Uzbekistan: in the fight for transparency and responsibility

The fight against corruption remains one of the most pressing problems in the modern world. Currently, the damage from corruption amounts to about three trillion dollars. However, it is impossible to measure the scale of moral harm inflicted on society.

Corruption is a real threat that undermines the foundations of all mankind, strikes at the economy, destroys the rule of law and sharply reduces people's confidence in state policy, hinders the development of democratic institutions. 
The protection of human rights and interests is at the center of the fundamental reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan, and therefore the targeted fight against corruption has become one of the most important areas of state policy. In this regard, consistent measures are being taken in our country to implement a system of prevention and uncompromising fight against corruption based on advanced international standards. In particular, the necessary conditions have been created for effective and efficient public control over public administration by ensuring openness, transparency and transparency of the activities of State bodies and organizations, as well as accountability of officials to the public.
It is worth noting separately the firm political will of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the fight against corruption. A strategy implemented in accordance with the principles of consistency, consistency and openness is a key success factor in this area. Also, the presence of anti-corruption and judicial and legal affairs committees in both chambers of the Oliy Majlis is important in the implementation of parliamentary control. Moreover, state programs have been developed and are being implemented to counter this evil. The Anti-Corruption Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been established, which is tasked with ensuring the joint activities of government agencies, the media and civil society institutions.
An important mechanism of anti-corruption measures is not only the fight against the consequences of corruption, but also the elimination of factors leading to its manifestations. In particular, this concerns the openness and transparency of the activities of state bodies, including financial ones; elimination of conflicts of interest in monitoring the work of public administration bodies; ensuring the inevitability of responsibility for corruption crimes; strengthening guarantees of state protection for persons reporting information about corruption offenses and their close relatives.
At the same time, Uzbekistan closely cooperates in its work with such reputable international structures as the United Nations, the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and not only. In 2021, our country became a member of the International Open Data Charter, actively participates in the Istanbul Action Program, the Global Operational Network, the Eurasian and Egmont Groups, and on many other platforms. Performs the functions of the Secretariat of the Asset Recovery Network in the States of Western and Central Asia.
The traditional International Anti-Corruption Forum is held annually in Tashkent. In recent years, our country has risen by 42 positions in the Transparency International index, taking the highest place in the region. The goal is also to improve the indicator in this rating, to rise by another 50 positions by 2030. 
In 2023, the country rose to 30th place in the Open Data Inventory ranking, and Uzbekistan ranks 4th in the world in terms of the number of open data sources.
An effective approach to combating corruption in Uzbekistan has also been reflected in international recognition. As the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan noted at the ceremony of awarding the high International Anti-Corruption Award: "The establishment of the global anti-corruption award, which is one of the most pressing problems of our rapidly changing world, and the holding of this award ceremony on all continents certainly deserves high recognition. After all, the fight against corruption is the sacred duty of every person with a clear conscience, every democratic society and state."
Recognizing the merits and awarding this prestigious award to individuals who are most active and make a worthy contribution to the fight against corruption in the world serves to consistently implement the UN Convention against Corruption, adopted 20 years ago.
At the same time, the efforts of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the global level, who shares his progressive achievements and investments with the peoples of the world, vigorously and courageously fights corruption, along with common good aspirations, allows us to achieve significant results.
International recognition will give a new impetus to the implementation of Uzbekistan's big plans and tasks in the field of combating corruption. In particular, this concerns the development and implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy until 2030. Special attention will be paid to further ensuring transparency of activities and increasing accountability of government agencies, improving the open data system, strengthening the legal framework and institutional mechanisms of the sphere.
The Anti-Corruption Agency's potential is enhanced by strengthening close cooperation with foreign specialized institutions. Based on the most advanced international experience, new mechanisms will be introduced, the institute of "preliminary study" on corruption facts - anti-corruption investigation.
On December 19, the opening ceremony of the monument was held on the territory of the Tashkent City International Business Center - an open palm held up. It is a symbol that we all firmly shake hands with those who participate in this struggle, who firmly and tirelessly follow the path of justice. And in Uzbekistan, such important work has become irreversible.

Acts of the Khaits.
Deputy Speaker of the Legislative
Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.