The text of the article is in Uzbek!

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

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

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

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

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Тошкент шаҳрида Ўзбекистон цемент саноатида иссиқхона газлари чиқиндилари бўйича илк тизимли баҳолаш натижалари муҳокама қилинди ҳамда паст углеродли иқтисодиётга ўтиш шароитида технологик модернизациянинг устувор йўналишлари маҳаллий ва халқаро экспертлар иштирокида муҳокама қилинди.

Тошкент, 2026 йил 28 апрель. Иқтисодий тадқиқотлар ва ислоҳотлар маркази (Марказ) Бирлашган Миллатлар Ташкилотининг Тараққиёт дастури (БМТТД) билан ҳамкорликда Ўзбекистон цемент саноатида углерод чиқиндиларини камайтириш масалаларига бағишланган давра суҳбатини ўтказди.

Тадбирда давлат ташкилотлари, соҳа мутахассислари, олимлар, саноат корхоналари, молия ташкилотлари ҳамда халқаро ташкилотлар вакиллари иштирок этди.

Тадбирдан мақсад цемент саноатида иссиқхона газлари чиқиндилари бўйича ўтказилган баҳолаш натижаларини муҳокама қилиш, шунингдек тармоқни технологик модернизация қилиш ва паст углеродли ривожланишга ўтиш бўйича амалий ёндашувларни ишлаб чиқишдан иборат бўлди.

Тадбирда сўзга чиққан Марказ директорининг ўринбосари Нозимжон Ортиқов тармоқни ривожлантириш ва углерод изини камайтириш ўзаро боғлиқ вазифалар эканини таъкидлади. Унинг сўзларига кўра, цемент ишлаб чиқаришни модернизация қилиш бир вақтнинг ўзида иқтисодий ўсишни таъминлаш ва тармоқнинг экологик барқарорлигини ошириш имконини беради.

Ўзбекистондаги БМТТД доимий вакилининг ўринбосари Анас Карман қурилиш соҳасининг мамлакат иқтисодиётидаги муҳим ўрнини таъкидлаб, цемент ишлаб чиқаришда паст углеродли ечимларни жадал жорий этиш зарурлигини қайд этди.

Марказ мутахассислари Абдурашид Бозоров ва Бахтиёр Исмоилов цемент саноатида иссиқхона газлари чиқиндилари бўйича комплекс базавий баҳолаш натижаларини тақдим этди. Ушбу баҳолаш иқлим ўзгариши бўйича Ҳукуматлараро экспертлар гуруҳи методологияси асосида тайёрланган.

Цемент саноатини декарбонизация қилиш Ўзбекистоннинг халқаро иқлим мажбуриятлари нуқтаи назаридан алоҳида аҳамият касб этмоқда. Янгиланган мақсадларга мувофиқ, мамлакат 2035 йилга қадар ялпи ички маҳсулотнинг углерод сиғимини 2010 йилга нисбатан 50 фоизга камайтиришни режалаштирмоқда. Шунингдек, 2060 йилга бориб углерод нейтраллигига эришиш имкониятлари ҳам кўриб чиқилмоқда.

Шу билан бирга, цемент саноати барқарор ўсишни намоён этмоқда. Сўнгги йилларда ишлаб чиқариш ҳажми икки баравардан ортиқ ошиб, 2019 йилдаги 10,5 миллион тоннадан ҳозирги кунда 20 миллион тоннадан зиёд кўрсаткичга етди. Экспертлар фикрича, инфратузилма ва қурилиш соҳасининг ривожланиши туфайли талаб юқори даражада сақланиб қолади.

Тақдим этилган маълумотларга кўра, мамлакатда йиллик умумий қуввати тахминан 37 миллион тонна бўлган 24 та цемент заводи фаолият юритмоқда. Шу билан бирга, амалдаги ишлаб чиқариш ҳажми тахминан 21,5 миллион тоннани ташкил этмоқда.

Таҳлиллар шуни кўрсатадики, энг йирик 13 та корхона умумий ишлаб чиқариш ҳажмининг қарийб 95 фоизини таъминламоқда. Бу эса ишлаб чиқаришнинг юқори даражада жамланганини кўрсатиб, технологик модернизация учун қулай шароитлар яратиш зарурлигини англатади.

Марказ баҳолашларига кўра, цементнинг асосий таркибий қисми бўлган клинкер ишлаб чиқариш босқичида углерод диоксиди чиқиндилари йилига тахминан 9 миллион тоннани ташкил этади (энергия сарфи, ёқилғи ва транспорт харажатлари ҳисобга олинмаган ҳолда). Шу муносабат билан, йирик корхоналарни модернизация қилиш тармоқда чиқиндиларни камайтириш салоҳиятининг асосий қисмини таъминлаши қайд этилди.

Тадқиқот натижалари, жумладан цемент ишлаб чиқаришнинг тахминан тўртдан уч қисмини таъминлайдиган 16 та етакчи корхона ўртасида ўтказилган сўров ҳамда халқаро кўрсаткичлар билан таққослама таҳлиллар тармоқда углерод изини камайтириш бўйича катта имкониятлар мавжудлигини кўрсатмоқда. Хусусан, бу салоҳият цемент таркибини оптималлаштириш, ишлаб чиқаришда энергия самарадорлигини ошириш ва муқобил ёқилғи турларидан фойдаланишни кенгайтириш билан боғлиқ.

Шу билан бирга, тармоқни янада ривожлантириш ва “яшил” инвестицияларни жалб этиш молиялаштириш шароитларини такомиллаштиришни, замонавий технологияларга кириш имкониятларини кенгайтиришни, тартибга солувчи жараёнларни соддалаштиришни, шунингдек малакали кадрлар тайёрлаш ва экологик тоза маҳсулотларга бўлган талабни шакллантиришни талаб этади.

Энергия самарадорлигини ошириш, клинкер улушини камайтириш, ортиқча иссиқликни қайта ишлатиш технологияларини жорий этиш ва углеродни ушлаб қолиш ечимларини ривожлантиришни ўз ичига олган чора-тадбирлар мажмуасини амалга ошириш чиқиндиларни барқарор камайтириш ҳамда тармоқ рақобатбардошлигини ошириш имконини беради.

Иқтисодий тадқиқотлар ва ислоҳотлар маркази

Жамоатчилик билан алоқалар бўлими

At present, Uzbekistan is entering an entirely new stage of development, which is vividly demonstrated by the comprehensive reforms being carried out in all spheres. Profound transformations in domestic and foreign policy, socio-economic life, cultural and spiritual-educational fields are reflected in the lifestyle of our people.

At the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and based on the unity of the people, the “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy was adopted, serving as a solid legal and practical foundation for national renewal. The reforms implemented under this program create conditions for improving the well-being of citizens and ensuring the sustainable development of the state and society.

In recent years, special attention has been paid in our country to strengthening the atmosphere of mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation among various religious confessions, supporting intercultural dialogue, and ensuring peace and harmony, which has been widely recognized by the international community.

It is noteworthy that on 19 September 2017, at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward an initiative which found its practical embodiment in the adoption, at the following session of the UN General Assembly in 2018, of a special resolution entitled “Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance”. The draft prepared by Uzbekistan was unanimously approved by all UN member states.

This resolution gained particular significance as it placed education and enlightenment at the forefront as an effective means of countering global threats – extremism and terrorism – especially at a time of growing intolerance and uncompromising attitudes towards representatives of different religions and beliefs.

As a logical continuation of this work, in 2022 the international forum “Dialogue of Declarations” was held with the aim of implementing the principles and provisions of the resolution “Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance”, as well as achieving the goals of the National Human Rights Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, approved in 2020.

The main outcome of this meeting was the adoption of the “Bukhara Declaration,” which supplemented earlier declarations adopted in Marrakesh, Mecca, Jakarta, Potomac and Punta del Este. This document became an important contribution of Uzbekistan to strengthening the ideas of religious tolerance and interethnic harmony at the international level.

It is important that this dialogue has become a regular tradition: on 10–13 September of this year, the second international forum “Dialogue of Declarations” is scheduled to take place in Tashkent and Samarkand.

This forum represents an integral part of the international community’s efforts to ensure freedom of religion and to strengthen interfaith dialogue, as well as a demonstration of Uzbekistan’s readiness to actively promote at the global level its firm adherence to international obligations in the field of human rights and freedoms.

It should be emphasized that while in many parts of the world fundamental rights – to life, education, work, self-realization, and freedom of religion – are being violated, in Uzbekistan representatives of more than 130 nationalities and 16 confessions live peacefully on the basis of tolerance. The ability of people of different faiths to freely and safely perform their religious rites is a key factor of social stability.

Currently, there are 2,373 registered religious organizations in Uzbekistan, of which 2,174 are Islamic and 199 are non-Islamic. Over the past eight years, 130 religious organizations have been registered, including 3 higher and 1 secondary special Islamic educational institutions, 105 mosques and 25 non-Islamic organizations of various confessions.

The legal foundation for these transformations is the Concept of State Policy on Ensuring Freedom of Conscience of Citizens and in the Religious Sphere, adopted by the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 1037 of 25 February 2025.

The Concept affirms the right to freedom of conscience and the constitutional principle of the secular nature of the state, and defines the goals, objectives, principles and priority directions of state policy in the religious sphere. It was developed on the basis of the rich national-historical experience of statehood and universal values, and is aimed at ensuring a stable environment for the progressive development of Uzbekistan’s multiethnic and multi-confessional society on the basis of democracy, secularism, freedom, equality, social justice and solidarity.

Within a short period, major scientific and educational institutions were established, such as the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, international research centers named after Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, Imam Termizi, Bahauddin Naqshband, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the School of Hadith Studies in Samarkand, and the Mir Arab Higher Madrasa in Bukhara.

These institutions contribute significantly to ensuring a healthy spiritual environment in society, educating the younger generation as modern-minded individuals worthy of their great ancestors, in line with the noble universal idea “Enlightenment against Ignorance”.

If in 2017 the country had only 3 higher (1 Islamic and 2 non-Islamic) and 9 secondary special religious educational institutions, today their number has reached 16, of which 6 are higher institutions.

To further develop this sphere and elevate it to a new stage, a Presidential Decree “On measures to further strengthen guarantees of the right of citizens to freedom of conscience and to bring reforms in the spiritual-educational sphere to a new level” was signed. This document was positively received not only by representatives of the religious-educational sphere, but also by the wider public.

It is also worth noting that in recent years anniversaries and events of non-Islamic confessions have been held at a high level, alongside Islamic ones. These include the 145th (2017) and 150th (2021) anniversaries of the Russian Orthodox Church Diocese of Tashkent and Uzbekistan, the 120th anniversary of the Armenian Apostolic Church (2023), the 25th (2018) and 30th (2023) anniversaries of the Bible Society of Uzbekistan, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah (2017), the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Bab (2019), and the 100th anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha (2022). These events are vivid examples of peace and tolerance in our country.

At the same time, special attention has been paid to enabling believers of various religions to make pilgrimages abroad. In particular, nearly 500,000 citizens have performed Hajj and Umrah, and more than 10,000 people have visited holy sites in Israel, Russia, Georgia, Turkey and other countries.

In conclusion, it should be noted that for thousands of years Uzbekistan has been an integral part of the Great Silk Road, making a worthy contribution to the development of world civilization. Trade, science and cultural centers here have always flourished, while tolerance, hospitality and respect for representatives of different cultures have been key factors of progress.

Today, the traditions and customs of different peoples in Uzbekistan continue to develop in harmony. The consistent policy in the spiritual-educational sphere pursued under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev serves as an important foundation not only for ensuring peace, stability and harmony in our country, but also for their promotion globally.

The broad participation of representatives from different countries in the upcoming second international forum “Dialogue of Declarations” is clear evidence of the high international recognition of Uzbekistan’s state policy in ensuring freedom of religion and interfaith harmony.

Davronbek Maksudov,

First Deputy Chairman

of the Committee on Religious Affairs

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Secretary-General of UN Tourism (World Tourism Organization) Zurab Pololikashvili, who is in our country on a working visit, in Samarkand on June 15.

The sides discussed issues related to further expansion of Uzbekistan's multifaceted cooperation with this specialized UN institution.

The course of implementation of agreements reached and initiatives put forward at the 25th session of the organization's General Assembly, which was held in Samarkand in October 2023, has been reviewed. The UN General Assembly's adoption of the resolution initiated by Uzbekistan on declaring 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism was highly appreciated.

It was noted with deep satisfaction that the organization is a strategic partner of Uzbekistan in the development of modern tourist infrastructure and popularization of tourist destination to our country.

It was noted the importance of continuing joint efforts to implement programs and projects aimed at creating comfortable conditions and facilities for tourists, development of pilgrimage and cultural and cognitive tourism, including domestic tourism.

Special attention was paid to the issues of training qualified personnel in the field of hospitality and service with the effective use of opportunities of the International Academy of Tourism operating in Samarkand.

In order to popularize the tourist destination in Uzbekistan, practical interaction will be expanded in the issues of supporting the participation of domestic tour operators in major international tourism fairs and exhibitions.

The history of the partnership between Uzbekistan and Georgia provides a compelling example of how two countries, bound neither by alliance commitments nor by historical dependency, have come to recognize each other as genuine strategic partners.

One of the key priorities of Uzbekistan's contemporary foreign policy is the expansion of cooperation with the countries of the South Caucasus. This approach reflects Tashkent's consistent policy of diversifying its external economic relations while strengthening regional connectivity. Within this framework, the South Caucasus is regarded as an important partner capable of contributing to Uzbekistan's sustainable economic growth, expanding the country's transport and logistics opportunities, and enhancing its overall foreign economic potential.

The growing importance of the South Caucasus stems from its role as a natural bridge between Central Asia and Europe. Amid the ongoing transformation of global logistics and the emergence of new transport and economic corridors, this role has become increasingly significant, reinforcing Uzbekistan's interest in practical cooperation with the countries of the region.

Georgia occupies a special place in this strategy due to its considerable transit potential, well-developed transport infrastructure, and favorable conditions for expanding trade, investment, and humanitarian cooperation.

Although diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Georgia were established in the early years of independence, they remained overshadowed for many years by other pressing national priorities in both countries. For nearly two decades, bilateral relations developed largely by inertia: annual trade turnover fluctuated between US$30 million and US$50 million, high-level contacts were infrequent, and joint projects remained limited in number.

A turning point came after 2017, when Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, embarked on a policy of openness and active integration into regional and global economic processes. Within this broader strategy, the South Caucasus emerged as one of Tashkent's important foreign policy priorities. Georgia was among those partners whose bilateral relations required comprehensive reassessment and renewed political attention.

The first high-level dialogue after a fifteen-year hiatus took place in September 2017, when, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the President of Uzbekistan met with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The meeting sent a strong political signal of both countries' commitment to revitalizing bilateral cooperation and laid the groundwork for expanding contacts across multiple levels of government.

In the years that followed, political dialogue steadily intensified. Parliamentary relations were established, regular contacts were launched between the heads of government and the foreign ministries, and annual official meetings between the Prime Ministers of Uzbekistan and Georgia became an established practice.

In 2023, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov paid an official visit to Georgia. In 2025, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze made a reciprocal official visit to Uzbekistan, during which he held talks with the President of Uzbekistan, as well as meetings with the Prime Minister and the leadership of both chambers of the Oliy Majlis.

The steady strengthening of political dialogue has created a solid institutional foundation for the progressive development of Uzbek–Georgian relations. A central role in this process is played by the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, whose work focuses on implementing bilateral agreements, eliminating existing barriers, and identifying new avenues for cooperation.

The effectiveness of these institutional mechanisms is reflected in the consistently positive performance of bilateral economic relations, particularly in trade. Over the past nine years, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Georgia has tripled, exceeding US$267 million in 2025. By comparison, bilateral trade amounted to only US$89.1 million in 2017.

The highest level of bilateral trade was recorded in 2024, when trade increased by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year, reaching a record US$326 million.

Equally noteworthy is that this growth has been driven not only by increasing trade volumes but also by the diversification of its structure. Whereas bilateral trade once consisted of a relatively limited range of commodities, today its product composition has become considerably broader.

Uzbekistan exports industrial goods, including non-ferrous metals, copper wire, rolled metal products, and electrical equipment, alongside food products such as legumes, fruit, and tobacco, as well as chemical products, including polymers. Georgia, in turn, exports food products, beverages, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and metal products to Uzbekistan.

An important indicator of the expanding trade and economic cooperation has been the growing investment activity of the business communities of the two countries, reflected in the establishment of joint ventures. Today, around 100 enterprises with Georgian capital operate in Uzbekistan, while more than 140 Uzbek companies are active in Georgia. This demonstrates the growing level of mutual trust between business circles, as well as their interest in maintaining a long-term presence in each other’s markets.

The continued positive dynamics of economic cooperation suggest that the two countries have the necessary prerequisites to move beyond a trade-based model toward deeper industrial and investment cooperation. The most promising areas include the textile industry, agriculture and food production, pharmaceuticals, construction, and services, where the economies of both countries possess complementary advantages.

One of the key dimensions of Uzbek–Georgian relations is the expansion of transport and logistics links between Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. It is in this area that the interests of the two countries align most naturally.

For Uzbekistan, the use of Georgia’s transport infrastructure to access European markets is of particular importance. The ports of Poti and Batumi are key elements of this logistics chain. For Georgia, in turn, increased cargo flows from Uzbekistan and other countries of the region create opportunities to expand trade ties with Asian states.

According to experts from the Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, positive dynamics are also observed in bilateral freight transportation. By the end of 2025, the total volume of cargo transportation between Uzbekistan and Georgia reached 146.8 thousand tons. Export shipments increased by 27 percent to 53.4 thousand tons, while import shipments rose by 26 percent to 71.5 thousand tons.

In this context, the development of the Middle Corridor is gaining particular importance. Today, it is regarded as one of Eurasia’s most promising transport arteries, opening new opportunities for route diversification and the growth of international trade. Over the past five years alone, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade cargo transportation along this route has doubled, reaching 1.2 million tons by the end of 2025.

At the same time, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Georgia in this field is moving beyond the basic use of existing transport infrastructure toward the creation of a dedicated logistics base. A vivid example is Uzbekistan’s construction of a multifunctional logistics terminal in the Poti Free Industrial Zone. The project provides for the creation of a modern warehouse complex covering around 30 hectares and designed to handle various categories of cargo, including containerized, general, bulk, and perishable goods.

The implementation of this project will create an important logistics hub for ensuring the supply of Uzbek products to European markets. At the same time, the terminal will be used to organize reverse cargo flows, thereby contributing to increased trade not only between Uzbekistan and Georgia, but also with other Central Asian states.

It is transport and logistics partnership that has the greatest potential to become the main driver of Uzbek–Georgian relations in the coming years. While at this stage the parties are focused on trade and infrastructure modernization, in the long term the goal is to create a full-fledged economic corridor linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and European markets.

In parallel with the development of these large-scale routes, people-to-people ties are also strengthening. In recent years, mutual interest among citizens of the two countries in tourist travel has grown noticeably. Thanks to direct flights from Tashkent to Tbilisi and Batumi, operated 13 times per week, the number of Uzbek tourists visiting Georgia has been steadily increasing, exceeding 21.5 thousand people in 2025.

For its part, Uzbekistan is attracting growing interest among Georgian travelers wishing to discover the country’s unique cultural heritage, including Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and other ancient cities. Over the past seven years, the tourist flow from Georgia to Uzbekistan has increased more than 2.5 times — from 3 thousand people in 2019 to 6.8 thousand people in 2025.

Thus, relations between Uzbekistan and Georgia are currently at a stage of steady and progressive development. Whereas ten years ago bilateral interaction was based mainly on diplomatic contacts and limited trade ties, today, as we can see, a new format of partnership is taking shape, covering the political, economic, transport, and humanitarian spheres.

Of particular importance is the fact that this expansion of cooperation is taking place against the backdrop of major changes in the international economy and global logistics. As new transport routes between Asia and Europe are being formed, Uzbekistan and Georgia are objectively becoming important elements of a single space of connectivity.

The realization of this potential in the medium term will depend on the readiness of both sides to support political will with genuine economic interest. Such an approach will give new practical substance to the partnership between Uzbekistan and Georgia and will make it possible to build a sustainable model of cooperation based on pragmatism, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to sustainable development.

Miraziz Mirumarov
Leading Research Fellow
Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies
under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a country of youth. According to statistical data, about 60% of Uzbekistan's population is under the age of 30. Thus, over 18 million residents of Uzbekistan are young people, and by 2040 this number could reach 25 million. This creates unique opportunities and specific challenges for the state in terms of providing education, employment, and social integration for the youth. On February 21 of this year, a Presidential Decree approved the State Program for the implementation of the "Uzbekistan - 2030" Strategy in the Year of Support for Youth and Business. It outlines a number of tasks aimed at addressing the problems faced by young people and realizing their potential.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has prioritized creating favorable conditions to ensure the rights and interests of the younger generation. This includes providing them with access to quality education, meaningful employment opportunities, and avenues to realize their talents and abilities. Significant efforts have been made in this direction as part of state policy.

A vivid confirmation of this is the adoption and consistent implementation of over 100 legislative acts concerning this sphere within a short period. The inclusion of specific articles on the rights and interests of the younger generation in the updated Constitution of Uzbekistan undoubtedly opens new opportunities for further strengthening the legal framework and elevating practical work in this area to a new level.

During the past period, a completely new vertical management system for working with youth has been established.

In all neighborhoods (mahallas) of the country, youth leaders are active. Thanks to this system, over 100 different opportunities have been created for youth within the neighborhoods.

A system called the "Youth Notebook" has been established, through which over 1.1 million young people have received assistance across
25 different areas totaling 1.3 trillion UZS. Specifically, tens of thousands of students from low-income families have had their tuition fees covered under fee-based contracts.

The number of higher educational institutions in the country has almost tripled, reaching 199, and enrollment has increased from 9 to
38 percent. This expansion opens up extensive opportunities for youth to acquire modern knowledge and professions.

In the country, 210 youth industrial and entrepreneurial zones have been established, with 2,500 projects implemented amounting to 4 trillion UZS. As a result, the number of young entrepreneurs has doubled, surpassing 200,000.

In recent years, more than 750 young people who make a significant contribution to the prosperity of the Motherland have received state awards.

It is heartening that the youth of the country are effectively utilizing the opportunities provided and inspiring with their achievements in various fields.

For further effective implementation of State youth policy in Uzbekistan, it is necessary to continue effective reforms to create a solid organizational, legal and institutional framework.

First of all, work will continue to develop new constitutional norms on the rights of young people in existing legislation.

At the same time, in the coming period, special attention will be paid to the qualitative execution of tasks defined in the State Program on the implementation of the Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030" in the Year of Support for Youth and Business.

Thus, every region, ministry and department has begun to introduce a new approach to work with young people. The improvement of scientific and analytical work on the study of youth problems and the training of promising personnel is considered relevant.

Today, rapid measures are being taken to increase the number of young people learning foreign languages under the "Ibrat Farzandlari" project
to 1 million, and the number of young readers under the "Mutolaa" program up to 1.5 million. Additional infrastructure is being built in the regions for this purpose. At the same time, special attention should be paid to the creation of broader conditions for the meaningful organization of leisure activities and the realization of young people's talents and abilities.

Thus, the systemic reforms carried out in Uzbekistan have led to significant achievements in the field of education and the spiritual, intellectual, physical and moral development of young people. The increase in the number of educational institutions, the improvement in the quality of education, the active participation of young people in scientific and cultural events, and the implementation of social projects - all this is evidence of positive changes and the strengthening of the foundations for the harmonious development of the younger generation.

Bekzod Jurabayev,
Chief scientific researcher of the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the Council of Young Scientists of the Institute

On November 3, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the invitation of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, arrived in Qatar on a working visit to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development.

Over the years of independence, Uzbekistan and Qatar have progressed from establishing diplomatic relations to forming a comprehensive strategic partnership based on trust, mutual respect, and common interests in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres.

Qatar recognized Uzbekistan's independence on December 30, 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on November 27, 1997. In recent years, the intensity of contacts at the highest levels has significantly increased. A milestone event was the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement in Tashkent in April 2024, which solidified a new level of cooperation between the two countries. This document outlines priorities for expanding cooperation in investment, energy, transport, education, and culture.

In June and December 2023, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Uzbekistan, and in October of the same year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made a reciprocal state visit to Doha. These meetings marked a new stage in the development of bilateral interactions, giving the relationship between Tashkent and Doha a strategic direction.

Dialogue at the highest level continued within the framework of major international forums, such as the Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the "Central Asia – Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf" summit, and other global events.

Evidence of the intensification of cooperation was the opening of the Embassy of Qatar in Tashkent in May 2023 and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Doha in December of the same year. These steps marked a transition to a qualitatively new level of political and diplomatic presence.

An important milestone in the political dialogue was the visit of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, to Uzbekistan in April 2024. During the visit, the Qatari official was received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, where a wide range of issues were discussed, from strengthening political dialogue and expanding investment cooperation to partnership in the energy, transport, education, and culture sectors.

While in Tashkent, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also held talks with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov. During the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further deepening cooperation between their foreign ministries, including through regular political consultations.

In turn, in March and October 2024, Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov visited Qatar on working trips, where he met with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, as well as with leaders of Qatar's Investment Authority and major companies. The meetings focused on expanding economic ties, involving Qatari capital in joint projects, and exploring prospects for cooperation in the transport and logistics sectors.

Particular attention is being paid to the development of trade and economic relations. In 2024, the volume of mutual trade amounted to 7.7 million USD, with exports at 2.2 million and imports at 5.5 million. From January to August 2025, trade turnover grew by 28%, exceeding 7 million USD. Leading positions in exports are held by food products, copper pipes, and services, while imports primarily consist of chemicals and lubricants.

A significant step forward was the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, which took place in Doha on November 11-12, 2024. Additionally, in June 2024, Qatar Airways launched its first flight on the Doha-Tashkent-Doha route, opening new opportunities for business and tourism exchanges.

Humanitarian and cultural cooperation has also been actively developing. During the pandemic, Qatari charitable foundations provided Uzbekistan with approximately 400,000 USD in humanitarian aid. In recent years, Uzbekistan and Qatar have regularly hosted cultural weeks, craft exhibitions, and concerts. In 2024, the "Culture, Crafts, and Tourism Week of Uzbekistan" was held in Doha, and the "Culture Week of Qatar" took place in Tashkent, attended by Qatar's Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Education cooperation is of particular importance. In September 2024, the agreement was signed in Qatar for the training of Afghan women at the Termez Educational Center, with financial support from Qatar.

Thus, the political dialogue, economic partnership, and humanitarian ties between Tashkent and Doha demonstrate a sustainable dynamic. The consistent implementation of the agreements reached suggests that bilateral relations have transitioned to a new level—one of strategic cooperation, focused on the long-term future and regional stability.

In this context, the upcoming visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Qatar and his participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development will undoubtedly continue Uzbekistan's consistent foreign policy, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and trust with countries in the Middle East. It will also open new opportunities for comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation between Tashkent and Doha for the sustainable development and prosperity of both nations.

«Dunyo» IA

Since ancient times, Central and South Asia have been closely connected through trade, cultural exchange and political processes. Geographical proximity and ancient trade routes contributed to active dialogue between peoples and civilizations, the exchange of goods and culture as well as the formation of a shared historical and cultural identity in the region. Following the acquisition of independence, the Central Asian states began gradually developing their own foreign policy and economic strategies toward South Asia.

Given the significance of Central and South Asia, shaped by their strategic location, abundant natural resources, demographic potential and historical heritage, these regions have become the subject of extensive scientific research. Thus, from the perspective of the regional security complex, scholars consider Central and South Asia as two independent yet equal regions. In this context, it is important to emphasize the transformation of Afghanistan’s role as a key component of the regional security complex, facilitating interconnectedness and the gradual rapprochement between South and Central Asia.

It should be noted that Uzbekistan, located in the heart of Central Asia, plays a key role in ensuring regional security and stability. At the same time, the country, actively promoting constructive foreign policy initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and cooperation in the region, acts as the locomotive of economic interconnectedness between Central and South Asia. Recognizing the growing demand for mutual ties between the regions, in July 2021 in Tashkent a high-level international conference “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities” was held. There the proposal to develop and submit for consideration to the UN General Assembly a draft special resolution “On Strengthening the Connectivity between Central and South Asia” was put forward. As a result, in July 2022, the UN member states unanimously approved the adoption of this resolution, which became another vivid testament to the recognition of our country’s role and authority in deepening interconnectedness, establishing dialogue with the region and maintaining peace and stability.

It should be emphasized that the resolution calls on states to unite their efforts in combating common challenges and threats to stability and security in Central and South Asia, recommends continuing and deepening interregional cooperation by expanding transport infrastructure and information-communication technologies, as well as by developing new international transport corridors that provide convenient, sustainable, commercially viable, affordable, accessible, inclusive and safe routes to seaports.

In these processes, Termez has the potential to become a unique platform for connecting the two regions, both in terms of ensuring regional security and in terms of developing trade and economic relations. At the same time, the city of Termez, historically considered as one of the centers of dialogue between peoples and civilizations, the development of trade, humanitarian, and other ties, for many centuries occupied a strategically important position in the region. Thus, the era of the Kushan Empire, Termez served as a major cultural center where various civilizations actively interacted. The city was a significant hub for the transmission of Buddhist art and literature, which spread widely across Central and South Asia. Moreover, from a geographical point of view, Termez was a link between Central and South Asia. It was also one of the key points on the Great Silk Road connecting East and West.

At the present stage, Termez serves as a starting point for the implementation of a number of transport and infrastructure projects, such as the “Termez – Naibabad – Maydan Shahr – Logar – Kharlachi” railway, the “Surkhan – Puli-Khumri” power lines, and others. In general, the significance of the Termez platform lies in the following:

Firstly, in the context of ensuring regional security and stability, the city of Termez has consistently held a central position. Following the events of 11/9/2001 the “Termez Strategic Air Transport Point” was established here, which operated from 2002 to 2015 and ensured the logistics of humanitarian cargo for the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. This experience further reinforced the city’s significance as a secure transit and supply hub during times of military instability.

In addition, Termez is actively used within the framework of Uzbekistan’s joint initiatives with international partners in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and cross-border crime. In this context, the “Friendship Bridge” connecting Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, plays an important role in ensuring control not only over the movement of people and cargo, but also in monitoring the illegal trafficking of drugs (including synthetic drugs) coming from Afghanistan, which is important for maintaining regional security (for example, employees of the “Ayritom” border customs post in Surkhandarya region in March of this year prevented an attempt to illegally import a batch of narcotic drugs with a total weight of 70 kg and in May of this year – 600 kg).

At the same time, Termez is considered a platform for constructive resolution of border issues. Thus, on August 22-28, 2024, a regular meeting of the working groups of the joint Uzbek-Tajik demarcation Commission was held in Termez. During the meeting, joint work continued on coordinating the passage of the design demarcation line of the Uzbek-Tajik state border, following which a corresponding protocol was signed.

Secondly, the trade, economic, and logistical significance of the city of Termez, as a material foundation for long-term peace and security in Central and South Asia, is determined by its strategic location and modern logistical infrastructure.

In particular, in 2022, “The Termez Cargo Center terminal” received the status of an international multifunctional logistics hub serving cargo flows to Afghanistan and South Asian countries. This, in turn, has elevated its status in international humanitarian infrastructure (from 2025 it has been integrated into the UN High Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs warehouse network) and contributed to the expansion of humanitarian shipments’ geography (in 2022 humanitarian aid was delivered by air from Termez to flood victims in Pakistan, and in 2023, the UNHCR Regional Humanitarian Logistics Center in Termez sent 12 truckloads of over 48,000 blankets to Afghanistan). It is noteworthy that Termez’s infrastructure is being actively utilized by international organizations to deliver food and medicine to South Asia, which contributes to reducing social tension and preventing the escalation of conflicts caused by humanitarian crises.

Furthermore, the opening of the Termez International Trade Center in August 2024, designed to create a favorable business environment and logistics, simplify administrative procedures and create conditions for entrepreneurs, on the one hand, enhances the city’s economic attractiveness and, on the other hand, stimulates the growth of economic cooperation between Central and South Asia. In this context, it should be noted that on the territory of the Center (37 hectares, 500 meters from the border with Afghanistan), where 3 thousand retail outlets are located, a 15-day visa-free regime has been introduced for visitors.

In this regard, Termez is also considered a suitable platform for conducting bilateral economic relations. Thus, in March and April of 2024 year, representatives of the Afghan delegation, headed by the Minister of Trade N. Azizi and business circles of the Balkh province, visited the city of Termez, where they held a meeting with the Uzbek side to develop bilateral trade and economic cooperation and expand cooperation in such sectors as agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, food, and mining.

Thirdly, the cultural and humanitarian potential of Termez is considered to be of considerable importance. Thus, in 2018, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, an educational center for Afghan citizens was created. This educational institution is the only one in the world that provides training exclusively for Afghans in 17 areas of higher and 16 areas of secondary specialized, vocational education. During his functioning, about 700 Afghan citizens underwent training, meanwhile 200 of them are girls.

The institution actively maintains international relations and cooperation with donor countries and foreign organizations such as UNDP, EU, GFR, Slovakia, India. Thus, in January 2023, the “EU Knowledge Center” was opened on the basis of this educational institution to train and educate Afghan citizens (this is a coworking space that provides a platform for joint work, self-learning, and establishing professional connections). Overall, the establishment of an educational center for Afghanistan in Termez will expand access to quality education for Afghan citizens, as well as provide an educational environment and technologies for vocational training.

Therefore, Central and South Asia, dynamically developing regions with stable economic growth and new development opportunities, have significant potential due to their rich resources, economic complementarity, demographic potential, common tasks, and geographical proximity. At the same time, Uzbekistan’s efforts are aimed at integrating the two regions within a single space of cooperation, security, and sustainable development.

In these processes, the “Termez platform” not only serves as a constructive mechanism for ensuring security and stability in Central and South Asia, but also has the potential to become an additional tool for developing trade, economic and transport links between the regions. At the same time, a promising area of cooperation for both regions is considered to be, first of all, security issues, including the fight against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, as well as the development of interaction in the fields of transport, tourism, and education.

Gulamov Asliddin Gapparovich,

Researcher at the Higher School of Strategic Analysis and Prognosis of the Republic of Uzbekistan

To mark Defenders of the Homeland Day and the 34th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a number of significant state events were held. Key events included an expanded meeting of the Security Council chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a tour of the defense industry's production facilities, and the head of state's address to military personnel and compatriots.

In this regard, a correspondent of Dunyo IA approached Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, with a request to comment on the key outcomes of these events and the tasks outlined by the country’s leader:

- It's no exaggeration to say that today, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Uzbekistan laid the foundation for a new stage in the modernization of the national army—its high-tech transformation. I would even say that Shavkat Miromonovich's congratulations this year were not simply a tribute to tradition, but a kind of manifesto for the "New Look Army," where intelligence and technology must finally supplant outdated approaches to warfare. In the President's vision, security is not an isolated military task, but a multidimensional foundation for the sustainable development of the state in the digital age.

By analyzing the key messages of the head of state, one can trace a clear and consistent logic for the transformation of all elements of the public administration system.

The key innovation of the current stage of reforms lies in the recognition of the profound transformation of the very nature of modern warfare, in which technological superiority, rather than personnel numbers, is decisive. This is why the President of Uzbekistan has set the task of a large-scale doctrinal update: the development of a new version of the Defense Doctrine and the National Security Concept has been initiated. This is dictated by the need to adapt strategic documents to the conditions of hybrid threats while simultaneously maintaining Uzbekistan's non-aligned status and reliance on multilateral diplomacy. This sends a clear signal to the country about the predictability and sovereignty of the republic's course.

The central element of the updated strategy is the transition to a “proactive mode of operation,” in which the security system must not only respond to emerging threats, but also be capable of predicting risks in advance and neutralizing them at an early stage.

This intellectualization of security naturally requires a review of the Armed Forces' technical makeup. In this regard, the head of state initiated a thorough re-equipment of the army, prioritizing the implementation of artificial intelligence, robotic systems, and modern cybersecurity systems. It was emphasized that in modern conflicts, victory is achieved not by the number of bayonets, but by technological superiority and the speed of information processing. In this context, the digital transformation of the army becomes an undisputed priority. In other words, in modern warfare, intelligence is more important than mass, and victory is determined by the quality of technology and management.

At the same time, high technology demands a fundamentally new level of competence. Therefore, a true personnel transformation has been initiated: the army is being positioned not as a closed institution, but as a modern educational and technological platform. It is becoming a school of life and professional growth, as well as a driver of economic development. Every year, 5,000 conscripts will undergo training under the "One Million Programmers" and "Five Million AI Leaders" programs. This strategic move allows us to simultaneously address two objectives: increasing the army's cyber resilience and creating a pool of in-demand specialists for the country's economy.

Furthermore, the program provides for training soldiers in civilian professions, with the issuance of state-issued certificates upon completion of their service. For military personnel opening a business after demobilization, the state will reimburse 6% of the loan interest rate. Educational incentives are also being introduced: the opportunity to take university entrance exams directly at military units, interest-free student loans for those entering universities after service, and reimbursement of the costs of obtaining international language certificates. This approach reflects the current trend of developing "smart forces," in which the country's defenders are also qualified specialists in demand in the civilian sector.

In this way, the army is organically integrated into the civil society system, providing young people with real tools for personal and professional success.

For this model to function effectively, a solid social foundation is essential. Therefore, an unprecedented strengthening of social protection for military personnel has become a logical continuation of the reforms. The decisions to double officers' length-of-service bonuses and pay veterans pensions equal to 100% of their pay are, in my view, a strategic investment in the prestige of military service. Additionally, a 10% increase in pay for privates and contract sergeants is envisaged, as well as a 20% increase in the salaries of civilian defense personnel this year and a further 50% increase next year.

The President clearly demonstrates that the state takes full responsibility for the well-being of those who defend the Motherland, thereby raising the prestige of military service and strengthening the principle of unity between the people and the army.

The final element of this comprehensive strategy is achieving profound technological self-sufficiency. The modernization of the national defense-industrial complex, the creation of domestic military technology parks, and the development of unmanned systems production are aimed at minimizing external dependence. A visit to the Chirchik Aircraft Plant and defense technology parks clearly demonstrates that Uzbekistan is focusing on localization, a service economy, and the development of its own industrial base. The creation of a regional hub for Airbus equipment maintenance is not only a matter of prestige but also a practical step toward technological independence and integration into global production chains.

All this strengthens state sovereignty, enabling the effective protection of national interests by relying on its own innovative potential and competencies. At the same time, the military is becoming a driver of innovative development: technologies developed for defense purposes inevitably find application in civilian sectors.

In conclusion, it should be emphasized that the announced initiatives mark a definitive departure from outdated models. Essentially, we are witnessing the emergence of a new model of statehood, one in which high-tech sovereignty, intellectual capital, and social justice are integrated into a single strategy.

A highly mobile, technologically advanced army is being created, capable of effectively countering hybrid threats in the changing nature of warfare. The army serves not only as a shield for the state but also as a driver of education, the economy, and social mobility—a modern, pragmatic, and deeply national approach to development and security in the new global reality.

Dunyo IA

Just a few years ago, Central Asia and the Caucasus were rarely considered major players in the global technology landscape. Today, that perception is rapidly changing. The region is steadily strengthening its position on the global innovation map, attracting international investors, technology companies, entrepreneurs, and venture capital.

What makes this transformation particularly remarkable is that the countries of the region are not developing as competitors, but as complementary innovation ecosystems. Each country is building on its own competitive strengths while contributing to a shared environment for innovation, knowledge exchange, investment, and cross-border collaboration.

A Region Evolving into a Unified Innovation Ecosystem

The progress made by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan over the past few years illustrates this transformation particularly well. In 2026, Uzbekistan was named Country of the Year by StartupBlink, recognizing the country's remarkable startup ecosystem growth. Venture investments increased more than fivefold, the number of startups surpassed 1,200, and the country is now home to 22 venture capital funds managing over $200 million in combined assets.

Both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have prioritized building long-term innovation infrastructure. Each country has established its own Fund of Funds to accelerate venture investment and help startups scale internationally, while Kazakhstan's fund has reached a total capitalization of $1 billion.

Today, both countries have produced unicorn companies, developed globally recognized innovation institutions—including IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub—and continue to earn the confidence of international investors.

From Bilateral Cooperation to a Regional Alliance

A major milestone in regional integration came with the launch of the Central Asian Innovation Hubs (CAIH) initiative in 2024 by IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub. In 2025, IT Park Tajikistan joined the alliance, further expanding regional collaboration.

Since its establishment, dozens of startups from across the region have gained access to international markets in Europe and Asia through participation in major global events such as London Tech Week, GITEX Kazakhstan, and Digital Kazakhstan.

The alliance also established two international innovation hubs in 2025: Khan Tengri Innovation Hub in Shanghai and Tumar Innovation Hub in Dubai. Today, these hubs actively support startups in entering the U.S., European, Chinese, and Middle Eastern markets, facilitating investment opportunities while strengthening research and development capabilities.

Another important initiative has been the launch of joint Market Entry Programs. In 2025 alone, more than 50 startups expanded into international markets, including the United States, the UAE, China, and others. More than 20 startups also joined leading global acceleration programs, including Draper University Hero Training Program (6 startups), AlchemistX (10 startups), and the Silicon Valley Residency Program (6 startups).

Expanding Toward the Caucasus

Discussions are currently underway to bring Azerbaijan into this growing regional partnership, creating an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects Central Asia with the Caucasus.

One of the platforms where this collaboration is already taking shape is the international innovation summit INMerge. Over the past five years, the forum has evolved from a relatively small corporate gathering into one of the largest technology events in Central Eurasia. Today, INMerge brings together participants from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Türkiye, and many other countries to discuss artificial intelligence, venture capital, digital infrastructure, startup development, and international cooperation.

In 2026, INMerge expanded beyond Baku for the first time by launching its regional Roadshow format across major innovation hubs. One of its flagship destinations was Tashkent, underscoring Uzbekistan's growing role as a leading innovation hub in Central Eurasia.

For startups, events like INMerge represent far more than networking opportunities—they provide direct access to international investors, strategic partners, and new global markets.

Digital Startup Awards: A Gateway to the Global Stage

Another example of the region's growing integration is the Digital Startup Awards, an initiative launched by Uzbekistan to foster a more interconnected innovation ecosystem. The program brings together startup founders from eight countries across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mongolia, and has become one of the region's leading platforms for identifying high-potential technology ventures.

More than a competition, the Digital Startup Awards offers a comprehensive growth platform for founders looking to scale their businesses, strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities, expand internationally, and secure investment.

Interest in the program continues to grow. In 2025, the Digital Startup Awards reached a new milestone by receiving a record 1,025 applications from startups across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mongolia.

The initiative aims to identify promising technology companies, connect them with investors and strategic partners, support their international expansion, and deepen collaboration among regional innovation ecosystems. Through programs like these, talented founders gain opportunities to compete on the global stage, while Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mongolia continue to strengthen their position as one of the world's most dynamic emerging innovation regions.

IT Park Uzbekistan