By 2030, absolute poverty could be completely eradicated in Uzbekistan

The Head of State mentioned that amid the geopolitical, economic and social instability in the world, as well as due to the consequences of global change, the pace of global economic growth has slowed down, which in turn led to an increased number of low-income persons. These realities set new and relevant tasks before the governments, international organizations and the whole international society. 

During this difficult period the fight against poverty has been lifted to the ranks of state policy in Uzbekistan. All efforts are aimed at fulfilling the potential of every person, primarily youth and women. The renewed Constitution states that the volume of pensions, allowances and social help cannot be less than the minimum consumer expenditure. 

Thanks to the consistent reforms 7,5 million people have been lifted out of poverty, and its level has been decreased to 8,9 percent in 2024. The objective is to reduce this indicator to 6 percent by the end of the year. 

The twofold growth of the economy played a significant role; per capita income is expected to reach $3,500 by the end of the year.

Based on the testing of new initiatives and the study of advanced global practices, a model for reducing poverty in New Uzbekistan has been developed. Targeted social registers have been introduced, and a total of $8 billion has been allocated for free medicines and social payments during the pandemic. This has prevented 5,2 million citizens from falling into the “poverty trap” and averted economic recession.

A system of work at the mahalla level, at the grassroots level, has been introduced. Individual work is carried out with each family, and the necessary resources are allocated to increase their income. Every year, $2,5-3 billion is allocated to improve mahallas and people's lives, and develop business infrastructure.

To increase the income of rural residents, the area under cotton and grain cultivation has been reduced by 235 thousand hectares, and citizens have been allocated plots of 30-50 acres. This has been an important step towards increasing the income of 800 thousand people.

- Thanks to these large-scale efforts, Uzbekistan is striving to fulfill its commitment ahead of schedule – to halve poverty by 2030. Moreover, today we are ready to set an even higher bar: by 2030, according to international criteria, Uzbekistan has every opportunity to completely eradicate absolute poverty – and we will definitely achieve this, - emphasized the President.

A program “From poverty to prosperity” is being implemented, consisting of seven priorities. 

First, it is not just about employment at any cost, but about creating sustainable sources of income. In 2024, by attracting $35 billion in investment, over 9 thousand new businesses were opened and around 300 thousand high-paying jobs were created. The state creates conditions for business, and entrepreneurs, assuming social responsibility, help the poor to find permanent jobs and income. This year alone, more than 270 thousand members of low-income families have found permanent jobs.

Second, quality education is the main driver of poverty reduction in the long term. Children from low-income families will be fully covered by preschool education; 80 percent of their expenses for learning foreign languages and obtaining a profession will be compensated. Over the past five years, more than 800 thousand people have been trained in modern professions and employed in high-paying jobs. International vocational training centers are being created, issuing certificates that are recognized abroad.

Third, expanding women's participation in public life. Female students are provided with interest-free loans for education, and opportunities for free master's degree programs are being created. Today, 53 percent of all students are women; this year alone, 1,7 million women have found employment. In 2024, $1,5 billion will be allocated to support women's entrepreneurship; in 2025, it is planned to provide a steady income for another 2 million women. As part of the “Daughters of the digital generation” program, 50 thousand girls will receive training in IT, fintech and artificial intelligence.

Fourth. Health care as the basis for unlocking human potential. Doctors are assigned to low-income families, and comprehensive annual examinations are conducted. The scope of guaranteed medical care will be expanded, and the cost of medical services for such families will be halved through free medicines and guaranteed care packages.

Fifth. Targeted social protection. The system has been completely reformatted: a National agency for social protection has been created, “Inson” centers have been opened in all cities and districts, providing over 100 types of social services on a “one-stop shop” basis. Social workers are employed in every mahalla. In 2024, 2,7 million citizens received services and assistance. New forms of day care for those in need have enabled 50 thousand employable family members to return to work.

To improve the quality and coverage of social services, a $100 million project has been launched in partnership with the World Bank. Separate programs are being implemented to provide school and vocational education to children with disabilities.

Sixth. Infrastructure as the key to reducing multidimensional poverty. Large-scale projects are underway in 1 thousand mahallas with difficult conditions, where about 3,5 million people reside. In 2025, an additional $400 million will be allocated to improve infrastructure in mahallas, create jobs and support entrepreneurship: 32 districts and 328 “difficult” mahallas have been selected, and separate development programs will be adopted for them. At the same time, projects worth $1,3 billion are being implemented in 810 mahallas for water supply, sewerage, roads and the construction of schools and kindergartens. For those in need and low-income families, $200 million in mortgage subsidies are provided annually.

Seventh. More than 70 percent of government spending is directed toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. At the same time, developing countries need more than $4 trillion annually to achieve the SDGs globally. In these circumstances, there is a need for a “new financial architecture for poverty reduction” — with objective risk assessment, resource mobilization and increased efficiency.

In this regard, a conference involving international financial institutions, donor organizations and partner countries will be held in Khiva in 2026. 

The forum was attended by president of the Islamic Development Bank Muhammad Al-Jasser, vice president of the Asian Development Bank Yingming Yang, first vice president of JICA Sachiko Imoto, UN special representative for Central Asia Kaha Imnadze, global director for poverty reduction at the World Bank Luis Felipe Lopez-Calva and about 200 international experts.

The sessions discussed innovative approaches to topics such as aligning measures with market demand, the potential of Islamic finance, business inclusiveness, and investment in human capital.

The forum will conclude on September 18.