Khudoyberdi Khaknazarov
It is not an exaggeration to say that in these historical conditions, where humanity is going through a difficult period, with contradictions and conflicts intensifying and seriously undermining stability, the multi-ethnic New Uzbekistan recognizes human dignity and the interests of the people as the highest values. In this regard, it is becoming an example and model for many countries of the world.
Sustainable development can be achieved by valuing and honoring people, creating conditions for the population to live well today, and realizing the high trust and responsibility the population has for the future.
Abdulla Awlani, the famous modern enlightener, defined man in this way: “…the purpose of the creation of the universe is man. Man is the glory and honor of all existence. All creation must serve man: man is its master. Because man has a mind. He acquires knowledge with the help of this mind, and rules the world thanks to his knowledge”.
Therefore, measures aimed at the development of citizens’ activity and participation in state management are being systematically implemented in Uzbekistan today, with comprehensive support for human rights and interests.
In recent years, the reforms implemented in Uzbekistan and the active participation and involvement of citizens in the state administration have been observed, which is especially important in the adoption of documents that will be the criteria for the future fate of our country.
In particular, in 2023, the “people’s constitution,” adopted for the first time in the history of Uzbekistan on the basis of the will of the people, is a program for creating the foundation of the country’s future destiny and happy future. More than 220,000 proposals have been received from different segments of the population, which is also an example of the people’s interest in state management and fate.
For this reason, the proposals received from the population, as well as the experiences and norms of constitution-making from 190 countries, were thoroughly studied. The articles of the updated constitution increased from 128 to 155, and the number of norms increased from 275 to 434. In a situation where modern threats and problems are becoming increasingly entrenched, the issues of ensuring a stable economy, effective governance, a safe state, and social guarantees in Uzbekistan have been deeply analyzed. Sixty-five percent of the basic law has been updated based on people’s proposals, and new norms based on national and universal values and modern opportunities have been introduced.
In the words of the President of Uzbekistan, “Our Basic Law, which is literally a public dictionary, serves as a strong legal guarantee that our large-scale reforms aimed at establishing New Uzbekistan will not go back.”
Another proof of the active participation of citizens in the sphere of public administration in Uzbekistan is the launch of the portal for the discussion of regulatory legal documents, which receives proposals from citizens for drafts of state programs, laws, and legal documents. Over the year, 77,731 proposals were received from the population for 25,283 draft documents.
Another important point is that in recent years, the share of women in state management in Uzbekistan has increased from 27% to 35%. In particular, 32% of the deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the country’s parliament (Supreme Assembly) and 25% of the members of the Senate are women. The number of businesswomen has doubled, and the number of women who started their own businesses has exceeded 205,000. It is of particular importance that Uzbekistan is listed among the 5 fastest developing countries in the world in the field of gender equality in the World Bank index and is among the top 20 countries in the open gender data index.
First of all, the conceptual basis of the reforms was created in Uzbekistan, and a number of strategic decisions were made for its systematic operation
To further increase the effectiveness of the ongoing reforms, create conditions for comprehensive and rapid development of the state and society, and implement priority directions for the modernization of our country and the liberalization of all spheres of life, the Strategy of Actions on five priority directions for the development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021 has been consistently implemented.
Strategy 5 focuses on improving the system of state and community building, ensuring the rule of law and further reforming the judicial system, developing and liberalizing the economy, developing the social sphere, and ensuring security, inter-ethnic harmony, and religious tolerance. It also includes a well-thought-out, mutually beneficial, and practical foreign policy that has garnered universal recognition in the field of priority directions.
The economic growth in the country was notable, with a 4.4% increase in 2017, 5.4% in 2018, and 5.7% in 2019. On September 11, 2023, the “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy was adopted based on the experience gained during the implementation of the development strategy of New Uzbekistan and discussions with the general public. This strategy defines the strategic tasks to be achieved in the next seven years. The significance of this strategy, consisting of 100 points, lies in its specific goals and targets for all areas, ensuring the consistent continuation of reforms.
A key objective set by this document is to use all available means to increase the country’s gross domestic product from the current 80 billion dollars to 160 billion dollars, thereby doubling the size of the economy by 2030 and elevating Uzbekistan into the ranks of “countries with an income above the average.” Bold steps are being taken to achieve this.
In Uzbekistan, great attention is being paid to areas directly related to the quality of life. Over the last seven years, the amount of funds allocated to the healthcare system has increased from 5.9 trillion soums to 33.5 trillion soums, a six fold increase. Hospitals are being equipped with modern equipment, and new ones are being built.
Systematic measures are being taken in Uzbekistan to provide social support to the population, identify the root causes of problems in each stratum of society, and provide targeted assistance, particularly to reduce poverty.
“Temir daftar” (Iron Book), “Ayollar daftari” (Women’s Book), “Yoshlar Daftar” (Youth Book), “Mahallabay” (Neighborhood), and “Khonadonbay” (House Work) work methods are being introduced for this purpose. On this basis, not abstract indicators of the problem, but the problems of every family and citizen, women, and youth who need help and support are clearly studied on the spot, and they are solved in a timely and effective manner.
Today, the noble traditions of supporting the elderly, disabled people, and those in difficult situations, and showing them love and kindness, are being enriched and improved with new meaning and practical actions. In this regard, programs such as “Prosperous Village,” “Prosperous Neighborhood,” “Five Important Initiatives,” “Every Family is an Entrepreneur,” and “Youth are Our Future” are yielding positive results.
Since 2017, Virtual and Public Receptions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan have been established. From 2017 to 2021, the President’s virtual lobby and People’s lobby received over 5 million appeals, of which more than 780,000 were considered, and over 3 million were satisfied. The complete, timely, and legal investigation of appeals has led to an increasing level of satisfaction each year: 47.5 percent in 2017, 53.9 percent in 2018, 60.9 percent in 2019, 60.4 percent in 2020, and 86.7 percent in 2021.
Another consideration is that in recent years, the intensity and scope of the globalization process have increased in the intellectual world. In the complex conditions where the struggle for the hearts and minds of the young generation is intensifying, the role and importance of education in the spirit of patriotism are increasing. The need to educate our youth as true patriots is growing stronger than ever. The number and scale of ideological struggles and conflicts are increasing worldwide, and new threats are emerging that cannot be predicted in advance.
In such a situation, the education of young people in the spirit of loyalty to the Motherland, national identity and values, and concern for national interests is gaining urgent importance.
When one of the scholars said that “the happiness of every nation, the peace and happiness of the states depends on the good education of the youth,” there are many real truths in this statement.
Based on the opinion of the head of Uzbekistan in his speech at the extended session of the Council of Spirituality and Enlightenment of the Republic that “it is natural that the legacy of our enlightened ancestors serves as a foundation for the legal democratic state and civil society that we are building today,” it is clear as day that the development of national spirituality should be one step ahead.
In this regard, specific measures have been defined in nine directions in the country. In particular, spirituality should be ten steps ahead of other fields, the heritage of the ancients should be popularized, an additional “Spiritual Sector” should be added to the existing four sectors, and the activities and content of theaters and cultural centers should be enriched. Priority issues include the development of Uzbek cultural diplomacy, film, visual and applied arts in the international arena.
The concept of the President of Uzbekistan, “If the economy is the body of society’s life, then its soul is spirituality,” has already become a vital principle for all of us. Strong spirituality, based on the rich heritage of our ancestors and national values, serves as a strong pillar for the country that has decided to build the new Uzbekistan.
In recent years, “Man-Society-State” has become an irrevocable strategic principle in Uzbekistan, and fundamental reforms have been carried out to pay attention to people and protect their rights and interests.
It is necessary to recognize one fact: reforms in accordance with international standards are being implemented in all areas related to people and their activities. At the same time, the critical analysis of our activities by the head of the country, using the existing freedom of speech, encourages us to constantly examine ourselves and improve our measures regularly in order to reach new goals in the future
For example, more than 2,200,000 families are in need of social assistance, among them many young people. In this regard, specific measures have been determined this year, and in the updated Constitution, the state’s social obligations have been tripled, with an additional 30-40 trillion soums allocated annually from the state budget.
The principle of “man-society-state” is of particular importance for the future development of our country, and constitutional guarantees have been strengthened in this regard. The international community of Uzbekistan is paying special attention to strengthening friendly relations with neighbouring countries based on cooperation, mutual support, peace, and harmony. The legal basis for further deepening the reforms implemented in foreign policy in recent years is also being strengthened.
For example, due to the resolution of the 30-year-old border problem with neighbouring Kyrgyzstan, more than 2 million inhabitants of the valley can now move freely with their relatives and friends.
The directions of strengthening peace and stability in our region, expanding Uzbekistan’s potential in the international arena, and developing comprehensive and mutually beneficial relations with foreign countries are confirmed in the “Concept of Foreign Political Activities” approved by law.
Today, Uzbekistan has established diplomatic relations with 131 countries. We have 37 embassies in 38 countries, consulates in 17 cities, and permanent representative offices in the UN and other international organizations.
In a word, as the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, said, “From now on, we will focus on strengthening multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation with all the neighbouring countries in Central Asia and the countries and international organizations that are our strategic partners in the world.”
Ensuring a decent life for citizens in Uzbekistan, promoting inter-ethnic and inter-confessional harmony, and fostering the well-being and prosperity of our multi-ethnic country are among the most important priorities.
To support our compatriots in many countries around the world and strengthen our relations with them, the “Compatriots” fund was established.
Our efforts aimed at enhancing the environment of inter-ethnic harmony and tolerance in society are reaching a new level of quality. July 30, widely celebrated as International Friendship Day, has been officially declared as “International Friendship Day” in Uzbekistan. This year marked the first widespread celebration of this holiday in our country, reflecting a convergence of internal and external political factors.
It will be necessary to mobilize all our strength and capabilities to further strengthen the atmosphere of inter-civilian harmony, inter-ethnic friendship, and tolerance.
Future strategic tasks in foreign policy have already been defined, which will ensure a consistent continuation of actions in foreign policy and economic diplomacy.
In this regard, it is essential to first strengthen close friendships, good neighborliness, and strategic partnerships with regional countries. It is also crucial to expand mutually beneficial and multilateral relations with countries near and far, particularly to continue providing assistance to the Afghan people in restoring peaceful and stable conditions in neighboring Afghanistan. Priority tasks such as implementing major transportation and communication projects in collaboration with neighboring countries should be carried out at a high qualitative level. Additionally, it is time to elevate multilateral relations with international and regional organizations and financial institutions to a new level.
In summary, the so-called New Uzbekistan is boldly advancing towards sustainable development through systematic reforms, hard work, and the determination of its creative people. The systematic reforms currently underway in our country reflect its profound commitment to building a humane democratic state and an open, just society, where human life, freedom, honor, and dignity are held as the highest values.
*The author is a Doctor of History.
**The opinions in this article are the author’s own and may not represent the views of The Diplomatic Insight. The organization does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content.
The Diplomatic Insight is a digital and print magazine focusing on diplomacy, defense, and development publishing since 2009.
