THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN SHAPING UZBEKISTAN’S POLITICAL AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION UNDER SHAVKAT MIRZIYOYEV’S “NEW UZBEKISTAN” VISION
Jumayev Sanjar Ilyos ogli is a 2nd year student at the Karakalpak State University named after Berdaq
e-mail: sanjar2005j@outlook.com +998886566005
Abstract
This article explores the pivotal role of youth in Uzbekistan’s evolving political and social landscape under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s “New Uzbekistan” reform agenda. Since assuming office in 2016, Mirziyoyev has prioritized youth engagement, emphasizing their potential as catalysts for democratic progress, economic innovation, and social cohesion. The article examines how policies targeting education, employment, and civic participation have empowered young Uzbekistanis to contribute to nation-building. By analyzing recent initiatives, such as the Youth Parliament and digital governance platforms, alongside Mirziyoyev’s vision of modernization, the study highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by young people in shaping Uzbekistan’s future. Drawing on recent developments, including Uzbekistan’s growing global partnerships and domestic reforms, the article argues that youth involvement is central to sustaining the country’s transformation. It concludes by assessing the long-term impact of youth-driven political engagement in fostering a more open and dynamic society.
Keywords: Youth, Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, New Uzbekistan, political transformation, social transformation, Youth Parliament, digital governance, education reform, civic participation, international partnerships, economic development, environmental challenges, democratic progress, global integration
Introduction
Uzbekistan, a Central Asian nation with a rich historical legacy, is undergoing a transformative phase under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership. Since taking office in 2016, Mirziyoyev has championed the “New Uzbekistan” vision, a multifaceted reform program aimed at modernizing the country’s political, economic, and social systems. Central to this vision is the empowerment of youth, who constitute over 60% of Uzbekistan’s population of approximately 36 million. As Mirziyoyev has stated, “We have created conditions for our youth, they are making effective use of them and conquering great heights”. This quote encapsulates the government’s commitment to harnessing the energy, creativity, and ambition of young Uzbekistanis to drive national progress.
The political landscape in Uzbekistan has historically been centralized, with limited avenues for civic participation. However, Mirziyoyev’s reforms have introduced significant changes, including greater transparency in elections, economic liberalization, and enhanced opportunities for youth engagement. Initiatives such as the Youth Parliament, educational reforms, and digital governance platforms have created new spaces for young people to influence policy and contribute to societal development. This article investigates how these reforms have shaped youth participation in Uzbekistan’s political and social spheres, the challenges they face, and the potential long-term impacts of their involvement. By analyzing recent developments and Uzbekistan’s growing international partnerships, the study underscores the critical role of youth in realizing the “New Uzbekistan” vision.
Materials and Methods
This study adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on secondary data from recent news articles, official government statements, and academic sources to analyze youth engagement in Uzbekistan’s political and social transformation. The research focuses on developments from 2024 to July 2025, ensuring relevance to current trends. Key sources include reports from Daryo News, Global Voices, and Zamin.uz, which provide insights into recent policy initiatives and youth-focused programs. Additionally, President Mirziyoyev’s public statements and policy announcements are examined to understand the government’s strategic priorities.
The analysis follows the IMRAD structure, with a focus on thematic content analysis to identify recurring themes in youth engagement, such as education, civic participation, and economic opportunities. The study also incorporates Uzbekistan’s international collaborations, particularly with Azerbaijan and Hungary, to contextualize its global integration efforts. Limitations include the reliance on secondary sources and the potential for bias in state-affiliated media, which is mitigated by cross-referencing with independent outlets and international reports.
Results
Youth-Centric Policy Initiatives
Mirziyoyev’s administration has implemented several initiatives to empower youth, aligning with the “New Uzbekistan” vision of an “open and fair society that cares about every citizen”. One flagship program is the establishment of the Youth Parliament under the Oliy Majlis (Uzbekistan’s legislature), which provides a platform for young people to engage in legislative processes and advocate for policy changes. The Youth Parliament fosters political awareness and leadership skills, enabling young Uzbekistanis to influence national development.
Educational reforms have also been a cornerstone of youth empowerment. The renovation of institutions like the Benkov Art School and the expansion of higher education access reflect a commitment to nurturing talent. Additionally, policies targeting sports development, such as the Concept for the Development of Football until 2030 and preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, have created opportunities for young athletes to excel globally, boosting national pride and youth confidence.
Digital Governance and Civic Engagement
The introduction of digital governance platforms has revolutionized youth participation in Uzbekistan. Online portals and mobile applications allow young citizens to interact with government services, provide feedback, and participate in decision-making processes. These platforms align with Mirziyoyev’s emphasis on digital transformation, as seen in discussions at the Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary forum, which highlighted digital reforms as a priority for youth inclusion.
International Partnerships and Youth Opportunities
Uzbekistan’s growing international engagement, particularly with countries like Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Slovakia, has created new avenues for youth. The inter-parliamentary forum in Khiva, attended by youth parliament representatives from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, emphasized the role of young people in fostering bilateral cooperation in education, culture, and digital innovation. Similarly, strategic partnerships with EU nations have facilitated educational exchanges and training programs, enhancing the skills of young Uzbekistan.
Challenges to Youth Engagement
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Political participation remains limited by bureaucratic hurdles and a historically centralized system, which can discourage youth activism. Economic disparities, particularly in rural areas, hinder equal access to opportunities. Moreover, while digital platforms have increased engagement, digital literacy gaps among some youth populations limit their effectiveness. These challenges highlight the need for sustained investment in infrastructure and education to ensure inclusive participation.
Discussion
The results demonstrate that Mirziyoyev’s “New Uzbekistan” vision has significantly reshaped the role of youth in the country’s political and social fabric. The Youth Parliament and digital governance initiatives have created unprecedented opportunities for young people to engage in governance, reflecting a shift toward a more inclusive political system. The emphasis on education and sports, as evidenced by reforms in the arts and athletics, underscores the government’s recognition of youth as drivers of cultural and economic progress.
However, the vagueness of the “New Uzbekistan” concept, as noted by some analysts, poses a challenge in translating reforms into tangible outcomes. While Mirziyoyev’s government has made strides in opening up the political system, the legacy of centralized governance means that youth participation is still developing. The success of football reforms, for instance, serves as a metaphor for broader systemic changes, but questions remain about their depth and sustainability.
Internationally, Uzbekistan’s partnerships with Azerbaijan and EU countries signal a commitment to integrating youth into global networks. The inter-parliamentary forum in Khiva and agreements on education and digital transformation highlight the potential for cross-border youth collaboration. Yet, economic and digital divides within Uzbekistan must be addressed to ensure that all young people, regardless of region or background, can benefit from these opportunities.
The long-term impact of youth engagement depends on the government’s ability to sustain these reforms. Mirziyoyev’s quote, “We guarantee the interests of every incoming investor”, reflects a broader commitment to creating an enabling environment for growth, which includes empowering youth as stakeholders in development. By fostering a generation of educated, politically active, and globally connected young people, Uzbekistan is laying the foundation for a modern, democratic state.
Conclusion
Under Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, Uzbekistan is witnessing a transformative era where youth are at the forefront of political and social change. The “New Uzbekistan” vision has catalyzed reforms that empower young people through education, civic participation, and international collaboration. While challenges such as bureaucratic barriers and economic disparities remain, the establishment of platforms like the Youth Parliament and digital governance systems marks significant progress. The sustained engagement of youth will be critical to realizing Mirziyoyev’s vision of an open and fair society. Future research should explore the measurable impacts of these initiatives on youth empowerment and their role in shaping Uzbekistan’s democratic future.
References
1. Daryo News. (2025, July 2). Uzbekistan to expand fine and applied arts with major reforms and youth initiatives. Retrieved from daryo.uz
2. Global Voices. (2025, July 2). Uzbekistan’s football success serves as a stand in for promised reforms. Retrieved from globalvoices.org
3. Zamin.uz. (2025, June 30). Youth Power and Historic Success in Football – The Spirit of New Uzbekistan. Retrieved from zamin.uz
4. Kun.uz. (2025, July 2). Khiva hosts first inter-parliamentary forum between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Retrieved from kun.uz
5. Daily News Hungary. (2025, June 12). Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s “New Uzbekistan” vision leads the country toward a modern and democratic State. Retrieved from dailynewshungary.com
6. Uzbek Review. (2025, June 23). Uzbekistan Update: June 1 – 15, 2025. Retrieved from uzbek.review
(https://uzbek.review/p/uzbekistan-update-june-1-15-2025)
7. Azernews. (2025, July 2). Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan chart course for enduring cooperation – ahead of President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Baku. Retrieved from en.trend.az