Priorities of the New Uzbekistan — human rights and freedoms, ensuring sustainable development of Central Asia

Recent events include the participation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, a meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, a speech at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, the first Summit of leaders of Central Asian countries and the United States in the "C5+1" format and a number of other high—level events These levels allow us to note the priority directions of the foreign policy of the New Uzbekistan at the present stage of its development.

First of all, it is necessary to note the continuity of the initiatives outlined by the President and put forward by him within the framework of meetings and meetings of international organizations. Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in four sessions of the UN General Assembly (twice offline and twice online). At the same time, he focused on the issues of protecting dignity and human rights, ensuring peace, prosperity and sustainable development of Central Asia, where the vital interests of the countries of the region are concentrated, resolving the situation in Afghanistan, as well as ensuring regional and global security.

New Uzbekistan is a country where the highest value is a person, his rights and freedoms
The President once again stressed that over the past six years our people have come a long way, overcome many difficulties and trials on the way to realizing the dream of our people about a New Uzbekistan — a sovereign, legal one. a secular, democratic and social state.
The fundamental transformations carried out in the country are based on the idea of "In the name of human honor and dignity", strengthening the principles of democracy and justice. The same goals are served by the constitutional reforms carried out and the new version of the Constitution of Uzbekistan adopted on the basis of a national referendum, as well as the Strategy "Uzbekistan-2030", which outlined the priorities for the further development of the country and ensured the irreversible nature of the reforms.
The new version of the Constitution confirms the commitment of the people of Uzbekistan to national and universal values, according to which the highest value is a person, his life, freedom, honor, dignity and other inalienable rights, enshrines such universally recognized democratic principles as freedom of speech and conscience, legality, social justice and solidarity, sustainable development in order to ensure human well-being and societies, and others.
The UN leadership and the international community positively assess the significant results achieved in Uzbekistan in recent years in the protection of human rights, the abolition of forced and child labor, and the establishment of criminal liability for them. Taking into account the positive experience of Uzbekistan in this area, the President's initiative to strengthen the fight against forced and child labor on a global scale was supported. It also testifies to the growing respect and attention to the initiatives of the New Uzbekistan in the international arena

Central Asia is a priority of the New Uzbekistan's foreign policy
One of the first steps of Shavkat Mirziyoyev as President was the establishment of friendly relations, the development of multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring countries, the transformation of Central Asia into a peaceful and prosperous region, the involvement and support of the international community for the advancement of the region along the path of consolidation, which was designated as a priority of an open, pragmatic and active foreign policy of Uzbekistan. These priorities are embedded in all the development strategies of the New Uzbekistan.
Since 2018, at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, regular consultative meetings of the heads of Central Asian states have been held in order to jointly solve the problems of the region. Five such meetings have already been organized. Political contacts and inter-parliamentary exchange have become regular. Various platforms for dialogue and cooperation have been launched (at the level of ministries and departments, business communities, women and youth, scientific and educational institutions and civil society). The countries of the region share a common position on many topical issues of the global and regional agenda.
As the head of our state noted, the most important thing is that stability and unity are strengthening in Central Asia. Our region is becoming one of the important centers of economic growth and investment activity, regaining its historical role as a transport hub connecting West with East and North with South.
Eight years ago, the Central Asia Plus (C5+1) format was launched in Samarkand, which has become a popular platform for an open and constructive dialogue, the development of productive interaction in all areas between the Central Asian states and non-regional states and centers of power. Today, more than ten C5+1 cooperation formats have been established with the European Union, the USA, China, India, Russia, Japan and others.
All this is highly appreciated and widely recognized by the international community. In particular, since 2017, at the initiative of the countries of the region, eight resolutions on important aspects of development and partnership in Central Asia have been adopted within the UN alone.
As the head of our state noted, it is necessary to improve the legal framework and modernize the institutional mechanisms for holding consultative meetings of heads of state and implementing the agreements reached, which will give a practical character to the interaction of the states of the region. To this end, the President has put forward the following initiatives:
Firstly, to develop at the level of foreign ministers common approaches to joint work within the framework of the "C5+1" formats, which are of strategic importance for the development of the entire region, solving such important tasks of sustainable development as strengthening trade and investment activities, establishing project cooperation, developing transport corridors in the region, promoting "green agenda", ensuring human rights and gender equality, expanding educational programs, promoting a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan;
Secondly, support for the activities of the newly established Council of National Coordinators for Consultative Meetings, which will monitor the implementation of the agreements reached and develop new proposals for deepening cooperation;
Thirdly, the creation of the Economic Council of the Central Asian States to expand practical cooperation across the entire range of trade and economic relations.

Central Asia: development of trade and economic cooperation and industrial cooperation
In recent years, the total gross product of the countries of the region has increased by 40 percent, the trade turnover between them has increased by more than 2.5 times, the volume of mutual investments has increased by almost six times, foreign direct investment in the region has increased by 45 percent, the indicators of intraregional tourism have almost doubled. There are numerous examples of successful partnerships in the production of passenger cars, household appliances, textiles and food products, the creation and organization of successful activities of border cooperation zones.
In order to deepen regional cooperation in this area and give a systematic character to joint efforts, the head of our state proposed:
first, the early formation of a full-fledged free trade zone in the region without exceptions and restrictions, as well as the adoption of a comprehensive regional program for this purpose;
secondly, to launch a mechanism for regular meetings of ministers responsible for foreign trade activities;
Thirdly, to develop a Strategy for the development of industrial cooperation of the Central Asian countries for the long term.
Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization in the near future will also contribute to deepening cooperation between the States of the region. Today Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are full members of the WTO. At a meeting with WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, where she once again confirmed the WTO Secretariat's support for Uzbekistan's full membership in the organization, an agreement was reached to accelerate the next meeting of the working group, professional development of specialists and assistance in harmonizing Uzbekistan's legislation with WTO agreements and rules.
The pace of development of energy infrastructure in Central Asia does not keep pace with the speed of industrialization and urbanization, as well as demographic growth. This is a serious challenge to the long-term sustainable development of the countries of the region.
In these circumstances, the President put forward proposals for:
further expansion of cooperation between line ministries and national companies in the field of geological exploration and development of promising fields, expansion of existing and creation of modern infrastructure for storage and supply of energy carriers, construction of new highways for the transmission of electricity;
diversification of energy sources, attraction of investments and technologies in the field of alternative energy and the production of "green" hydrogen, which is designed to strengthen the efforts of the states of the region to implement the project for the construction of a hydroelectric power station on the Zarafshan River in Tajikistan, to intensify the resolution of issues related to the implementation of the Kambarata HPP-1 project in Kyrgyzstan.

Food security: a regional and global response

It should be noted that on September 7-8, an international conference was organized in Samarkand under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), dedicated to the consideration and exchange of views on topical issues of ensuring food security, stable food supply, combating hunger and poverty, which remain extremely relevant.
Uzbekistan was one of the first to support the initiative of Antonio Guterres to hold a Global Summit on Food Systems in 2021, and the Samarkand Forum became its logical continuation.
In this context, we note that, according to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, more than 780 million people are hungry in the world, more than three billion cannot afford a healthy diet, 462 million are underweight. At the same time, in different countries, almost a third of all food produced is lost or thrown away, two billion people are overweight or obese. Developing countries lack the means to improve food systems capable of providing everyone with a healthy diet.
At the same time, the coronavirus pandemic, global climate change, a reduction in investment in the agricultural and food sectors, crises in world politics and the economy have led to disruptions in the supply chain of agricultural products, as well as an increase in prices for it. This threatens the achievement of the Global Sustainable Development Goals.
At the same time, the head of our state noted the importance of consolidating joint efforts and deepening multifaceted partnership in order to effectively counter threats to food security and outlined the most important priorities in this area:
— creation of high-yielding and resistant to external influences varieties of crops, improvement of livestock breeds, as well as information and consulting centers for farmers and small businesses;
— development of concrete practical measures to expand the capabilities of agricultural producers in the use of "green", resource-saving technologies and methods, including with the support of international financial institutions. At the same time, modern technologies and agricultural machinery should be equally accessible to farmers in both developed and developing countries;
— ensuring the security and openness of trade routes, complete freedom in trade and transportation of essential goods, as well as simplification of the rules governing the movement of food cargo, restoration of disrupted trade and transport and logistics chains, which should become an unshakable principle of interstate relations;
— Preparation, with the support of FAO, of a regional partnership program that promotes the scientific and technological development of the agricultural sector in conditions of acute shortage of water resources, existing long and inefficient value chains, instability to the climate crisis and logistical failures, as well as the effective solution of healthy nutrition issues.
At the same time, according to the President of Uzbekistan, the capabilities of the countries of the region allow not only to fully meet the needs of the intraregional market, but also to become an important exporter of food.

Central Asia: ecological and climatic changes
As the President of Uzbekistan noted, the triple planetary crisis caused by climate change, loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution is intensifying in the world.
Over the past 30 years, the air temperature in Central Asia has increased by 1.5 degrees, which is twice the global average. As a result, about a third of the total area of glaciers disappeared. If this trend continues in the next 20 years, the flow of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya may decrease by 15 percent, water supply per capita — by 25 percent, and crop yields — by 40 percent. In some areas of the region, the load on water resources will increase threefold by 2040.
According to the UN, the states of the region annually lose up to two billion dollars due to the shortage and inefficient use of water resources. The economic damage may eventually reach 11 percent of the regional gross product. That is, Central Asia, which continues to struggle with the global tragedy of the Aral Sea, remains one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change.
Under these conditions, in recent years Uzbekistan has been directing its efforts to eliminate the consequences of the Aral tragedy. Green zones with drought-resistant plants have been created on 1.7 million hectares of the dried-up bottom of the Aral Sea. In the next two years, it is planned to create "green" strips on another 400 thousand hectares. Natural parks, nature reserves and state reserves have been created on an area of more than 3.5 million hectares. The total area of protected natural territories in the Aral Sea region is 4.6 million hectares.
The country is also implementing full-scale measures to improve the efficiency of water use. Over the past seven years, water-saving technologies have been implemented on an area of more than one million hectares, which is about a quarter of all irrigated land in the country. Work is underway to develop a National Water Conservation Program.

The tragedy of the Aral Sea is a global problem of our time
At the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, a special Resolution of the UN General Assembly "On declaring the Aral Sea a zone of environmental innovations and technologies" was adopted, a Multi-partner trust Fund for the Aral Sea region was created under the auspices of the UN and its activities were organized. With the assistance of the UN, an Action Plan and a program of measures for sustainable socio-economic development, employment and improving the standard of living of the population of the region are being implemented.
As part of further coordinated steps by the States of the region to address these problems, Shavkat Mirziyoyev initiated a number of measures.
Firstly, further improvement of the activities, legal framework and modernization of the institutional mechanisms of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), for which, in particular, it is necessary:
to develop new rules and procedures that correspond to today's realities, clearly regulating the issues of cooperation and the activities of the fund and corresponding to generally recognized international norms, principles and mutual obligations in the field of management and use of water resources of transboundary rivers. It is important that the process of development and reform of the fund be based on the principle of intersectorality — an integrated approach "water — energy — food", taking into account modern challenges;
critically review the current fourth Action Program for Assistance to the countries of the Aral Sea basin, providing for the preparation of "road maps" for the implementation of regional projects with the definition of volumes and sources of funding, agreed schedules for their implementation;
to strengthen systemic cooperation on attracting investments, technologies and technical assistance to promote priority regional projects, outlining the obligations of each country in this area. To convene a special regional conference in order to accelerate the implementation of joint projects with the involvement of foreign partners, leading international institutions and donor organizations;
with the participation of international consultants, develop long-term development plans for the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, providing for modeling of different scenarios for the development of the situation in the basins of these rivers, which is designed to promote a coordinated policy of integrated management of water and energy resources in the region;
 pay special attention to water conservation issues, as well as organizing work with young people at the regional level in the formation of a culture of respect for water and other natural resources, support for youth initiatives and startups through the adoption of a special program.
Secondly, in order to comprehensively address all these issues, it is proposed to establish a Regional platform for regular meetings of ministers of water resources, energy, ecology and economy of our countries, as well as a multilateral platform "Central Asian Climate Dialogue" at the level of ministers of ecology to form a unified climate agenda of the region and jointly take effective measures in this area.
Thirdly, it is important to further deepen cooperation with the UN and its specialized agencies established by the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Water Resources.
The priorities in this area are considered to be:
 attracting and implementing the most advanced technologies in the process of creating a Platform for water—saving technologies in Central Asia using the UN-Water Resources mechanism;
Holding in the spring of 2024 the first Samarkand International Forum dedicated to the climate agenda of Central Asia, following which a draft resolution of the UN General Assembly "Central Asia facing global climate challenges: consolidation for common prosperity" will be prepared;
Adoption and implementation of a Regional Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, which is designed to become a practical contribution of the States of the region to ensuring climate sustainability and "green" development;
Development of cooperation with the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy on the prevention of ecosystem degradation, especially in the Aral Sea region, the introduction of water-saving technologies.
At the same time, we emphasize the words of the President that natural resources are wealth belonging to future generations. Therefore, we need to use them wisely, thinking not only about today, but also about tomorrow.

Central Asia: development of transport corridors
The openness of Central Asia to the whole world is becoming the most important condition for ensuring the security and sustainable development of the region. However, taking into account the geographical remoteness from the main foreign markets, the share of cargo transportation costs in the states of the region reaches 50 percent of the final cost of goods. At the same time, the global average does not exceed 11 percent. As a result, the economies of the countries of the region are forced to bear the transport load two to three times more than in developed countries.
In order to further enhance the transport potential of the countries of the region
The President of Uzbekistan proposed with the involvement of Azerbaijani partners:
first, to develop an agreement on transport and transit in Central Asia within the framework of meetings of sectoral ministers;
Secondly, to form concrete mechanisms for promoting efficient transport corridors to enter the markets of China, South Asia and the Middle East, and the European Union with the use of end-to-end tariffs that are beneficial for business;
Thirdly, to prepare a program of measures to liberalize the transport services market, optimize licensing procedures, and consider the creation of an integrated digital platform for international transportation.

Central Asia: deepening cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere
The peoples of our countries, who have not only one past, but also a common future, as well as coinciding vital interests, are united by the awareness of regional identity, and this feeling is increasingly strengthened.
In order to ensure the consistency of work in this direction within the framework of regional cooperation, it is proposed:
first, to adopt an Action Plan to deepen cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the countries of Central Asia;
secondly, it is widely practiced to hold joint Days of Culture, Art and Cinema, friendship evenings, youth forums, meetings of creative intelligentsia, scientific symposiums and sports competitions;
Thirdly, to actively use the opportunities of mass media and non-governmental organizations, modern information and communication technologies in promoting the unique cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of our region in the international arena. In particular, the creation of an international media platform "History and Culture of Central Asia: One past and a common future" with the involvement of scientists and representatives of the general public for the formation of regional content. All this will serve to strengthen mutual understanding and regional identity;
Fourth, to create, with the participation of relevant international organizations, a Center for the Empowerment and self-realization of Central Asian youth. This is intended to contribute to the implementation of the provisions of the Agreement signed in Dushanbe on the general directions of youth policy of the Central Asian states, consolidation of efforts to develop the competencies of young people, promote their vocational training and employment;
fifth, to deepen cooperation in the field of accelerated development of science, innovation, information technology and other areas based on intellectual activity, which in the near future will become the locomotives of the economy and the socio-humanitarian sphere of the states of the region. In particular, to establish regional scientific and educational grants and scholarships for talented youth of the countries of the region in honor of such great Central Asian thinkers, scientists and philosophers as Al-Khorezmi, Farabi, Jami, Makhtumkuli, Chingiz Aitmatov;
Sixth, to develop a comprehensive regional cooperation program in the field of countering the radicalization of youth in order to protect the younger generation from extremist ideology.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Strategy "Uzbekistan-2030"
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres emphasized the scale of the goals and objectives of the Strategy "Uzbekistan-2030", its full conformity with the Goals of sustainable Development, expressed the readiness of the UN and all its institutions to contribute to the practical implementation of this program document.
The development of human capital and the upbringing of the creative young generation is one of the strategic tasks that Uzbekistan has set itself. In recent years, there has been a dynamic development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UN, about 140 joint programs and projects in these areas have been successfully implemented.
At the same time, affordable and high-quality education for all is the most effective factor in eradicating poverty, improving the well-being of the population and achieving sustainable economic growth.
In this regard, a lot of experience has been accumulated in our country in recent years — a radical transformation of the education system is being carried out. Over the past six years, the coverage of preschool education has increased from 21 to 70 percent, higher education — from nine to 38 percent. By 2030, every child will be able to attend kindergarten, and every second school graduate will be able to study at a university.
Systematic work is also being carried out to achieve gender equality: 49 percent of the students who entered universities last year were girls. The share of women in public administration has reached 35% for the first time. A separate law on protection against violence against women and minors has been adopted.
In terms of the implementation of the national and regional agenda in these areas, the President proposed to deepen cooperation with the UN and its specialized structures by:
First, the creation of a Working Group at the UN to promote the development of youth in Central Asia, as well as the development of the program "Youth Agenda of Central Asia-2030";
secondly, the expansion of cooperation with the UN Women structure, the holding of the Asian Forum of Women in Uzbekistan in 2024 to discuss the implementation of their creative potential and the exchange of experience in this area;
Thirdly, the holding of the World Conference "Social Protection: the Path to Sustainable Development" in Uzbekistan in 2024 under the auspices of the UN, support for the initiative of the UN Secretary General "Global Accelerator for Job Creation and Social Protection".

Central Asia: unity of regional and global security
As the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted, we are a people who choose the path of peace, not war, in resolving any conflicts. We have always lived in harmony, friendship and cooperation with all peoples. And on today's path of development, we also rely on these principles.
Based on this position, last year Uzbekistan put forward the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative in the name of common security and prosperity. Our main goal is a deep awareness of the responsibility for the present and future of our countries and peoples, the involvement in the global dialogue of all parties ready for open and constructive cooperation.
At the same time, Uzbekistan proceeds from the fact that regional and international security is directly related to the processes in Afghanistan, where a new situation has developed that requires special approaches to solving the Afghan issue. We cannot leave Afghanistan alone with its problems again. Ignoring, isolation and the imposition of sanctions aggravate the situation of the ordinary Afghan people.
In these areas, the President has put forward a number of the following initiatives.
First, ensuring regional security:
Holding regular Meetings on security issues with the coordinating role of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the States of the region;
Development of an interstate program to protect and strengthen the borders of Central Asian countries;
continuation of joint exercises to develop scenarios for countering traditional and new security threats;
formation of a regional system of forecasting, prevention, early warning and joint response to emergencies;
organizing a permanent and open dialogue with the current authorities of Afghanistan, integrating this country into regional economic processes, providing the necessary assistance to the Afghan people, providing an international hub in Termez for humanitarian aid for this purpose, continuing training of Afghan citizens in a specially created educational center;
 further promotion of the Trans-Afghan Railway construction project, assistance in restoring the internal transport arteries of Afghanistan;
Organization of a permanent dialogue with the Afghan side on border security, water use and trade development, creation of a Contact Group at the level of special representatives of Central Asian countries on Afghanistan for these purposes.
Secondly, ensuring global security:
First, the creation of a Regional Expert Council under the auspices of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office for Systematic work with returnees from combat zones. The UN and the international community highly appreciate Uzbekistan's experience in conducting five humanitarian missions "Mehr", the return of more than 530 citizens from armed conflict zones in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Within the framework of the National Strategy for Countering Extremism and Terrorism, medical care, psychological, social and other support were provided to all of them, and measures were taken to reintegrate them into society;
Secondly, the creation of an International Center for Interreligious Dialogue and Tolerance in Uzbekistan under the auspices of UNESCO, whose goal is to promote the ideas of interreligious tolerance and harmony in the world;
Thirdly, the holding in 2024 in Uzbekistan of an international conference on the theme "Islam is a religion of peace and goodness", dedicated to the study of the rich heritage of our ancestors — such great scientists and thinkers as Al-Khorezmi, Beruni, Imam Bukhari, Mirzo Ulugbek, Alisher Navoi, who made an invaluable contribution to the development of world science and culture, as well as a deep disclosure of the humanistic essence of Islam.
At the same time, Uzbekistan is based on the fact that Islam is a religion of peace, knowledge and enlightenment. For centuries, representatives of different views and beliefs, religions and cultures have coexisted in tolerance on our land, and different cultures are organically combined in Uzbekistan.

In conclusion, we emphasize the words 
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the need at this crucial historical moment to think about what kind of planet we will leave to future generations. Only through common aspirations and joint efforts can lasting peace and prosperity be achieved. More than ever, we need mutual trust, solidarity and cooperation.

Akmal Saidov,
First Deputy Speaker 
Legislative Chamber 
Oliy Majlis 
Of the Republic of Uzbekistan.