President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was born into a family of medical professionals in the Zaamin District of the Jizzakh Region in Uzbekistan on July 24, 1957. He studied at the competitive Institute of Engineers of Irrigation and Mechanization of Agriculture, where he obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering. Following that, Mirziyoyev received his PhD in Technical Sciences. Promptly after graduation, he began his career in academia as an associate professor and research scientist.

In the early 1990s, as Uzbekistan navigated the tumultuous period of the Soviet Union's disintegration, Shavkat Mirziyoyev embarked on his political career. In 1990, he was elected as a member of parliament, marking the beginning of his public service. He was later appointed as a khokim (mayor) of the Mirzo Ulugbek district in the city of Tashkent, a role he assumed in 1992, and subsequently served as the governor of the Jizzakh and Samarkand regions. In these roles, Mirziyoyev exhibited commitment to raising the economic well-being and social opportunity of the regions by investing his efforts in infrastructure development and industrial growth. His time spent as a governor was instrumental in shaping his future political path and cementing his reputation as a leader dedicated to development and reform.

In 2003, then the President Islam Karimov proposed Shavkat Mirziyoyev as a candidate for the position of Prime Minister during a speech at the parliament. As Prime Minister, Mirziyoyev steered significant economic reforms. His policies and initiatives led to marked improvements in the standard of living in rural areas and helped to modernize and diversify the agricultural sector. His leadership in this role reflected his ability to enact meaningful economic and social change.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev's dedication to Uzbekistan's sustainable development and his significant contributions to improving governance and public welfare have been acknowledged through prestigious awards such as the orders Mekhnat Shukhrati (Glory of Labor) and Fidokorona Khizmatlari Uchun (For Selfless Service), a testament to his enduring commitment and service to the nation.

After the passing of Islam Karimov, Shavkat Mirziyoyev temporarily assumed the powers of the presidency in accordance with a joint resolution passed by the Legislative Chamber (Lower House) and Senate of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan on September 8, 2016. On October 19, the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen – Liberal - Democratic Party of Uzbekistan nominated Shavkat Mirziyoyev as their preferred presidential candidate, and he was elected with 88.61 percent of the vote following the national elections on December 4.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev officially became President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on December 14, 2016 and thereafter initiated a period of substantial change for the country through reforms and economic liberalization. Shavkat Mirziyoyev's policies have reshaped Uzbekistan's economic landscape and have included the elimination of trade barriers, currency liberalization, and the encouragement of foreign investment. His presidency has also been marked by an improvement in the country’s international affairs, particularly with neighboring Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, enhancing regional stability and cooperation.

Furthermore, Shavkat Mirziyoyev has initiated steps towards transparency, better governance, increased press freedom and attention to human rights issues. One of his globally recognized achievements is the prohibition of forced and child labor, which used to be prevalent in the cotton industry. Under Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan also adopted laws on gender equality, improved access to justice, and ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), among other achievements.

His leadership has not only led to progress in the country’s human rights record, but it has also diversified Uzbekistan’s economy, enhanced international partnerships and significantly improved the quality of life for its citizens. Multifaceted reforms, balanced economic growth, and commitment to social progress have set lasting benchmarks, shaping discussions about Uzbekistan's future and influencing its ongoing development trajectory.

Having built a legacy within the country and beyond, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was awarded with the highest award of the CIS, a Badge of Honor, and the highest order of the Organization of Turkic States, the Supreme Order of Turkic World for his contribution to the development of the CIS and Turkic world, and for strengthening friendship, good neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation among the member states. Due to the rapid reforms implemented under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, The Economist declared Uzbekistan “country of the year” in 2019.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev is married and has two daughters and a son. His spouse, Z.Mirziyoyeva, has a qualification as an engineer-economist.