Tashkent, June 30, 2025 – The Europe Today: On the occasion of Youth Day, celebrated annually on June 30, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a keynote address, extending heartfelt congratulations to the country’s youth and expressing strong confidence in their abilities, achievements, and role in shaping the future of New Uzbekistan.
In his speech, the President praised the significant progress made by the younger generation in education, sports, and culture, citing Uzbekistan’s leading position in Central Asia in terms of students admitted to the world’s top 500 universities. Currently, 30 Uzbek students are enrolled in top-10 universities, 500 in top-100, and 1,500 in top-300 global institutions.
A remarkable milestone was highlighted in sports, with Uzbekistan’s national football team qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history—an achievement that instills pride across the nation.
“Just as great thinkers defined the eras of the First and Second Renaissances, today history entrusts its future to you. You are the golden generation, capable of raising the Uzbek flag high in every field,” President Mirziyoyev affirmed.
Education, Innovation, and Global Competitiveness
The President underscored continued efforts to ensure youth access to high-quality education, proficiency in foreign languages, and training in modern professions. Through the “One Million Coders” initiative, 325,000 young people have already been trained. In 2024 alone, 150,000 students obtained international language certificates—double the number achieved in 2023.
By 2025, 8,300 development projects worth $35 billion will generate 292,000 jobs, with a long-term projection of $83 billion in investments and the creation of half a million new jobs across green economy sectors, engineering, energy, and geology.
Key initiatives announced include the establishment of the Beruni International School for outstanding 8th-grade graduates and the annual selection of 3,000 top school students, including 300 from low-income families, to prepare for admission to elite universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Columbia.
To support students lacking full scholarships at top international institutions, the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation will offer expanded assistance. Commercial banks will also provide concessional loans of up to $20,000 for studies at top-300 universities.
Emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and Startups
Recognizing the strategic importance of artificial intelligence (AI), President Mirziyoyev unveiled new AI-focused initiatives, including 100 sector-specific projects in finance, healthcare, agriculture, and energy, and the launch of the “One Million AI Leaders” program in collaboration with the UAE.
Training programs will be enhanced through cooperation with MIT, and computer science teachers from all regions will be trained at New Uzbekistan University. The “Digital Generation: Girls” competition saw 120 AI and climate-tech startups selected from 7,000 female participants, and aims to reach 50,000 girls this year.
The government has already invested $145 million in youth startups, with total expected venture capital to reach $1 billion. Schools will introduce a “skills and business hour” to support student entrepreneurship, with a grant pool of 100 billion UZS. An annual “Best Creative Idea” competition will offer grants of up to 300 million UZS.
A new Research and Development Center will be established under the Agency for Innovation and IT Park to facilitate startup prototyping, with the Youth Venture Fund covering up to $50,000 for pilot projects.
Professional Development and Job Creation
New systems will support professional growth in sectors such as industry, services, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. Annual national competitions will identify promising specialists, and industry leaders will sponsor 100 young professionals annually for internships abroad, with each sector allocating 10 billion UZS.
To promote youth employment, the government has launched the “Youth Business” program to employ 100,000 young people, and the “Step into the Future” program to place 140,000 university graduates. Aloqabank and the National Bank have been allocated $300 million to support these initiatives.
A new digital platform will be introduced to connect graduates with employers, alongside the “Income on the Move” system, which will engage 3 million youth in short-term employment during school holidays.
Youth Leadership and Cultural Enrichment
Highlighting the increasing youth presence in leadership, President Mirziyoyev noted that the share of leaders under age 40 has risen from 37% to 65% over the past seven years. The “Leaders of the Future” program will annually select 100 young talents for training at the Academy of Public Administration, with mentorship from top officials and opportunities for international internships.
To promote cultural and patriotic values, hokimiyats will provide transport for student performances in remote areas. Winners of creative competitions will be granted privileged admission to institutions in arts and culture. The “Iqtidor” ensemble competition winners will receive free education at children’s music and art schools.
The monument “Patriots of the Nation”, recently unveiled in Victory Park, Tashkent, stands as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and patriotism, bearing the names of 196 servicemen who gave their lives for Uzbekistan’s peace and security.
Global Recognition and Cooperation
Uzbekistan’s youth policy has received international acclaim, placing the country among the top 10 most active implementers of the UN’s Youth 2030 Strategy. The nation has also been recognized as the fastest-improving country on the Youth Development Index.
Notably, Bukhara has been designated the Youth Capital of the Turkic World, and Tashkent the Youth Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
As part of ongoing celebrations, the Global Youth Festival is being held across Uzbekistan, serving as a vibrant platform for international exchange and cooperation.
In conclusion, President Mirziyoyev expressed profound pride in Uzbekistan’s youth:
“Each of your achievements is a triumph for our entire nation. Your determination and success are the pride of your families and the foundation of our country’s bright future.”
