Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim!
Honorable chairman!
Distinguished heads of delegations!
I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty the King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud for hosting this important summit today on the most urgent and painful issue on the global political agenda - the problem of Palestine.
Regrettably, since the historic meeting in Riyadh in 2023, the scope of this unfair and violent war has further widened.
Despite the resolute efforts and urges of the international community, flagrant violation of international norms and resolutions continues to this day.
We are all dismayed by the fact that now the flames of war encompass Lebanon as well.
As my colleagues have noted in their statements, these devastating and horrific attacks, which have caused the deaths of thousands of innocent children, women and the elderly, are turning into the darkest page of the new history of humanity.
One cannot watch without broken heart how social infrastructure facilities, schools, hospitals, mosques and even entire cities are turning into ruins, leaving millions of civilians homeless and doomed to hunger and disease.
Worst of all, as we all can see, this tragedy on the international arena is being approached through double standards.
This dramatically increases the potential for spillover of the war and poses a serious threat to international security.
Dear participants of the summit!
Uzbekistan fully supports all practical initiatives aimed at addressing the Palestinian-Israeli problem through peace and diplomacy.
In this regard, we believe that today's Summit will demonstrate common political will and unity, develop effective global and regional mechanisms and specific solutions, and swiftly put them in practice.
In first place, here we are referring to the need to drastically increase the role and influence of the United Nations and the Security Council in addressing this long-standing conflict.
Immediate cessation of military action, provision of safe humanitarian corridors and, most importantly, the initiation of peace negotiations should be at constant focus of this universal international structure.
Second. On November 15, the long suffering Palestinian people will celebrate their National Day - the Declaration of State of Palestine.
I am confident that this nation with an ancient and rich history has every right to establish an independent and free state within the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In this regard, we fully support the activities of the Global Alliance for Implementation of the Two-State Solution, organized at the initiative of Saudi Arabia.
Third. In order to prevent an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Lebanon, we need to expand the scope of assistance from our countries and within the framework of leading international organizations.
We support increasing the necessary assistance to the activities of UNRWA and other United Nations institutions, which have great experience.
In this regard, we express our readiness to provide free medical care to war-affected Palestinian children and women in Uzbekistan's hospitals.
We also intend to discuss the issue of extending practical assistance to the Palestinian people at the forthcoming GCC-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand next year.
Fourth. As part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, we should attach greater attention to ensuring the sanctity and preservation of the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque and other unique historical and cultural sites in Jerusalem.
Dear heads of delegations!
I hope that our extraordinary meeting today will be a big step towards addressing the Middle East problem.
I pray to Allah Almighty to bestow peace and tranquility upon the world and further strengthen the unity of our Ummah.
Thank you for your kind attention.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the law "On Recognition of Rights to Unauthorized Land Plots and Buildings and Structures Constructed on Them".
Many citizens of our country have been waiting for the resolution of this issue, which concerns the lives of millions of families. According to preliminary data, there are currently more than 3 million 600 thousand land plots, the legal documents for which are not formalized or incomplete.
In this regard, the head of state at a video conference call on land registration and cadastre held on November 21, 2023, noted the need for a legal solution to this issue. Accordingly, a draft law was developed with the participation of specialists in the sphere and deputies. The positive experience of Italy, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic and other countries was taken into account. The draft was finalized and considered in the chambers of the Oliy Majlis.
The law consists of 6 chapters and 35 articles, which recognize rights to the following land plots and property:
1) land plots unauthorizedly seized by citizens before May 1, 2018 through the construction of individual housing, and buildings and structures built on them;
2) land plots occupied by citizens and organizations before May 1, 2018 in excess of the area specified in the document, as well as buildings and structures built on them;
3) land plots, the recognition of rights to which within the framework of the "one-time action" has not been completed, as well as buildings and structures constructed on them;
4) land plots allocated by decision of the regional (city) khokim until June 8, 2021, but not approved by the regional khokim or the Kengash of People's Deputies;
5) residential premises on the territory of horticultural and vine-growing associations and the land plot occupied by them;
6) land plots of entrepreneurs located in small industrial zones before March 9, 2020;
7) land plots occupied by buildings and houses privatized by state warrant;
8) land plots occupied by buildings and houses for which the ownership right has been recognized by the decision of the hokim.
The law also clearly defines the main conditions for recognizing rights. For example, the land plot should not be allocated to other persons or put up for auction; there should be no dispute over the land plot; there should be no contradiction with the general plan.
Recognition of rights is carried out step by step by region. Approval of information and documents concerning unauthorized land plots and buildings and structures built on them is carried out through the automated information system of the Cadastre Agency. The relevant information is also entered into this system by 15 authorized organizations.
Completeness and legality of the collected documents are checked by the regional justice department. The results will be announced on the website of the Cadastre Agency and in makhalla corners. Citizens who have received a positive conclusion will be sent an SMS-message, on the basis of which a one-time payment will be made. After that, the rights will be recognized quarterly by the decision of the regional Kengash of People's Deputies.
The bodies of prosecutor's office, internal affairs, agro-inspection, ecology, cadastre establish state control over the implementation of the law. The law also pays special attention to public control. Thus, public groups will be created in each mahalla by decision of district councils of people's deputies. These groups will include a deputy of the district council elected from the district where the mahalla is located, the chairman of the mahalla and active citizens.
A one-time payment is charged for the recognition of rights to land plots under residential houses, privatized or buildings and structures recognized on the right of ownership. The amount of the payment is 5 basic calculation units in the city of Tashkent, 3 BRV in the city of Nukus and regional centers, 2 BRV in cities and 1 BRV in other settlements. Persons included in the Unified Register of Social Protection and persons with disabilities are given a discount.
The one-time payment is directed to cover the costs of the cadastre and justice bodies and the Uzbekcosmos Agency. The remaining funds will be directed to the activities of the initiative budget, i.e. to the mahallas.
The law will come into force in 3 months, before that explanatory and preparatory work will be carried out on the ground. The law will be in force until January 1, 2028.
It should be noted that in the Republic of Karakalpakstan work in this direction has already begun. The Decree of the President of Uzbekistan of July 28, 2023 allowed to recognize the rights to undocumented residential houses and land plots located in the region by the decision of Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
After that, working groups were established in all districts and cities to examine 43,432 houses built in the Republic of Karakalpakstan without title documents. The location, condition and time of construction of the houses were verified on the basis of an analysis of land records and space images.
Following a comprehensive discussion, ownership of 27,590 residential houses and the right to lease the land on which they are located were recognized.
The results of this noble policy have had a positive impact on the lives of more than 100,000 citizens living in 27,590 houses. They now have the right to legally register their housing, sell it to another person, and put family members on permanent registration. Also, owners will now be able to receive preferential loans for repairs or additional construction, and in case of seizure of housing for public needs to demand compensation in accordance with the law.
The law "On Recognition of Rights to Unauthorized Land Plots and Buildings and Structures Constructed on Them" will expand the scope of this noble work throughout the country. If we assume that each of more than 3 million 600 thousand land plots concerns on average 3-4 citizens or entrepreneurs, this law will solve the problems of more than 10 million people and create a legal basis for their future life.
The second day of the visit of the Head of our state to Navoi region began with a joyful event. A ceremony dedicated to new projects was held with the participation of representatives of the public.
In recent years, entrepreneurship in Navoi region has been actively developing, and the interest of investors in the region continues to grow. In 2023 alone, the region produced more than 101 trillion soums worth of industrial products and exported $648 million. Foreign investments worth about $478 million were also absorbed, and the foreign trade turnover of the region amounted to about $1.3 billion. More than 300 foreign enterprises operate in the region, and their number will continue to increase.
Fifteen new projects were announced at the ceremony.
In particular, the projects on extraction and processing of oil shale in Kanimekh district, construction of a 300 megawatt solar photovoltaic station and a 75 megawatt electricity storage system in Karmana district, production of technical gases in Navoi city, processing of marble in Gazgan and granite in Zarafshan, extraction and enrichment of kaolin in Uchkuduk district, and production of fish feed in Khatyrchi district were launched.
Enterprises were launched to produce potassium sulfate and sulfuric acid in Karmana district, cotton pulp in Navoi city, and granite processing in Nurata district.
The total cost of the 15 projects is $3.6 billion. More than 7 thousand jobs will be created.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev pressed a symbolic button and gave start to the construction and operation of the new projects.
On November 15, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on issues of uninterrupted energy supply to the population and sectors of the economy, improving efficiency at enterprises in the sphere.
The relevant tasks were identified at a video conference held on June 10. Today, the responsible persons reported on the work accomplished in fulfillment of these tasks and preparations for the autumn-winter season.
It was noted that gas is supplied in volumes commensurate with the growing demand of the population and sectors of the economy. As a result of the modernization of industries and increasing the energy efficiency of the economy, there is a decrease in losses. For example, in recent years, gas consumption for the production of industrial products has decreased by 1.6 times.
There is still a lot of work ahead. It is necessary to ensure a stable supply of energy to the population in the current season and subsequent years, and prepare a sufficient reserve for this.
These issues were discussed in the context of industries at the meeting.
According to calculations, 21 billion cubic meters of gas will be supplied to consumers this year during the winter season. If the air temperature drops sharply, the population's demand will increase even more. The responsible persons outlined a plan of action in such a situation by month and by district.
A separate reserve is provided for uninterrupted power supply to social institutions and enterprises. A system has been created for the targeted supply of natural gas to thermal power plants, chemical and metallurgical enterprises, as well as gas filling stations.
It was pointed out that it is necessary to resolutely continue the work started on accounting and control of gas in industries and further reduce losses. The task has been set to implement the identified gas saving opportunities in Andijan, Navoi and Tashkent regions, as well as other regions.
The Head of State gave instructions to responsible persons on organizing work at the level of districts and mahallas, solving issues related to energy supply directly on the ground, coordinating demand and consumption, and preventing interruptions.
The meeting also touched upon the processes of transformation in the gas sector. It was decided that industry enterprises will enter the international financial market and independently raise funds for modernization.
Digitalization and public-private partnerships offer the greatest opportunities in updating and regulating gas supply networks. In this regard, proposals were considered to attract private operators to the industry.
The President instructed to reduce the costs in the context of each industry and enterprises, optimize costs and accelerate the transformation process. The importance of expanding exploration activities with the involvement of leading foreign companies was emphasized.
Due to the Aral Sea tragedy, the negative consequences of climate change are more acute in Central Asia. The increase in air temperature in our region is twice the world average. The number of extremely hot days is expected to double and the area of glaciers will shrink by a third. In the last 30 years, the rate of warming in Central Asia is higher than the global average, and the average annual temperature has increased by 0.5 degrees. According to forecasts, the temperature is expected to increase by 2.0-5.7 degrees by 2085.
Uzbekistan is making active efforts to improve the quality of the environment and prevent the negative consequences of environmental problems. In particular:
Within the framework of international cooperation
Currently, the need for international cooperation in the field of environmental protection is determined by the growing ecological interdependence of all countries. Ozon layer depletion, pollution of the atmosphere and oceans, and the rise in temperature on our planet affect the entire world community, not just the countries engaged in environmentally dangerous activities. Therefore, today, a number of countries have established cooperation with the United Nations Organization on issues of environmental safety.
Such cooperation is based on a number of principles generally recognized by the international community. They are partly reflected in interstate agreements and acts, normative documents of international organizations, and summarized in the decisions of the most important international conferences dedicated to environmental protection and the regulation of cooperation between states and peoples in this field.
Based on this, Uzbekistan is actively promoting important climate initiatives aimed at uniting the region to combat climate change. These ideas of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev are constantly supported by the countries of the region.
As a logical continuation of the formation of a unified climate agenda for Central Asia, the initiative to develop a regional strategy for adaptation to climate change was announced by Uzbekistan at the 5th meeting of state leaders. In addition, the Head of Uzbekistan proposed to establish a multilateral platform at the level of the ministers of ecology - "Central Asian climate dialogue", which can be an integrating link in the path of "green" development in Central Asian countries.
In addition, President Shavkat Mirziyoev put forward a number of proposals at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). In particular, our country's President advocated for an expeditious agreement on the Global Framework for Climate Adaptation within the framework of the Paris Agreement. At the same time, he noted the need for a fair, transparent and inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy on a global scale, in which the interests of developing countries must be taken into account. He proposed to consider this urgent problem on a permanent basis, including within the framework of the "G7" and "G20" summits.
Within the framework of environmental reforms in our country
A strategy for the transition to a «green» economy
Uzbekistan adopted the strategy of transitioning to a "green" economy for 2019-2030. The main goals of this strategy are:
Preservation of natural resources: Modernization of irrigation systems, introduction of water-saving technologies.
Use of alternative energy sources: Expanding the use of solar, wind and biomass energy.
Introduction of cost-effective means in economic sectors: Improving energy efficiency in manufacturing and service sectors.
Improvement of environmental legislation
Legislation is also being improved to ensure environmental stability in Uzbekistan. These laws are aimed at providing legal groundwork to the reforms implemented in the fields of environmental protection and ecological stability.
Project "Restoration of sustainable forest landscapes in Uzbekistan"
The project "Restoration of sustainable forest landscapes in Uzbekistan" is being implemented in collaboration with the International Development Association. The cost of the project is more than 205 million dollars and it will be implemented within 6 years. It is important that the goals of the project include such tasks as expanding the territory of forests, strengthening the material and technical base of forestry, introducing sustainable management and developing the infrastructure of ecotourism.
"Uzbekistan - 2030" strategy
In the "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy adopted by the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan on September 11, 2023, reforms in the framework of water resources conservation and environmental protection are set as one of the priority goals. A number of measures are envisaged within the framework of the strategy, and they are being effectively implemented. In particular,
National project “Yashil Makon” ("Green Zone").
The Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers No.144-F of March 7, 2024 was adopted in order to implement the activities of the nationwide project "Green Space" in 2024. This project included a number of important initiatives aimed at improving the environmental situation in Uzbekistan and expanding green areas.
138.1 million tree saplings were planted in the spring planting season of 2024 within the "Green Zone" national project. This indicator made 110.5 percent compared to the planned one. This part of the project is aimed not only at environmental improvement but also at improving the aesthetic appearance of our cities.
"Green Parks" and "Green Belts"
In particular, 257 "Green Parks" were established, their total number reached 517. Also, "Green Belts" were established by planting 5.3 million tree saplings in and around industrial enterprises. These efforts were made to reduce the impact of industrial enterprises and protect the environment.
Initiatives of organizations and agencies
Ministries and agencies are also contributing to the aforementioned work. In particular, the Ministry of Defense created a park of 100 hectares, the Ministry of Digital Technologies and the Ministry of Mining and Geology — 65 hectares. These efforts are critical to ensuring the comprehensiveness and sustainability of the project.
Tree planting and waste recycling
In our country, trees have been planted near highways and railways, on river and canal banks, at industrial enterprises and gas stations. These are especially aimed at reducing the negative impact of transport and industry on the environment.
On average, 6.8 million tonnes of household waste are produced in our country per year. In recent years, the number of neighbourhoods covered by sanitation services has increased by more than 90 percent. The level of waste processing was 38.1 percent as of July 1, 2024, and the number of such enterprises was 313 as of February.
Waste treatment and landfills
A new system for the regulation of landfills and waste processing is being launched. In each region, 3-4 landfills with a convenient location are being turned into special eco-industrial zones, and recycling projects are being implemented. In the remaining landfills, a new practice is being used to start temporary waste collection and reloading stations. The landfills that exhausted their resources are closed, poplar, mulberry, elm and maple trees are planted around them, and "green belts" are being established.
Avazbek Kholbekov,
Head of Department – Development Strategy Centеr
The main feature of a democratic society is the protection of human rights and the provision of equal opportunities for all in public life and administration. Gender equality is an essential component of this, as it ensures equal protection of rights and freedoms for individuals.
The Constitution of Uzbekistan states that all citizens enjoy equal rights and freedoms, regardless of gender, race, nationality, language, religion, beliefs, social origin or social status. Article 58 states that men and women have equal rights, and the state provides equal opportunities for both genders in managing society and state affairs.
These principles of equality and social justice are reflected in all laws and regulations, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities and rights. This includes gender equality, which is essential for a fair and just society.
It should be noted that, in recent years, more than 40 legislative documents and important conceptual programs have been adopted within the framework of which efforts have been made to create equal rights and opportunities for women and men, strengthen the role of women in government and community leadership, provide necessary conditions for education, vocational training, employment, and create decent working conditions. These efforts also aim to increase women's participation in economic life and protect them against various forms of harassment and violence.
In particular, the law “On guarantees of equal rights and opportunities for women and men” provides for the prevention of gender discrimination and the provision of equal participation for all in public administration. The Law on Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence establishes mechanisms to end various forms of violence against women and to provide protection and assistance to victims.
The “Strategy for achieving gender equality in Uzbekistan until 2030” approved by the decision of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on May 28, 2021, envisages a comprehensive approach to the implementation of the principle of equality between women and men in all spheres and levels of decision-making and implementation. Also, the strategy serves to ensure the promotion of gender equality in economic, political, and social life in order to create conditions for the realization of equal rights and opportunities for men and women and to observe fundamental human rights.
Due to this, gender policy in our country has become an important factor in society and state development. Concepts such as “gender equality”, “gender and development”, “gender balance”, and “the role of women in social and political life” are expressed in the development of program documents and all normative legal documents in our country.
In practice, the results are even more significant. In particular, the reason for the gender policy is that in the last seven years, the share of women in public administration in Uzbekistan has increased from 27% to 35%. In his speech at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, summarized the systematic efforts to achieve gender equality in our country and noted that the share of women in public administration reached 35% for the first time.
Moreover, in our country, 32% of the deputies in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and 25% of the members of the Senate are women. The number of women entrepreneurs has doubled, and the number of women who have started their own business has exceeded 205 thousand. Hundreds of thousands of women were trained in trades and entrepreneurship. Among the population employed in health care and education, the share of women is 77 percent, in the economy and industry, it is 46 percent. The number of girls studying in higher education institutions has increased by six times; more than half of the students are women.
Uzbekistan has ratified the main international human rights treaties and conventions related to gender equality. Our country joined the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1995 and undertook to eliminate discrimination and ensure the full development and well-being of women. Uzbekistan has also ratified the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, which set strategic goals for achieving gender equality, and has been effectively fulfilling the relevant obligations.
Therefore, the systematic measures taken in this regard are duly recognized by the international community. In particular, in the World Bank index, Uzbekistan was listed among the 5 fastest developing countries in the world in the field of gender equality.
In addition, Uzbekistan ranked 18th out of 195 countries with a score of
69.7 in the “Open Data Watch” organization's Open Gender Data Index, and was ranked among the “Top-20”.
In the policy of ensuring gender equality in the public service, increasing the weight of women in public administration, in particular, issues of forming a team of potential female leaders are of priority.
It should be noted that after the introduction of open competitions by the Public Service Development Agency, practically the same requirements were set for everyone. The human factor between the employer, personnel department representatives, and candidates was limited. Equal opportunities are guaranteed for all.
This, of course, further expanded the opportunities for women to enter the civil service. If we base our opinion on the numbers, earlier women made up
5-8 percent of those who entered the civil service, now women make up about
34 percent of the winners of the competition.
To be more specific, 2.1 million applications have been received in open competitions to date, of which 20% are women. 56,500 of our citizens won these contests, and 19,670 of them (35 percent) were women.
The first direction of ensuring gender equality in the personnel policy is to attract the most potential women to the civil service, to increase the attractiveness of the civil service for them, and the second major direction is to hire highly skilled people in the management of the civil service – “HiPo” (High potential) is to systematically prepare female personnel for leadership positions and to form a corps of “Women leaders”.
According to many sociologists, a professional leader is a person who has certain characteristics for successful management, regardless of gender. For effective management, it is not the role of the leader in gender relations, but the presence of professional competences such as the ability to correctly set priorities in solving the problem, to direct the team, and to fully achieve the goals based on the rational distribution of resources, is considered important.
However, due to the problem of vertical segregation, the low proportion of women in high-ranking positions, and the problem of the “glass ceiling”—invisible barriers to advancement our women have to work in more middle and senior management positions. As a reason for such a situation, we can point out the high responsibility of leadership, and for this reason, the professional qualifications, knowledge, and potential of women are not in accordance with the relevant leadership position.
In order to form specialists into good leaders, it is necessary to develop the necessary soft skills in effective work with personnel and making optimal decisions in management, development of human resources, innovation, critical and systematic thinking, and leadership competencies.
Therefore, our agency, in cooperation with the Family and Women's Committee and the Academy of Public Administration, launched the “Women's School of Leaders” educational program aimed at preparing the most potential women working in state bodies for leadership.
Until now, on the basis of this program, he has a high professional potential, is active in the implementation of reforms, and is active in various fields of public administration. The qualification of 145 women was improved.
At this point, it should be noted that by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-81 dated March 1, 2022, the position of women activists was introduced in every neighborhood in all cities, towns, villages, and towns. In turn, through this, the President created a practical school for the formation of women leaders. Currently, there are about 9,400 women activists at the lower level, and 207 women are working as deputy governors, heads of family, and women's departments at the middle level.
Those who have achieved the highest results according to the KPI system by the State Service Development Agency are included in the National Personnel Reserve and are purposefully prepared for senior leadership positions.
As a result of the above-summarized measures implemented on the basis of today's gender equality policy, a unique national model of preparing women for leadership is being formed in our country.
In conclusion, a strong legal basis for gender equality policy has been formed in our country, and as a result of the full and correct implementation of these norms in life, we are making progress recognized by the international community. On this basis, it can be noted that gender policy in Uzbekistan serves as an important criterion for ensuring human rights.
Dilfuza Makhkamova,
Head of the Department of the Agency for the Development of Public Service under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Farangiz Avazbekova,
Chief Inspector of the Agency for the Development of Public Service
under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law
On November 18, the first session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan after the elections was held in Tashkent.
It was attended by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The session was opened by Chairman of the Central Election Commission Zayniddin Nizamkhodzhaev.
The National Anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan was played.
Temporary Secretariat of the first session, Counting Commission and temporary group on control over the use of electronic vote counting system were elected. The agenda was approved. The CEC Chairman presented information on the results of the elections to the Legislative Chamber.
On the proposal of the Council of Representatives of Political Parties, deputies elected Nuriddin Ismoilov to the post of Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis by secret ballot.
Then the chairmanship of the session passed to the Speaker. Deputy Speakers were elected. The factions of five political parties were registered. Ten committees of the Legislative Chamber were established in accordance with their agreed proposals.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the session.
At the beginning of his speech, the Head of State congratulated the deputies on their election, emphasizing that this is the embodiment of high trust and respect of our people.
It was emphasized that the current parliamentary elections have entered the history as being the first ones held in accordance with the updated Constitution. This process was conducted for the first time under a mixed electoral system.
As a result of the elections, 150 deputies were elected to the Legislative Chamber. Among them were 57 women and 11 young people under 35 years of age. Overall, the composition of the lower house was renewed by almost 60 percent.
The activities of the Chamber over the past five years were discussed. During this period, the Constitution has been updated and more than 130 new laws have been adopted, which is 1.5 times more than in the previous period.
The President also drew attention to the issues that remained out of parliamentary attention. For example, the share of laws with direct action and clear enforcement mechanisms remains low. Parliamentary and deputy control is still not effective enough. The activity of deputies in constituencies is mostly limited to organizing meetings, answering complaints and questions.
The Head of State outlined his vision of the new tasks ahead of the Legislative Chamber.
In particular, it was proposed to create public councils under each committee with the participation of representatives of civil society to strengthen the dialogue.
It is important to establish not only control and requirements in the work of parliamentary committees, but also close cooperation with ministries. It is also necessary to strengthen party and fractional discipline.
The President emphasized that lawmaking, primarily, should be aimed at solving urgent problems of society, and put forward a number of legislative initiatives. Among them are the construction of modern residential buildings replacing outdated ones, guaranteeing the protection of citizens' funds allocated for housing construction, support for private education and investors in the energy sector, introduction of compulsory health insurance, creation of a legal framework for franchising, capital market and startups, and relations arising in the field of artificial intelligence.
In order to boost the opposition, it was proposed to increase the number of guaranteed rights of the parliamentary opposition from 3 to 6, including giving it the positions of one committee chairman and two deputy committee chairmen, as well as additional rights to submit questions within the framework of the “government hour” and parliamentary inquiries.
Particular attention was paid to the need to transition to a system of broad, high-quality parliamentary control. In particular, in accordance with the updated Constitution, the control over the execution of the State Budget is the exclusive competence of the Legislative Chamber. In this regard, it is necessary to strengthen the work of the Chamber in this direction, including the introduction of the practice of submitting all reports of the Government on the State Budget to the Chamber only together with the audit report provided for by the Budget Code.
- A deputy is a servant of the people, a model for all, a person with a high level of political culture and knowledge, who sincerely loves his homeland. Our people, all of us, above all rely on you to strengthen peace, mutual understanding and harmony in the family, mahalla and society, to educate the youth in the spirit of patriotism, to defend the interests of Uzbekistan in the international arena, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Heads of political party factions and deputies addressed the session. The President supported their views, urged the deputies to work harder and be closer to the people.
- The voice of a deputy is the voice of the people. If you consider every issue concerning the fate of the country and first of all see our hardworking, generous and noble people in front of you, if you act thinking not only about today, but also about peace and happiness of future generations, then our people will be satisfied with you, - emphasized the Head of State.
The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis adopted resolutions on the agenda.
The text of the article is in Uzbek!
Today, Uzbekistan continues to steadily strengthen its cooperation with the international community in education, science, culture, and innovation. In this process, the country’s partnership with UNESCO holds a special place. Uzbekistan became a member of UNESCO in 1993 – a historic step that paved the way for integrating the national education system, scientific potential, and rich cultural heritage into the global intellectual space.
The opening of the UNESCO Office in Tashkent in 1996 marked a new milestone in bilateral relations. Moreover, the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO was established to ensure sustainable cooperation, which has since become an active platform for dialogue and partnership.
Throughout this collaboration, Uzbekistan has consistently implemented international norms and principles in education, science, and sports. One of the important steps in this direction was the ratification, in 1997, of the 1960 Convention against Discrimination in Education, aimed at promoting equality and fairness in the education system. In the same year, Uzbekistan also acceded to the 1989 Convention on Technical and Vocational Education, which contributed to expanding opportunities for young people to acquire modern professions and practical skills, linking education closely with real life.
These measures have played a key role in strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in the global educational space and demonstrate the country’s firm commitment to promoting human capital development. By joining these conventions, Uzbekistan reaffirmed its dedication to equality and quality in education, youth health and well-being, and to aligning vocational education with international standards.
The Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education
At present, Uzbekistan is taking practical steps toward joining UNESCO’s Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education. This document aims to harmonize international education systems, ensure mutual recognition of diplomas and qualifications, and expand academic and scientific mobility. The initiative will help make Uzbekistan’s higher education system more open and competitive globally, enhance cooperation with foreign universities, and improve the international employability of Uzbek graduates.
On December 10, 2021, Tashkent hosted a High-Level Meeting of Experts on Strengthening Stakeholder Cooperation for the Adoption and Implementation of the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications. National and international experts, government representatives, and higher education institutions discussed the significance of Uzbekistan’s accession to the convention as a key step in integrating the national higher education system into the global academic space.
UNESCO Chairs in Uzbekistan
One of the most effective areas of cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO is the establishment and activity of UNESCO Chairs. Currently, there are nine UNESCO Chairs operating at higher education institutions across the country. Each of them contributes to strengthening international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information, as well as to advancing research potential and promoting the principles of sustainable development.
UNESCO Chairs are established under the UNITWIN (University Twinning and Networking) Programme, launched in 1992 to encourage the exchange of experience and knowledge among universities and to expand global academic cooperation. Today, the network brings together over 700 chairs and research centers in 114 countries around the world.
In most cases, the activities of UNESCO Chairs are financed directly by the universities themselves — reflecting their aspiration to enhance academic prestige and to operate in close cooperation with the international scientific community.
A vivid example of such cooperation is the UNESCO Chair in Education for Sustainable Development at Urgench State University. The Chair has organized more than 20 events involving teachers, researchers, students, NGOs, and international experts. It has also held conferences, launched student exchange programmes, and published joint research papers. Such initiatives not only strengthen the capacity of the national education system but also promote Uzbekistan’s integration into the global scientific and intellectual community.
Rural Development and Human Potential: Supported by UNESCO and the European Union
Uzbekistan is steadily advancing international cooperation in promoting rural development, youth employment, and the enhancement of modern professional skills. A vivid example of this is the project “Development of Employment Skills in Rural Areas of Uzbekistan,” funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNESCO Office in Tashkent.
The six-year project (2020–2026), with a total budget of €9.6 million, is a clear reflection of the strong partnership between the European Union and UNESCO in supporting education reforms in Uzbekistan. The main goal of the initiative is to ensure sustainable economic growth by training specialists equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the rural labor market.
Within the project, Uzbekistan’s agricultural education system is undergoing major modernization. Specialists are being trained in such forward-looking fields as intensive horticulture, greenhouse management, agricultural product processing and storage, water management and land reclamation, and the operation of water-saving irrigation systems — all oriented toward practical skills demanded by the modern labor market.
A significant component of the project is the development of a National Vocational Education Strategy, new occupational standards, and educational programmes in agriculture and water management. In addition, pilot educational institutions are being equipped with modern laboratories, learning facilities, and teaching technologies.
Four pilot colleges — in Qorovulbozor, Qo‘shko‘pir, G‘ijduvon, and Qizirik — have been selected to implement the project. They have received modern tractors, technical equipment, computers, and refrigeration units for agricultural product storage. Moreover, four Advanced Vocational Training Centers are being renovated and equipped with up-to-date facilities.
During implementation, the rural labor market was analyzed to assess demand for mid-level specialists. Based on the results, six pilot specializations — including Automated Water Management Systems Technician, Animal Husbandry, Greenhouse Management, Irrigated Land Reclamation, Crop Science, and Farm Management — were introduced, and student admissions began in the 2023/2024 academic year.
In May 2024, an international conference titled “National Frameworks for Quality Assurance” was held within the project, focusing on aligning Uzbekistan’s vocational education system with international quality standards and strengthening human capital.
Additionally, under UNESCO’s “Delta Framework” programme, national ICT competencies are being developed, and special training courses for teachers of pilot institutions are planned.
This initiative serves not only to modernize the vocational education system but also to foster sustainable rural development, enhance youth employability, and improve the quality of life in local communities.
Science and Innovation for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future
In recent years, Uzbekistan has witnessed growing enthusiasm for new scientific ideas, research, and innovation. A shining example of this is the “InnoWeek.Uz” International Week of Innovative Ideas, held annually since 2018. Each year, the event provides a unique platform for bridging science and practice, engaging young researchers in innovation, and expanding global scientific cooperation.
“InnoWeek.Uz” has become a true celebration of creativity, discovery, and technological advancement — a space where scientific potential, imagination, and passion for progress converge. Creating the future through research and innovation, and opening new paths to development through knowledge, lies at the heart of this initiative.
The “InnoWeek.Uz–2024” edition marked a new milestone, featuring the “Science & Innovation for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future” Forum organized under the auspices of UNESCO. The forum brought together young scientists, researchers, and experts from around the world to exchange views on the role of science and innovation in promoting peace and sustainable development. The participants shared their research achievements and discussed new opportunities for global collaboration in science and technology.
Through their work, young scientists inspired others by seeking solutions to modern challenges, developing technologies that serve human welfare, and advancing harmony between nature and society. Discussions at the forum highlighted the role of innovation in economic and social progress, the contribution of science to peacebuilding, and the prospects for future scientific cooperation.
All these initiatives implemented in cooperation with UNESCO deepen Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms in education, science, and culture, while strengthening the country’s ties with the global community.
Today, knowledge and creativity, tradition and innovation, national values and modern approaches unite in Uzbekistan with one shared goal — progress and a sustainable future.
As UNESCO’s noble motto proclaims, “Building peace through education, science and culture” — this principle embodies both the moral and practical essence of Uzbekistan’s policy today. The nation continues to move forward with determination, fostering peace, development, and prosperity through enlightenment and science.
Kongratbay Sharipov,
Minister of higher education, science and innovationof the Republic of Uzbekistan
May 13. /Dunyo IA/. Uzbekistan has nominated its candidacy for the Chair of the UN Tourism Comission for Europe (CEU) for the 2025–2027 term.
This marks the first time in its history that Uzbekistan has put forward a candidate for this prestigious position, underscoring the country’s growing engagement in global tourism affairs and the high level of trust it has earned within international tourism bodies.
The UN Tourism Comission for Europe consists of 41 member countries from Europe as well as Central and Western Asia. It plays a pivotal role in shaping tourism policy across the region, promoting regional cooperation, and advancing sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
The 71st meeting of the Commission will be held on June 4–6, 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan. During this session, elections are scheduled to take place for the Chair of the CEU for the 2025–2027 term.
Uzbekistan’s nomination for this position is viewed as recognition of the country’s consistent reforms in the tourism sector, its practical efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, and its contribution to the development of sustainable and inclusive tourism.
If elected, Uzbekistan intends to promote new initiatives aimed at positioning Central Asia as a unified tourism destination, developing cross-border routes, widely implementing digital solutions, and enhancing regional dialogue within the framework of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
The President got acquainted with the construction of transportation infrastructure and engineering communications in New Tashkent.
As is known, the city under construction is designed for 1 million residents, which requires appropriate infrastructure with a view of long-term operation. In this regard, major underground engineering works are underway, laying the foundation for future grandiose constructions.
It is planned that infrastructure, daily life and ecology will harmoniously coexist in the new city. For instance, it is planned to create an environmentally friendly transportation system - metro and electric buses will be closely interconnected. For transportation 14 tunnels will be built, underground parking lots for 100 thousand cars will be equipped. In addition, all conditions will be created for barrier-free and safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists.
At one of the future intersections, foundation pouring for columns and waterproofing works are already underway. The President reviewed these processes. Recommendations were given on the use of high-quality and resistant materials.
Currently, the construction of one-section and two-section engineering collectors has begun, through which all centralized heating, water, electricity and telecommunications networks will pass underground.
The city will apply “smart” technologies in line with modern urbanization requirements. For the first time in the country, a “trigeneration” plant will be built here. Wastewater will be processed using modern technologies, and the resulting water will be used for irrigation and technical needs.
The President was also presented with the projects envisioned within the framework of the first stage of construction of New Tashkent. The winners of the auctions at which land plots were offered presented their investment initiatives.
Many local and foreign investors are interested in New Tashkent. Within the framework of the first phase, 11 mixed-use complexes, as well as hotels and restaurants have already been launched at a total cost of $490 million. Residential and commercial facilities as well as social institutions will make the neighborhood lively and attractive. Meanwhile, hotels and restaurants built in a unique architectural style will provide high-class service to guests and turn the city into a tourist center.
Next year, land plots for subsequent phases will be put up for bidding. Each phase will present new investment opportunities and projects. This will not only contribute to the further development of the city, but also create many new jobs and support local businesses.
In general, it is planned to create about 200 thousand high-income jobs in New Tashkent through the introduction of innovative technologies. Technoparks, IT-park, educational and medical clusters will be created for this purpose.