TASHKENT - These days, the international community's attention is focused on Uzbekistan, located in the heart of Central Asia. From 5 to 9 April, Tashkent will host a prestigious international event - the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. This event, which has gained worldwide attention, is of considerable importance not only for the country and the region, but also for the entire international parliamentary community. Nearly 2 000 delegates from 181 countries, 15 observer states and more than 25 international and inter-parliamentary organisations are expected to attend the Assembly.
During the Assembly, high-level parliamentary delegations from around the world will discuss urgent and critical issues, including social protection of the population, poverty reduction, ensuring the rule of law, protecting human rights, achieving gender equality, developing science and technology, and promoting youth. It is essential to stress that in today's complex and rapidly changing world, achieving social justice, equality and sustainable development has become a crucial priority for every state and society.
In this context, the 150th Jubilee Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which will be held in Tashkent for the first time in the history of Central Asia, represents a major political and strategic event for Uzbekistan. The Inter-Parliamentary Union, founded in 1889, is the largest and most prestigious international organisation among legislative bodies. It brings together more than 180 countries and includes 15 regional parliaments and 15 observer organisations. Holding this event in our country serves as an excellent platform and opportunity to present to the wider international community the results of the ongoing reforms implemented within the framework of the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy and other national programs.
It is worth noting that 2025 represents a key moment on the international political scene for Central Asia, especially for Uzbekistan. For the first time, a prestigious gathering of this magnitude is being held in Tashkent, which not only strengthens the international position of our nation, but also represents a major step in the integration of the region into global political processes. The main objectives of holding the Assembly include the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation and the promotion of peace and democracy. Another high-level event is undoubtedly the first 'Central Asia-European Union' summit, which recently began in the historic city of Samarkand.
On the eve of the forum, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev gave an interview to the globally renowned Euronews media, in which he specifically addressed the potential of Central Asia and the growing interest of the world's leading powers in the region: 'Central Asia is no longer on the margins of history, but is turning into a dynamically developing region that is shaping its own strategic agenda. Political consolidation, the high level of trust and joint economic initiatives achieved in the region have created new opportunities for sustainable development. During its chairmanship of the Central Asian Five, Uzbekistan will pay special attention to three key areas: strengthening regional security, deepening economic integration and environmental sustainability."
At the core of these three priority areas, which our President has highlighted, is strong legislation, backed by a capable Parliament, strong legal capacity and international cooperation. In this context, Tashkent's role as host of the 150th Assembly further strengthens the international standing of our region. It transforms our country into an active participant in global political processes. Moreover, it is a fact that Uzbekistan's national experience in such critical areas as lawmaking and parliamentary oversight is gaining wide recognition from the international community, foreign parliaments and the public.
These successes are not accidental. In recent years, our national parliament, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has become an active participant in the country's socio-economic development and foreign policy, thanks to a series of legal and democratic reforms. One of the key areas of activity of the Oliy Majlis, international inter-parliamentary cooperation, is also entering a qualitatively new phase in line with the extensive reforms implemented under the renewed Constitution and the Uzbekistan 2030 strategy.
Parliamentary action for social development and justice
This year the Assembly is dealing with this very topic. Parliaments are increasingly seen not only as law-making bodies, but also as proactive political institutions that drive social change, alleviate poverty, promote equality of opportunity and uphold human dignity.
The Assembly's agenda covers a wide range of pressing issues, including peace and security, human rights, climate change, youth and women's participation, the impact of armed conflict and cooperation with the UN. In particular, political statements and peace initiatives in support of a two-state solution in Palestine will be central to the agenda. In addition, several special events are planned, including a youth forum, a meeting of women parliamentarians and sessions on artificial intelligence, children's rights and climate issues. Overall, participants will have the opportunity to exchange best practices in strengthening the role of parliaments in addressing global challenges. I am confident that this important gathering will provide an effective platform for constructive dialogue and the adoption of important decisions.
Uzbekistan's experience in the number of...
It should be appreciated that Uzbekistan has made significant progress in recent years in promoting social development and justice. These achievements are closely linked to the initiative, humanism, astute political vision, strong will and dedicated leadership of the Head of State. In this context, let us pay attention to some key statistics. This year, 102 types of social services have been decentralised to the mahala level. As a result, regular childcare services for children with disabilities were introduced, creating opportunities for 700 parents to gain employment. Social services are now provided in the homes of approximately 4,000 elderly persons who cannot leave their homes due to immobility. Through social workers, assistance has been provided to 95,000 needy people across the mahallas. ¨
In addition, 51 000 people were granted disabled status and 5 000 children with special needs were placed in pre-schools and schools. The reforms initiated by the Head of State reflected a clear commitment to the principles of social equality and justice and ensured that every citizen in the country received attention and care. In particular, ensuring the rights and interests of women and respecting their dignity has become a top priority of national policy. In 2017, women accounted for an average of 20 % leadership positions. Today, that proportion has reached 35 per cent. Women make up 38 per cent of the members of the Oliy Majlis legislature and 27 per cent of the Senate.
Last year, athletes representing Uzbekistan at the Olympic and Paralympic Games won 3 gold, 8 silver and 3 bronze medals, the highest total in the country's history. In conclusion, Uzbekistan is ready to host this international forum. The country is standing at a key stage in the history of world parliamentarism - it is embarking on a new political path with human dignity at its core. The documents that will be adopted at the Assembly - declarations and resolutions - will serve as a practical roadmap for parliamentary action in the 21st century.
A. Kuchimov,
Member of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan
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