Annotation
This article discusses the attention and opportunities directed by our state towards women, young people with disabilities, and socially vulnerable groups of the population so that the youth of our society can grow up as healthy, educated, hardworking, and independent-minded individuals.
Key words: Society, youth, neighborhood, state, gender equality, power, women, leader.
Today, young people have become a significant part of society who form state authority, influence the internal and external policies of the country, and actively participate in its activities. The role of youth in the relations between the state and society is noticeably increasing. In Uzbekistan as well, this indicator is steadily growing.
The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasized:
“We will continue the state policy regarding youth firmly and consistently. Moreover, we will not only continue but also raise this policy to the highest level as one of our most important priorities, in line with modern requirements. For our youth to become independent thinkers, with high intellectual and spiritual potential, who are not inferior to their peers in any field worldwide, and to live happily — our state and society will mobilize all their strength and opportunities.”
[Mirziyoyev Sh.M. Together We Will Build a Free, Prosperous and Democratic Uzbekistan. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan,” 2016, p.14].
This is one of the greatest examples of the attention given to youth.
Since the future, development, and progress of countries are in the hands of young people, it is important to note the international concepts and terms regarding youth. Each country sets its own age limits for youth. For example, in the USA and Japan, people aged 13–14 up to 29–30 are considered youth; in Bulgaria, 15 to 29; in Russia, 15 to 30; in Germany, “younger youth” are 14–18 and “older youth” are 18–27. According to Article 3 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On State Youth Policy,” citizens from the age of 14 up to 30 are classified as youth [http://blog.xabar.uz/post/yoshlar-orasida-huquqiy-savodxonlikni-oshirishda-huquqiy-ta-lim].
This shows that a large portion of the population of Uzbekistan consists of youth. It is therefore necessary to focus on the opportunities provided to them.
In Uzbekistan, various opportunities are being created to enhance the role of youth and raise them as important figures for the future of the state. For instance, democratic reforms were introduced into the management system of neighborhood institutions. New management mechanisms were created, a vertical system for working with youth was established, and problems of young people are now addressed directly within neighborhoods. In order to increase the efficiency of educational and upbringing activities, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Measures for the Fundamental Improvement of the System of Working with Youth in Neighborhoods” (PQ-92, January 19, 2022) was adopted [https://lex.uz/uz/docs/-5831865].
According to this decree, the position of “Youth Leader” was introduced in every neighborhood. Databases such as the “Youth Balance,” “Youth Register,” and the “Youth Portal” were established, with responsibilities assigned to youth leaders. Material assistance, housing subsidies, partial coverage of tuition fees, and support for vocational training and driver’s courses are also being provided.
A significant part of these opportunities is allocated to women. By the Presidential Decree “On Measures to Further Accelerate Systematic Support for Families and Women” (PF-87, March 7, 2022) [https://lex.uz/docs/-5899498], systematic reforms are being carried out to protect women’s rights and interests, increase their social, political, and economic activity, ensure gender equality, and engage women in entrepreneurship.
In the field of education, many opportunities are being created. For example, socially active youth receive privileges when applying to universities. A Presidential grant is awarded to the top 200 students with the highest entrance exam scores. Students studying under contracts are provided with education loans, and for active students or those who have completed military service, 35% of their tuition is reimbursed. The introduction of the “Youth Register” has also raised youth policy to a new stage [https://pm.gov.uz/oz/lists/view/2117].
As a result, thousands of unemployed youth in need of social, psychological, and economic support have been registered and provided with targeted assistance.
The First President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, stated:
“The future of our Motherland, the destiny of our people, and the reputation of our country in the world community, first of all, depends on how our children will grow up, what kind of people they will become, and how they will enter life. We must never forget this truth.”
[Karimov I. High Spirituality is an Invincible Power. Tashkent: “Ma’naviyat,” 2008].
This means that it is essential to teach young people how to find their place in life and make effective use of the opportunities available to them.
Attention is also given to youth with disabilities. According to the Presidential Decree (PQ-74, February 27, 2023) [https://www.lex.uz/docs/6391378], individuals with disabilities and their caregivers are granted priority in receiving state services, as well as strengthened legal guarantees and legal support.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has noted:
“Building a New Uzbekistan is not just a desire or a subjective phenomenon, but an objective necessity based on historical foundations, current political, legal, socio-economic, and spiritual realities, and the age-old aspirations of our people. The driving force of our reforms is the knowledge, abilities, and potential of our citizens.”
[Mirziyoyev Sh. The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan,” 2022].
Conclusion
Indeed, the opportunities and attention provided to youth serve as the strongest motivator for us to move forward. If every young person knows how to properly use these opportunities, they will undoubtedly grow into specialists who contribute greatly to the prosperity of our country.
The expansion of educational institutions such as “Presidential Schools,” “Creative Schools,” and “Temurbek Schools” demonstrates the country’s commitment to raising competitive personnel. Youth are also being supported to start businesses through loans, provided with professional training, and ensured employment.
Great importance is also attached to sports, as our compatriots proudly raise the flag of Uzbekistan at international competitions. Special attention is paid to youth with disabilities, who also achieve remarkable success as athletes, artists, teachers, businessmen, and political leaders.
Thus, it is clear that opportunities in Uzbekistan are balanced for all citizens, regardless of whether they are healthy or disabled. This gives us, the youth, great pride and motivation.
The continuous reforms and conditions created for us inspire satisfaction and confidence in our future, ensuring that Uzbekistan develops into a prosperous state with educated, skilled, and active youth.
References
- Mirziyoyev Sh.M. Together We Will Build a Free, Prosperous and Democratic Uzbekistan. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan,” 2016.
- Karimov I. High Spirituality is an Invincible Power. Tashkent: “Ma’naviyat,” 2008.
- Mirziyoyev Sh. The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan,” 2022.
- http://blog.xabar.uz/post/yoshlar-orasida-huquqiy-savodxonlikni-oshirishda-huquqiy-ta-lim
- Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan PQ-92, January 19, 2022. https://lex.uz/uz/docs/-5831865
- On Improving the System of Working with Youth in Neighborhoods. http://lex.uz/uz/docs/-5831865
- Presidential Decree PF-87, March 7, 2022. https://lex.uz/docs/-5899498
- Youth of New Uzbekistan: Opportunities and Prospects. https://pm.gov.uz/oz/lists/view/2117
- Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan PQ-74, February 27, 2023. https://www.lex.uz/docs/6391378