Uzbekistan is stepping up on the world stage as reforms led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reshape the nation’s politics, economy and civil society, sparking significant international interest.
Uzbekistan, Central Asia’s most populous nation, is at the centre of a remarkable shift. Since gaining independence in 1991, the country remained largely isolated under a single leader. That changed with Mirziyoyev’s election in 2016, setting in motion a series of sweeping reforms aimed at democratisation, economic growth and global engagement.
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These reforms were cemented last year when Uzbekistan adopted a new constitution through a public referendum, incorporating input from citizens nationwide and accelerating the country’s transition.
Tashkent hosts the “Week of International Partnership initiatives”
In line with the increasing global focus on Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan’s Center for Sustainable Development joined forces with local research institutions, think tanks and civil society groups to host the “Week of International Partnership Initiatives” in Tashkent. The conference, held in October, drew more than 300 foreign experts and over 4,000 local specialists for a week of intensive roundtables, panel discussions, speeches and dialogues addressing Uzbekistan’s evolving priorities.
As a signal of Uzbekistan’s openness, the event featured international experts in the political, social, cultural, diplomatic, and economic spheres, including members of the British House of Lords and prominent former diplomats.
Political reforms and electoral evolution
The conference’s opening session tackled democratic reforms, particularly in Uzbekistan’s electoral system. Senator Sodyq Safoyev, former Foreign Minister and current Deputy Chair of Uzbekistan’s Senate, introduced the reforms to attendees, emphasising, “[Our] electoral law has changed and for the first time we have a mixed proportional and majoritarian system. It will be crucial to create trust between public and government, and only free and fair elections can do that,” Safoyev asserted.
The recent changes in the electoral model signify the country’s commitment to building genuine representative governance. Under this new system, political parties will be required to sharpen their focus on citizen concerns, with a higher level of accountability and engagement.
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In a region often noted for political rigidity, Uzbekistan’s reforms are establishing it as a trailblazer in regional governance. As the victory of liberal reform-oriented parties in the recent parliamentary elections showed, the country moves closer to a democratic shift not just in rhetoric but in practice, underscored by the Tashkent event.
Economic transformation and global integration
Economic reform was a central topic of the event. Conference discussions explored the country’s drive to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), with experts anticipating membership could increase the national GDP by 20 per cent and create thousands of jobs.
This milestone would also serve to improve Uzbekistan’s investment landscape, making the country a more attractive destination for foreign capital. By reducing trade barriers and strengthening regulatory frameworks, WTO membership could integrate Uzbekistan more deeply into global markets.
By promoting growth and investment flows, these economic reforms are set to produce a ripple effect, impacting various sectors, including tourism which accounts for around 10 per cent of global GDP.
Transformations in the energy sector and financial systems were also discussed alongside measures to attract foreign investments and support small and medium-sized businesses. All these reforms are designed to improve the quality of life for Uzbekistan’s citizens while opening new avenues for foreign partnerships.
Digitalisation and European partnership
The discussions also touched upon Uzbekistan’s digital transformation as an essential strategy for connecting the nation with the global economy. Digital initiatives are intended to increase transparency and accessibility, ensuring that citizens benefit from modernised infrastructure and streamlined services.
Former Serbian President Boris Tadić spoke on the importance of this trend as a commitment to the country’s future. His comments also underlined the mutual benefits of closer Uzbekistan-Europe ties, with Uzbekistan’s youthful population offering a vital resource for collaboration on technology and innovation. “We need each other as partners,” he said.
Strengthening civil society and media freedom
Hallmarks of Mirziyoyev’s reforms have been to empower civil society by advancing freedom of speech and media, essential pillars of a democratic society. Uzbekistan’s civil society now plays an active role in policymaking.
Bobur Bekmurodov, Chair of the Yuksalish social movement, highlighted this shift, saying, “Just seven or eight years ago, civil society was not involved heavily in state policymaking processes. But since that time, a lot of improvement has been made,” he asserted. “The most important message is that the people do not serve the public institutions, but rather, the public institutions serve the public and the people.”
Media reforms are fostering an environment where journalists and activists can contribute more freely to the public discourse. These changes are crucial for an informed and engaged citizenry, further promoting transparency in governance and strengthening Uzbekistan’s democratic institutions.
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Prioritising gender equality and social inclusion
Uzbekistan is taking substantial steps to increase women’s participation in public life and the nation’s commitment to gender equality featured prominently during the conference. Recent legislation mandates that women represent at least 40 per cent of candidates in elections, a move towards more inclusive governance.
Professor Malgozata Stwol from the University of Gdansk, an expert on gender equality, praised these advancements: “Uzbekistan has begun to strengthen the participation of women in various fields in recent years,” she stated. “Women are increasingly participating in electoral processes as political leaders.
Additional sessions covered social issues such as poverty reduction, healthcare improvement and youth policies. As 60 per cent of Uzbekistan’s population is under 30, the government is focusing on educational and economic opportunities for young people, laying a foundation for future stability and growth.
A foreign policy embracing East and West
Through partnerships that bridge East and West, Uzbekistan is opening channels for trade, cultural exchange and collaborative development, strengthening its ties with both neighbouring countries and global powers.
Senator Safoyev expressed the shift succinctly: “Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is now open to the world. We’re embracing a proactive approach, gaining influence and increasing development both in Central Asia and beyond.”
With newfound openness and reforms touching every sector of society, Uzbekistan is emerging as a beacon of change in the region and an increasingly prominent player on the world stage. As the country approaches its first parliamentary elections since the constitutional overhaul, all eyes are on Uzbekistan’s path forward.
