Uzbekistan is banking on energetic and creative individuals.
The year 2023 was marked by bright achievements of the youth in various fields such as computer science, mathematics, chemistry, chess, and others. The younger generation increasingly prioritizes education and self-development, achieving success on the international level.
The "Uzbekistan-2030" Strategy pays special attention to systematically strengthening support and comprehensive assistance to talented young people. Starting from March 1, they will be assigned to the guidance of ministries and agencies, enterprises, universities, and local executive authorities. In addition to discussions and meetings, promising young men and women will be assisted in solving their problems through off-budget funds. In 2024, it is planned to train 7.5 thousand people in modern professions, cover the exam expenses for 6 thousand young people 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 are allocated 150 times the base calculation amount for the purchase of electronic boards, computers, sports equipment, and books. In remote areas of Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya, children will be transported to schools for free by buses. The project is currently experimental.
From March 1, the youth language learning and modern profession training program will be launched through the "Youth Notebook" fund. The "Ustoz" program aims to reach at least 150 thousand young people. The "Girls' Academy" is being launched, offering skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, and graphic design. Competitions, projects, educational camps, and internships will be organized in the future. This is an important step, though not yielding immediate results, towards eradicating domestic violence. Gender studies specialists have often stated that through education, the percentage of violence is likely to decrease, as girls confident in their future and ability to provide for themselves and their children are more likely to avoid family violence.
One noteworthy point is the employment of young professionals, as obtaining education alone is not enough; finding a job that fully unleashes potential and benefits the state and society is crucial. Another initiative aimed at the development and motivation of the younger generation is the "Olympiad of Five Initiatives." Intellectual games, "Zakovat," will now be held regularly with an impressive prize fund of 600 million sums. Competitions for language knowledge and eSports tournaments will become regular features.
I would like to highlight a thoughtful approach through the encouragement and support of sectors that are of the greatest interest to the youth. This trend became apparent last year when the Ministry of Health announced the introduction of a special scholarship for students of medical universities with an IELTS certificate scoring 7.5 or higher, as well as an international certificate confirming proficiency in German or French at the C1 level. The year before, esports was declared a separate sport.
Information technologies play a crucial role in society; therefore, from March 1, 2024, the "Two Programmers in Each Mahalla" program is being implemented. Youth interested in the IT field will be trained in foreign languages and included in a registry for future employment in prestigious positions.
Harmonious youth development is a priority of the state program. Over 10 million people will be engaged in the country's sports life through the organization of marathons and competitions in running, football, volleyball, tennis, chess, and swimming. This mass involvement will elevate the skills of athletes. To maintain the country's status on the international stage, obtaining no less than 140 licenses for participation in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris is planned. The calculations are well-founded, as athletes are provided with all necessary conditions.
Employment has also become one of the points in the youth support strategy. For example, by the end of the second quarter of 2023, the unemployment rate had decreased to 8.1 percent. It is forecasted that this indicator will decrease to 7.5–8 percent this year. Gifted youth will also receive support in this area: as a result of job profession competitions funded by the "Youth Notebook" fund, workplaces equipped with workshops are planned to be created in relevant areas.
Business is the driving force of the economy, and that's why aspiring entrepreneurs will feel state support: no less than 40 percent of loans allocated within family entrepreneurship programs will be directed towards youth business development. From June 1, the "Young Entrepreneur" competition, conducted by the Youth Affairs Agency in several stages: mahalla — district — region — republic, will commence. Republican winners will be eligible for preferential loans up to 1000 times the base calculation amount for each project that passed selection at the republican stage, covering 50 percent of the loan interest rate. Here, the educational aspect is considered: regular business trips for professional development abroad will be covered by the Youth Entrepreneur Support Fund.
There is a connection between care and patriotism. When a young person sees and feels the support of the state, it becomes more challenging to instill foreign ideas and values in them. Education level is also directly linked to the ability to think critically and defend one's point of view, which is relevant during information wars.
By investing in the energetic generation today, we are laying the foundation for the future.
