23.06.2025

Dear Forum participants!

Distinguished guests!

Let me begin by sincerely congratulating you on the opening of the United Nations Public Service Forum – held for the first time in the Central Asian region.

I would also like to express my special gratitude to His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, for supporting our initiative to host this important event in Samarkand, a city at the crossroads of world civilizations.

On this note, let me warmly congratulate you all on Public Service Day, marked on June 23 – a day celebrated around the world at the initiative of the United Nations.

We are all aware that the world today is facing unprecedented global challenges: growing political tensions that hinder sustainable development, climate change, resource shortages – both natural and human – and the increasing threat of cyber risks.

That’s why this Forum, held under the theme “Five years until 2030: Accelerating public service delivery for a sustainable future,” is so timely and relevant. It offers a valuable platform to improve public administration systems, enhance the performance and professionalism of public servants, and strengthen international collaboration – so essential for progress and sustainable development.

The strong participation of the United Nations, leading global institutions, and around 400 delegates from across continents reflects the growing importance of this event.

Dear Forum Participants!

In today’s interconnected world, sharing experiences and innovative practices in digital transformation has become more important than ever.

This means finding smarter ways to deliver public services, making government institutions more efficient, nurturing modern leadership, ensuring ongoing training, and identifying the skills future leaders will need.

New Uzbekistan is actively opening up to the world and implementing rapid, people-centered reforms – drawing on global best practices. We see ourselves as a part of the global movement to reimagine and strengthen public service.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has launched systematic reforms to build a truly inclusive public service. A key milestone has been the development of a new Public Service Law in partnership with international experts.

To bring reforms closer to people’s lives, we introduced the “mahallabay” system, expanded targeted social support, and increased the share of women in public administration to 35% – a leading figure in our region. Over 700 public services are now available online through a one-stop “single window” system.

Our full-scale digitalization of public services has already shown real results. In the past year, Uzbekistan climbed 24 places in the UN’s global
e-government ranking and 17 spots in the international AI readiness index.

To ensure we attract and retain talented professionals, we’ve established a training cluster for building a skilled and modern civil service.

We are also introducing endowment mechanisms to strengthen institutions and invest in human capital, drawing on global experience. In this regard, we invite you to support our initiatives – such as creating a Global Knowledge Center for Digital Transformation in Public Service and launching an International School for Young Leaders right here in Uzbekistan.

These initiatives will create meaningful opportunities for dialogue between governments, innovators, and development partners; help train the next generation of civil servants; promote digital tools in governance and daily life; and drive innovation across the public sector.

I am confident that these efforts will be reflected in the Samarkand Declaration, which we hope will serve as a practical roadmap for advancing inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered public service around the world.

Let me close by wishing you strength, energy, and success in this important work – and inspiring discussions throughout the Forum.

 

Shavkat Mirziyoyev

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

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