Independence Day of Uzbekistan is a holiday that unites people and fills their hearts with love

Gaining independence is the story not only of statehood, but also of the people, the destinies of people, and the future of the country. That is why sovereignty is the most important value for any State. For citizens, peaceful life and stability in society represent the main achievements that independence brings.
The peace and stability prevailing in our country today, interethnic harmony, an atmosphere of kindness and mercy, constant care for people in need of help and attention - all this noble work has become an integral part of state policy. Peace and tranquility, civil accord, religious tolerance, equal participation of representatives of different cultures in the life of society are the distinctive features of the New Uzbekistan, whose experience is valuable in strengthening and encouraging interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
Article 1 of the new version of the Constitution states: Uzbekistan is a sovereign, democratic, legal, social and secular state with a republican form of government.
As stated in article 2, the State expresses the will of the people and serves their interests. State bodies and officials are responsible to society and citizens. In turn, article 8 states: the people of Uzbekistan are citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regardless of their nationality.
This year, the country will celebrate the 33rd anniversary of independence under the motto "Only united - we are one people, only together - we are a strong country!". As part of the celebration, numerous events will be organized aimed at strengthening national unity, promoting the cultural heritage and achievements of Uzbekistan. Literary and artistic evenings, national cinema days, festivities, cultural and sports events, and gastronomic festivals are planned. 
As noted in the presidential decree "On the preparation and holding of the celebration of the thirty-third anniversary of the state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan" dated July 18, 2024: "It is thanks to independence that our country has become a sovereign, democratic, legal, social and secular state, a full-fledged subject of international law. The world has come to know and recognize us anew. Relations of friendship and cooperation with different states and peoples are expanding, and the authority of our Motherland in the international arena is growing. 
In the course of the large-scale democratic reforms carried out in the country in recent years, we are especially deeply aware of what a great happiness and honor it is, and at the same time a huge responsibility to be an independent state open to the world, to occupy a worthy place in the family of free peoples, achieving a modern level of development. 
Fundamental changes in domestic and foreign policy aimed at ensuring national interests, the practical results achieved are recognized and supported by the international community."
Since the day Uzbekistan gained independence, huge changes have taken place in all spheres of the country's life. Economic growth, social stability and political independence are all made possible by the efforts of the people.
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez and Kokand are cities known far beyond the borders of Uzbekistan as architectural centers of art, culture and science. Palaces, mausoleums, mosques and minarets erected on this land have taken their place in the annals of world history. In the Middle Ages, Uzbekistan was the heart of the Great Silk Road, which contributed to the development of unique architectural projects. 
Moreover, to this day, a lot of creative work is being carried out. Large industrial plants, numerous small business and private enterprise facilities are being put into operation. Residential buildings, roads and bridges, infrastructure, education, science, healthcare, culture and sports are being built. Wide roads, recreation areas, educational institutions from the outskirts of Karakalpakstan to remote villages of the Ferghana Valley are pleasing to the eye. In addition, new elevated stations of the Tashkent metro are being put into operation. We are witnessing large-scale reforms, economic recovery in all spheres, which reflects the aspirations of the people, dreams and intentions.
A decent celebration of Independence Day will be provided in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional centers, Tashkent, as well as in all cities, districts, villages and auls. Our people, especially young people, are looking forward to the traditional contests "The Image of the Motherland through the eyes of an artist", "Living for the Motherland!", "The greatest, the most expensive", which are aimed at strengthening patriotism, cultural heritage and national pride among the younger generation.
In recent years, the republic has achieved high rates of economic growth and has made significant steps in the field of sustainable development. The introduction of modern technologies and the diversification of the economy are among the main strategies of the state, which ensures the creation of new jobs and improving the lives of the population. Along with this, Uzbekistan has become one of the key players in the region in the field of transport and energy.
An important part of the reforms is also the development of the law enforcement system, the strengthening of citizens' rights and the fight against corruption. Such steps allow our people to participate more actively in decision-making and shaping their own destiny.
The focus remains on strengthening the care of young people. In this regard, 2024 has been declared the Year of Support for Youth and Business, thereby indicating the country's desire to strengthen the role of the younger generation in socio-economic development and support for entrepreneurship. This includes the creation of special funds to finance innovative youth projects, the development of incentive programs for business entities and the provision of micro-loans. The importance of active participation of young people in the process of modernizing society through the development of their scientific potential and obtaining a decent education is also enshrined in the Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030".
Why is so much attention paid to youth in Uzbekistan? Young people have always been a source of innovation and innovation. They have the courage and energy that are necessary for business and development in the field of economics and politics, as well as in education and culture. The state strives to create conditions conducive to the development of boys and girls, ensuring the implementation of the idea of "New Uzbekistan - the third Renaissance" under the motto "Youth are the creators of the New Uzbekistan". 
Our country continues to improve its efforts to develop strategic plans aimed at supporting youth and developing entrepreneurship. This year, the main focus is on creating additional opportunities for the younger generation with an emphasis on unlocking its potential. Thus, it is planned to double the number of young people sent through the El-yurt Umidi Foundation to prestigious foreign universities in order to support free-thinking and creative youth. At the same time, half will be directed to the study of technical and exact sciences, IT.
In the context of the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, attention is also paid to supporting entrepreneurship and business development. Last year, 236 thousand young people were employed in each mahalla on the basis of the Youth Employment Program. The system of higher and vocational education covers 189 thousand school graduates. According to the outlined priorities, this year in each region, a completely new approach to working with youth is being introduced in the system of ministries and departments, and the types of assistance provided on the recommendation of the youth leader are being transformed. Special attention is paid to the training of modern professions.
Last year, the Olympiad of Five Initiatives project reached 12 million young people. 623 sports grounds have been built in makhallas for boys and girls who became winners and prize-winners of the project. Also in 2023, the types of assistance provided through the youth notebook system increased to 30.
The priority task of the state is to create conditions for a free, comfortable and prosperous life for women, which is enshrined in the Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030". Within the framework of the document, large-scale measures are being implemented aimed at increasing the political, social and economic activity of compatriots, protecting motherhood and childhood, asserting gender equality, as well as ensuring their rights and interests.
In addition, Uzbekistan has adopted norms guaranteeing women equal pay with men for work of equal value. Restrictions on the employment of women in certain industries have been lifted. 
It is important to note that the country has introduced norms protecting women from domestic violence. In April 2023, the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Responsibility were amended to combat domestic violence, including physical, psychological and economic violence. Criminal liability has been established for these types of crimes. The growing level of women's political and legal culture and their social activity can be observed in all levels of government and public administration, in all spheres of life of our society.
 Speaking at a festive event on the occasion of March 8, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that within the framework of the 2024 State Program, five thousand women who need complex surgical operations and find themselves in a difficult life situation will be treated at the expense of the State Budget and international financial institutions. At the same time, one million pregnant women and 1.5 million nursing mothers are provided with iodine preparations for free, and about six million women of reproductive age are provided with iron and folic acid preparations. In addition, four thousand compatriots who found themselves in a difficult life situation received assistance with the allocation of housing. 
Since March 2024, the Girls Academy platform has been launched to train young women and girls in entrepreneurship, marketing and graphic design. Various competitions, training camps and internships are also organized within the framework of the project.