Uzbekistan is placing its bets on the energetic and creative, marking 2023 with notable achievements by the youth in various fields: computer science, mathematics, chemistry, chess, and others. Increasingly, the younger generation is prioritizing education and self-development, achieving success on an international level.

In the “Uzbekistan-2030” Strategy, special attention is given to systematically enhancing support and comprehensive assistance to gifted young individuals. Starting March 1st, they are being assigned to the leadership of ministries and agencies, enterprises, universities, and local executive authorities. Beyond conversations and meetings, promising young men and women will be assisted in solving their problems through extrabudgetary funds. In 2024, it is planned to train 7,500 people in modern professions, covering the examination fees for 6,000 young individuals who have scored high marks in foreign languages in international examination systems.

Educational courses and necessary literature will become even more accessible. These changes will also affect schools: in the 2024/2025 academic year, funds amounting to 150 times the basic calculation amount will be allocated for purchasing electronic boards, computers, sports equipment, books. In the remote areas of Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya, children will be transported to schools by bus for free. The project is still experimental.

Starting March 1st, a program to teach young people foreign languages and modern professions funded by the “Youth Notebook” foundation will begin. The “Ustoz” program is expected to cover at least 150,000 young people. The “Girls’ Academy” is being launched, offering to master skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, and graphic design. Subsequently, competitions, projects, training camps, and internships will be organized. This is an important step, though not yielding immediate results, towards eradicating domestic violence. Gender studies specialists have repeatedly said that education will eventually reduce the percentage of violence since girls, confident in their future and in their ability to support themselves and their children, will be more likely to avoid domestic violence. It is particularly worth noting the point about employing young specialists, as it is not enough to receive an education, it is necessary to find a job that fully reveals potential and benefits the state and society.

Another initiative aimed at developing and increasing the motivation of the young generation is the “Olympiad of Five Initiatives”. Intellectual games “Zakovat” will now be held regularly and with an impressive prize fund of 600 million sums. Competitions in language knowledge and esports contests will become regular events.

It’s worth mentioning the thoughtful approach through encouraging and supporting those spheres that are of greatest interest to the youth. This trend became noticeable last year when the Ministry of Health announced a special scholarship for medical university students who have an IELTS certificate with a score of 7.5 or higher, as well as an international certificate proving proficiency in German or French at the C1 level. The year before, esports was declared a separate sport.

Information technology holds an important place in society’s life, so starting March 1, 2024, the “Two Programmers in Every Mahalla” program is being introduced. Young people interested in the IT field will be trained in foreign languages and included in a registry for further employment in prestigious positions.

The harmonious development of youth is a priority of the state program. No less than 10 million people will be involved in the country’s sports life thanks to organizing marathons and competitions in running, football, volleyball, tennis, chess, and swimming. Such mass participation will help improve athletes’ skills. To maintain the republic’s status on an international level, it is planned to obtain at least 140 licenses for participation in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The calculations are quite justified since all necessary conditions are being created for athletes.

Employment issues have also become one of the strategy’s points for youth support. For example, according to the results of the first two quarters of 2023, the unemployment rate dropped to 8.1 percent. It is forecasted that this indicator will decrease to 7.5–8 percent this year. Support for gifted youth will be provided in this area too: according to the results of professional competitions funded by the “Youth Notebook” foundation, it is planned to create jobs – equipped workshops in the respective territories.

Business — the driving force of the economy, and for this reason, starting entrepreneurs will feel state support: at least 40 percent of loans issued within the framework of family entrepreneurship programs will be directed towards developing youth business. Starting June 1st, the “Young Entrepreneur” contest will be held by the Agency for Youth Affairs in several stages: mahalla — district — region — republic. Winners of national significance will become recipients of preferential loans up to 1000 times the basic calculation amount for each project that passed the selection at the national stage, and 50 percent of the loan rate will be covered. Here, the educational aspect is considered: regular business trips to improve qualifications abroad at the expense of the Young Entrepreneurs Support Fund are planned.

There’s a certain connection between care and patriotism. When a young person sees and feels the state’s support, it becomes harder to instill alien ideas and values. Also, the level of education is directly related to the ability to think critically, defend one’s point of view, which is relevant during information wars.

By investing in today’s energetic generation, we are creating the foundation for the future.