In the modern history of Uzbekistan, the year 2016 holds a special place as a turning point. It marked the beginning of a new phase in the country’s political landscape, with Shavkat Mirziyoyev assuming leadership. From his first days as President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, he set a primary goal: to implement large-scale reforms aimed at renewing the political, social, and economic life of the country, democratizing and liberalizing society, and most importantly, building a New Uzbekistan.
As President, he initiated an open dialogue with the people. The idea that “government bodies must serve the people, not the other way around” gave a powerful moral impulse to society. This became not just a slogan but a practical benchmark. Today, improving the population’s quality of life, ensuring human rights, supporting entrepreneurship, and most importantly, listening to every citizen’s voice have become central to state policy.
Under the firm political will and direct leadership of the head of state, a new phase of democratic reforms began in a historically short time. The key document guiding this process was the “Action Strategy on Five Priority Areas of Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan.” Designed as a long-term roadmap for sustainable development, this strategy led to the adoption of around 300 laws and over 4,000 presidential decrees aimed at fundamentally reforming all spheres of public and state life.
The “Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022–2026,” built on the principle “From Action Strategy to Development Strategy,” was adopted to define reform priorities focused on improving people’s welfare, transforming economic sectors, accelerating entrepreneurship, ensuring human rights and interests, and fostering an active civil society based on the principle “In the Name of Human Dignity.”
Overall, the changes during Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership can be viewed in three key directions:
1. Governance Reform and Human-Centered Approach
- Principles of openness and client orientation were introduced in public administration.
- The Virtual Reception of the President and People’s Receptions became vital tools for ensuring citizens’ rights and freedoms.
- Bureaucracy was reduced, public service centers launched, and a new system for handling citizen appeals was implemented.
- The National Strategy on Human Rights elevated Uzbekistan’s approach to international standards.
- Over 80 international human rights documents have been ratified and reflected in national legislation.
- Media freedom expanded, and the role of journalism in governance increased.
- Gender policy advanced with the creation of the Republican Gender Commission.
- Forced labor practices, including child and teacher involvement in cotton harvesting, were eliminated.
- The Concept for Higher Education Development until 2030 was adopted, aiming to:
- Increase higher education coverage to 50%.
- Promote public-private partnerships.
- Develop leading universities like the National University of Uzbekistan and Samarkand State University.
- Include at least 10 Uzbek universities in top international rankings.
According to the National Statistics Committee, the number of higher education institutions grew from 69 in 2015/2016 to 222 by the 2024/2025 academic year — a 3.2-fold increase.
2. Economic Modernization and Market Transition
- Currency market liberalization and cash flow improvements.
- Simplified business registration and improved business climate.
- Tourism development with visa-free access for 90 countries and transit visas for 48.
- As of August 1, 2025, Uzbek citizens can travel visa-free to 34 countries and under simplified procedures to 42.
- In the first half of 2025, GDP grew by 7.2%, up from 6.4% the previous year.
3. Foreign Policy and Regional Cooperation
- Pragmatic and friendly relations with neighboring countries and the global community.
- Landmark reforms included:
- Reopening borders and establishing checkpoints.
- Constructive dialogue with Central Asian nations.
- First sincere meeting with Tajikistan in 25 years, visa regime lifted, direct flights resumed.
- Border issues resolved with Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan.
- International conference on Afghanistan held in Tashkent in 2018.
- Logistics and education centers opened in Termez for Afghanistan.
- Strategic partnerships with Russia (energy, nuclear, industry), China (“One Belt, One Road”), USA (dialogue, security, economy), and EU (negotiations on expanded cooperation agreement).
- UN initiative to declare the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovation.
- Cultural diplomacy: Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva promoted globally via UNESCO heritage status.
- “Sharq Taronalari” festival elevated to international prestige.
Thanks to these three strategic directions, Uzbekistan has reemerged as a dynamic and respected regional power. International experts now call it the “locomotive of renewal in Central Asia.” The global community closely watches its economic reforms, investment climate, and social development projects.
The celebrations of the 34th anniversary of independence, held under the noble motto “For the Homeland, the Nation, and the People,” truly reflect the spirit of the President’s reforms.
more article via The Rise of Public Participation in the Governance of Uzbekistan – https://eureflect.com
