University of Economics

Doctor of Economics, Professor

Belarus and Uzbekistan actively cooperate in the transport and logistics sector within the framework of the Coordinating Transport Conference of the CIS Member States (CIS CTC), the Organization for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD), and the Commonwealth Railway Transport Council (CIS RTC).

An additional basis for the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation is the participation of both countries in the CIS and SCO, where issues of developing international transport corridors and strengthening transport connectivity between states occupy an important place on the cooperation agenda.

A practical result of cooperation is the steady positive growth in freight traffic between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Belarus, which is one of the republic's key trade and transport partners.

In terms of export and import freight volumes, Belarus is among Uzbekistan's top ten trading partners. By the end of 2025, freight traffic between the two countries reached 850,000 tons, an increase of 30% compared to the previous year.

The structure of freight traffic is dominated by imports, primarily timber, timber products, and food products, while export volumes remain insignificant and consist primarily of agricultural products.

The current situation demonstrates significant potential for increasing mutual freight traffic, primarily through the expansion of Uzbek exports and the development of new logistics routes.

In the context of geopolitical conflicts and the diversification of global supply chains, the creation of new international transport corridors in Eurasia using mixed modes of transport in the East-West and North-South directions is acquiring strategic importance.

The following are promising cooperation projects:

1. Development of new, optimal alternative transport routes with access to seaports.

A promising area is the development of the international transport route "Belarus – Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – Indian Ocean ports," which utilizes the shortest railway section running through Kazakhstan between the Dina Nurpeisova and Karakalpakstan stations.

On November 1, 2023, in Tashkent, at the SCO Transport Forum, the transport ministers of Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the creation and development of this corridor. Belarus and Pakistan joined the Memorandum in 2024, and negotiations are currently underway to add Afghanistan.

The economic logic of the project is very clear. The corridor is approximately half the length of existing alternative routes and reduces delivery times by 2-3 times. It will directly connect the countries of the European Union and the CIS with Southeast and South Asia via a land-based rail and road route, increasing our countries' transit potential by transporting goods to the densely populated countries of South Asia – India and Pakistan – via the Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan route.

In the future, joint work is planned to develop uniform standards for the operation of the international transport corridor, including the introduction of a single shipping document and the unification of technological and technical standards.

It should be noted that the new route through Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan will contribute to the diversification of the geography and structure of foreign trade and will lead to an increase in the region's transit potential.

This potential is already being demonstrated in practice. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, freight transit to the south through Uzbekistan increased by 23% compared to the same period last year, reaching 1.8 million tons, of which 1.3 million tons were transported by rail and 0.5 million tons by road.

1. Cooperation in Transport Personnel Training.

A significant element of the long-term partnership is cooperation in the training and advanced training of transport specialists.

Belarus has a recognized track record in transport training. For example, the Belarusian State University of Transport in Gomel is a leading specialized educational and research institution, which includes the Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining of Personnel and the Research Institute of Railway Transport.

Developing cooperation between the Belarusian State University of Transport and specialized organizations in Uzbekistan, particularly the Tashkent State Transport University, would enable the organization of internships and advanced training programs for specialists, the development of academic mobility for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students, and joint research in priority areas of rail transport development, multimodal transportation, and international transport logistics.

III. Digitalization of Permit Exchange for Road Transport.

A separate practical area is the transition to the electronic exchange of permit forms—the E-permit system. Uzbekistan currently fully implements this exchange with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Turkey, and partially with Tajikistan. Work is underway to launch it with Turkmenistan.

Implementing this system in cooperation with Belarus will ensure transparency in permit distribution, eliminate human error, and strengthen oversight of their use, which is especially relevant given the growing volume of road transport between the countries.

Thus, cooperation between Belarus and Uzbekistan in transport and logistics goes beyond increasing mutual traffic and acquires a strategic dimension.

The implementation of these projects—from a multimodal corridor to Indian Ocean ports to the digitalization of permitting procedures—could transform our countries' geographical location into a real competitive advantage, making the Belarus-Uzbekistan-South Asia route convenient, fast, and predictable.

Joint and consistent work in these areas will strengthen economic ties between the two countries and make a significant contribution to the development of sustainable transport connectivity in the Eurasian space.

Head of Department, Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Dildora Ibragimova

Distinguished heads of delegations!

I am sincerely glad to greet you all. I would like to echo the words of gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for the warm welcome and excellent organization of our meeting.

I am grateful to the distinguished Federal Chancellor of Germany, H.E. Mr. Olaf Scholz, for his commitment to expanding the multifaceted partnership with the countries of our region.

Our first meeting in Berlin and today's summit reaffirm shared intention to continue an open and constructive dialogue and our focus on achieving concrete practical results.

We are interested in holding regular meetings in this format, with setting up the mechanisms for expert review and implementation of the initiatives put forward.

Distinguished Federal Chancellor!

We highly value Germany's firm and unwavering support for the ongoing democratic transformations and socio-economic reforms in our countries, partnership and integration in Central Asia.

I would like to highlight that our multifaceted relationship has deep historical roots.

In the 18th century, the great composer of the Age of Enlightenment Handel created one of his greatest works – the opera "Tamerlane" – in just 20 days.

The great poet and philosopher Goethe dedicated a number of his famous works to our ancient cities - the centers of civilization.

I would like to mention another historical fact.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a group of talented, progressive young people from Central Asia studied at the leading German universities and subsequently made a great contribution to the promotion of the enlightenment ideas and socio-economic development of our region.

I would like to emphasize that today we see Germany as one of our important partners in achieving national goals of sustainable development.

Let me briefly highlight the profound and fundamental changes that have taken place in Central Asia in recent years.

We have established an open and productive dialogue and are independently addressing many issues related to borders, water, energy, trade and transit.

Recently, the Sixth Meeting of the Heads of State of the region was held here in Astana.

The international stance of the region is strengthening, cooperation with the leading countries via "Central Asia Plus" format is expanding.

The volumes of trade turnover, investment, freight transport and tourist travel by our citizens have increased many-fold.

We are discussing major regional projects in green energy and the development of transport communications.

We are exchanging experience and technologies, creating modern industrial and agricultural enterprises, and introducing financial instruments to stimulate cooperation projects.

Most importantly, we clearly understand that the future of our region, its security and sustainable development depends solely on our political will and efforts.

We sincerely welcome the interest of our European partners, first of all Germany, as the main initiator and driving force behind the promotion of EU strategies and multilateral cooperation programmes with our countries.

We are preparing to hold another summit in Uzbekistan in the format of "Central Asia - European Union" next year, having defined the investment in the future of the region as the main topic of the agenda of the meeting.

Dear colleagues!

Conflicts and wars, the overall global instability and unpredictability, sanctions policy, increased protectionism and many other factors are causing extremely negative impact on our countries and are becoming a serious test to the implementation of national programs and reforms.

Earlier, during our talks in Samarkand, I shared with Chancellor Scholz my high expectations from today’s meeting.

In this regard, I would like to outline our vision of the main directions for developing cooperation with Germany in Central Asia.

First. We highly value the establishment of a strategic regional partnership between Central Asia and Germany, which meets the common interests of maintaining stability, ensuring sustainability and prosperity of the region.

We consider it appropriate to adopt a long-term Concept for the development of our partnership with program activities in priority areas.

In order to develop this document, we propose to consider the possibility of establishing the “Central Asia – Germany” Forum of Analytical Centers. We are ready to hold its first meeting next year in Khiva - one of the region’s historic cities where a large community of German Mennonites used to live.

We also assign an important role to the annual meetings of the heads of the foreign ministries of our countries in preparing the agenda of our summits.

Second. Investment and technological partnership with the leading German companies.

I would like to note that the portfolio of ongoing and promising projects in Uzbekistan with the participation of German companies exceeds 20 billion Euros.

This includes energy, chemical and extractive industries, machine building, textile and food industry, agriculture, transport and logistics, production of construction materials.

The leading German companies, such as Siemens, Linde, BASF, MAN, Claas, Henkel, Knauf and many others are among our partners, which have invested about 6 billion euros into Uzbekistan’s economy in recent years.

Today we will have the opportunity to discuss long-term plans with the representatives of the German business.

In this regard, I have a number of specific proposals:

– developing a "road map" for expanding investment and technological cooperation between the Central Asian countries and Germany;

– participation of the leading German companies and banks in the implementation of joint projects in the special economic and industrial zones being created in the border areas, as well as large infrastructure projects of regional significance;

– launching of a permanent business dialogue platform – “Central Asia-Germany” Council of Investors and Entrepreneurs. We are ready to hold its first meeting next year in Uzbekistan within the Tashkent Investment Forum;

– study of the possibility of adopting a multilateral intergovernmental agreement on promotion and protection of investments.

Third. Partnership in critical raw materials based on the introduction of advanced German knowledge and technologies.

As it was mentioned our region is abundant in mineral resources.

The German Mineral Resources Agency and German companies could become our key partners in this area.

Here, we are referring to the geological survey projects, intensive exploration, processing and production of products with high added value, as well as arrangement of shipments to Germany and other EU countries.

Uzbekistan is ready to take part in the joint implementation of such projects in neighboring countries.

The technical assistance from Germany and European institutions in implementing the Digital Mapping Program of Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Metals in our region holds promising opportunities.

We also believe it is important to establish a reliable legal framework for such cooperation.

Fourth. “Green” energy. In recent years, all our countries have been actively developing solar, wind and hydropower, modernizing thermal power plants and networks, and promoting green hydrogen projects.

We propose to consider launching an Energy Dialogue between Central Asian countries and Germany, involving energy ministries, companies, operators, scientific organizations, design institutes and industry experts.

We are interested in preparing a Comprehensive Capacity Building Program for specialists in the low-carbon economy with the German technical assistance.

Fifth. Joint response to climate change.

Experts predict that the Central Asian region will remain most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. The rise in average temperatures will be twice as high as the world average.

We are grateful to the German side for launching the second phase of the “Green Central Asia” program, assistance provided for the implementation of environmental projects.

We are also interested in the following:

- implementation of joint educational programs and scientific exchanges at the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies;

- adoption of cooperation programs for the introduction of German water management technologies, modernization of irrigation systems, conservation of biodiversity and training of environmental specialists.

We support and are ready to take an active part in the practical implementation of the initiative of the German Chancellor to create a Central Asian Nature Partnership.

Sixth. The biggest barrier to deepening our partnership is the lack of transport connectivity, including land and air.

We count on Germany’s support in engaging European institutions in the development of alternative transportation corridors connecting Central Asia with Europe.

We propose to hold a joint Ministerial Conference next year on improving the transit capacity of such routes.

Dear heads of delegations!

The exhibition of cultural and historical heritage of our region last year at the Neues Museum in Berlin once again demonstrated the need for regular organization of such events.

Over several months, more than half a million of residents and guests of the German capital city enjoyed the exhibition.

We propose to adopt a Joint Plan for Cultural Activities in our countries, consider the possibility of holding Central Asian Art and Film Days in major cities of Germany, and establish cooperation between museums.

In the field of scientific and educational exchange, it is important to launch a platform for partnership among leading universities,
to develop programs aimed at expanding cooperation in the field of dual education, to train German language teachers with the involvement of the Goethe Institute and other German organizations.

The high interest of our youth in learning German is evidenced by the victory of an Uzbek schoolgirl at the World Olympiad held this summer in Göttingen.

Dear colleagues!

We believe it is important to continue close cooperation with Germany in the fields of combating terrorism, extremism and cybercrime, preventing radicalization of youth.

The security situation in Central Asia is inextricably linked with the processes taking place in Afghanistan.

We believe it is important to prevent the aggravation of the humanitarian crisis in this country, which is left alone with its own challenges.

In this regard, we are ready to cooperate with Germany and other European partners in the implementation of joint projects aimed at involving this country into regional economic cooperation and training personnel, including girls and women, in skills that are on-demand for the peaceful life in Afghanistan, at the Educational Center located in the border town of Termez.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Uzbekistan is interested in untapping the potential of Germany’s multifaceted cooperation with the Central Asian region.

I am confident that today’s meeting will serve to further bringing our countries and peoples closer and fill our strategic partnership with concrete projects and programs.

Thank you!

Labor force migration is a natural process worldwide. In Uzbekistan, purposeful work is being carried out to safely and orderly send such citizens abroad. The Agency for External Labor Migration has sent 70,000 people to developed countries for this purpose in the past two years.

We all know that those who want to work abroad also incur certain expenses. Therefore, migrants partially reimburse the costs of a work visa, travel ticket, foreign language, and qualification assessment. It is established that a citizen who has obtained international or equivalent certification in a foreign language is reimbursed 50% of the language learning costs.

Among all the positive work carried out in this area, there is a noted development of significant cooperation with the International Organization for Migration in protecting migrant rights, as well as with developed countries. Systematic work is underway to develop the Concept of the State Policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of migration until 2030, envisaging the achievement of criteria for guaranteed equality in the social protection of labor migrants.

Emphasizing that the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations has established contracts between the External Labor Migration Agency and 25 German companies, Uzbek citizens are being temporarily employed in various fields. Discussions are also underway with another five companies. In the past three years alone, 821 Uzbek citizens have been sent to Germany for temporary work, while 1,670 citizens are currently undergoing training to continue their work activities in this country.

In this way, cooperation in the field of labor migration between Uzbekistan and Germany is actively developing, ensuring the preparation of our citizens for work, providing professional training and language learning opportunities, and creating favorable conditions for employment.

The External Labor Migration Agency has been holding discussions on labor migration issues with several countries in 2024, such as Great Britain, Hungary, and Slovakia, highlighting the increasing importance of these efforts.

In addition to the above, under the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, each returning labor migrant is provided with a subsidy of 500,000 soums per month from the Labor Support Fund for one year. It is estimated that approximately 100 billion soums will be allocated to these measures for a year.

Assisting returning migrants in finding employment is also being considered as an important issue, and based on the Saykhunabad experience, financial support is provided for the production of goods and income generation, as well as other types of labor services. Medical facilities may also provide free medical checks for returning migrants and their family members. Additionally, starting from October 15, 2023, "Inson" Social Service Centers have been established in the Republic of Uzbekistan to provide social assistance to children whose parents work abroad, which is a significant step.

It is important to note that today, not only state organizations but also non-governmental organizations play a significant role in regulating and supporting labor migration. In this regard, it is relevant to mention educational courses and service organizations providing assistance in collaboration with the External Labor Migration Agency.

In short, a safe, orderly, and legal system for labor migration has been established in Uzbekistan, creating new mechanisms for citizens wishing to go abroad. It encompasses three main stages: The first stage involves organizing preparatory work for citizens intending to work abroad. Vocational and language training is conducted in 14 "Job Placement" service centers nationwide, 30 vocational training centers, 136 communities, 24 colleges, and 13 technical colleges.

Second stage: Providing legal and social assistance to labor migrants abroad. For this purpose, agencies dealing with labor migration issues have been established in several countries to provide services to Uzbek citizens working abroad. Labor Migration Affairs Attachés have been appointed at Uzbekistan's Embassies.

Third stage: Assisting in the reintegration of labor migrants returning to Uzbekistan. Inspectors at the Labor Support Centers are engaged in activities aimed at the reintegration of labor migrants returning to the country.

In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize that appropriate measures are being taken to ensure suitable working conditions and social protection for Uzbek citizens engaged in labor activities abroad. Collaboration with our foreign partners continues on all relevant migration issues. Systematic efforts are being made to further develop initiatives related to the professional orientation and language proficiency of labor migrants.

Bobomurod Yarashev,

teacherof the University of

Public Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan