Thanks to the great blessing of independence, our country has witnessed profound changes not only in the life of the state and society, but also in the way our people perceive their spiritual world, national identity and religious values. A new era has begun.

The 35th anniversary of our independence is an important historic milestone that enables us to reflect on the complex yet honorable path of development traversed through the selfless labour, strong will and creative potential of our people, to better understand the achievements made and to define new goals for the future.

Independence, above all, gave us the opportunity to rediscover our identity, restore our national pride, enhance our dignity and honour, and cherish our religion, native language and centuries-old values. Today, such fundamental values as a free and prosperous life, peace and stability, human rights and freedoms, freedom of conscience and religious tolerance are regarded as essential foundations of the development of New Uzbekistan.

A Country Where Human Dignity Is Honoured

As the President has emphasized, the profound significance of independence is reflected, first and foremost, in human dignity and the ability of people to live freely. In this regard, the principal objective of the reforms undertaken in recent years has been to safeguard human rights and interests and to create the necessary conditions for a dignified life.

The noble principle “For Human Dignity!” has been placed at the centre of state policy. A number of longstanding problems that had burdened people for many years have been addressed.

Most importantly, trust and a sense of security are increasingly prevailing in society. This is a practical manifestation of the idea of New Uzbekistan, founded on respect for human dignity.

As a result of the economic and social reforms carried out during the years of independence, living standards are improving, modern housing is being constructed and targeted mechanisms for supporting vulnerable families are being introduced.

These processes are closely connected with reforms in the religious and educational sphere as well. Respecting human dignity, treating a person’s faith with consideration, guaranteeing freedom of conscience and promoting tolerance towards different views are essential conditions for building a stable and just society.

Freedom of Conscience — a Great Blessing of Independence

From the earliest years of independence, the Law “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations” was adopted, establishing the legal foundations for guaranteeing freedom of conscience. Its subsequent adoption in a new edition further strengthened these guarantees in line with contemporary requirements.

Today, freedom of conscience is firmly guaranteed in our country as a constitutional right. The legal and institutional foundations of state policy in the religious sphere are being continuously improved, while broad opportunities are being created for citizens to freely and lawfully meet their religious needs.

This is one of the most important spiritual achievements of independence in people’s lives. The freedom of a nation is reflected not only in its political and economic opportunities, but also in the ability of its people to understand their spiritual identity, faith and values and to treat them with respect. Independence has given us precisely this opportunity.

Enlightenment — the Foundation of Progress

Science and enlightenment have always held a special place in the great history of Uzbekistan. The religious and intellectual heritage of our distinguished scholars, who enriched the treasury of human thought during the First and Second Renaissance periods, is an integral part of this great civilization.

The scholarly and spiritual heritage of such eminent ancestors as Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, Imam Maturidi, Burhaniddin Marginani and Bahauddin Naqshband is an invaluable treasure of our people. Their works embody the ideals of knowledge, reason, enlightenment, goodness, humanism, tolerance and spiritual perfection.

At the initiative of the President, international research centres named after Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi and Imam Maturidi have been established, while the Bahauddin Naqshband Research Centre has also begun its activities. These institutions serve to ensure the comprehensive study and broad promotion of this invaluable heritage.

The establishment of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has become another vivid manifestation of the advancement of this work to a new level.

The reconstruction of the Imam Bukhari Complex in Samarkand is also an expression of the profound respect of our people for the legacy of this great hadith scholar.

These sites are not merely pilgrimage destinations. They also serve as important spiritual centres that unite knowledge and enlightenment, historical memory, national identity and the ideals of goodness.

The Foundation of the Third Renaissance — Educated and Enlightened Youth

Today, Uzbekistan is entering a new stage of development. The coming decade is being defined as a period of national advancement. Education, science and enlightenment will play a decisive role in achieving this great objective.

For this reason, transforming knowledge and professional skills into the principal capital of our development has been identified as a priority for the coming years. It is no coincidence that important objectives have been set, including preparing children for school, improving the quality of education in accordance with international standards, training young people in high-demand professions at technical colleges, and raising Uzbekistan’s universities to the ranks of the world’s most prestigious higher education institutions.

The Third Renaissance primarily requires the upbringing of an educated, independently minded and spiritually mature generation.

In this process, it is essential to explain to young people the humanistic essence of our national and religious values, guide them towards knowledge, enlightenment, patriotism and constructive ideals, and protect them from destructive influences.

At a time when artificial intelligence, advanced technologies and the creative economy are developing rapidly, it is particularly important that the younger generation not only secure a worthy place in the digital world but also remain connected to their spiritual roots and values. As the President has noted, the Uzbek language should become a language in which knowledge and technology are created in the digital world. Indeed, harmony between knowledge, spirituality and values is one of the defining characteristics of a well-rounded individual.

Tolerance — an Invaluable Treasure of Our People

Uzbekistan has historically been a land where representatives of different nationalities and religions have lived together in peace and harmony. Today, representatives of more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups, as well as followers of 16 religious denominations, live peacefully and harmoniously in our country as members of one family.

In today’s complex world, where conflicts and divisions are intensifying, interethnic harmony and religious tolerance are invaluable assets of our society.

The creation of appropriate conditions for representatives of various religious denominations to practise their religious traditions and rites, as well as the continued development of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, are practical manifestations of the atmosphere of tolerance established in our country.

The establishment of the “Religious Tolerance” badge in 2023 is another vivid example of the attention paid to promoting this important value. The official celebration of Ramadan Hayit and Qurbon Hayit also demonstrates the high level of respect shown by the state towards the centuries-old religious and national traditions of our people.

These blessed occasions contribute to the further promotion of compassion, generosity, forgiveness, solidarity and humanism.

Compassion and Humanism — Our National Values

The principle of honouring human dignity is further strengthening the spirit of compassion and generosity in our society. Efforts to support vulnerable groups, low-income families, people in need or suffering from illness, persons with disabilities and other citizens requiring social protection are continuously expanding.

A number of charitable initiatives organized in connection with the 35th anniversary of independence have also helped bring the festive spirit of independence to every household.

These efforts are rooted in the traditional qualities of our people — compassion, generosity, magnanimity and solidarity.

Today, the mahalla is not only an important institution of social life, but also a spiritual school that strengthens compassion, mutual respect and solidarity among people.

The mood of citizens, the well-being of families, the aspirations of young people and the initiatives of entrepreneurs are all first reflected within the mahalla.

Representatives of different nationalities and people with different religious views live together in the mahalla as one family. In this sense, the mahalla is one of the most important schools of tolerance and social harmony.

A Guarantee of Progress

In a country where human dignity is honoured, the rule of law is upheld and mutual respect prevails, both economic development and social trust are strengthened.

Uzbekistan’s open, pragmatic and peace-oriented foreign policy also serves these noble objectives.

The elevation of good-neighbourly relations, strategic partnership and friendship in Central Asia to a new level contributes not only to regional stability, but also to strengthening mutual trust and tolerance among nations.

Expanding cooperation with different regions of the world and the continued growth of Uzbekistan’s international standing further reinforce the country’s position as a peaceful and constructive state.

For us, peace is not merely a political concept. Peace means a secure life for every person, a promising future for children, the well-being of families, the advancement of science and enlightenment, freedom of religious belief and an essential condition for society’s development.

The path of development we have travelled over the past 35 years once again confirms an important truth: when the people and the state unite around a common goal and work with determination, there is no objective that cannot be achieved.

As the President has emphasized, our country is entering an entirely new stage of development. The coming decade will become a period of national advancement.

The seven national programmes identified in this regard are of particular significance, as they cover the most important spheres of our lives. In essence, each of them is aimed at further enhancing human dignity.

In particular, the objectives aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan’s reputation as a land of peace, friendship and tolerance also place significant responsibility on the religious and educational sphere.

Tolerance cannot be established through legislation alone. It must first take root in people’s hearts and minds. To achieve this, we must further strengthen the environment of knowledge, enlightenment, sound religious understanding and mutual respect.

Looking back at the reforms and achievements in the religious and educational sphere over the past 35 years, one truth becomes increasingly evident: independence has given our people not only state sovereignty, but also the opportunity to rediscover their history, spirituality, faith and values.

Today, freedom of conscience is firmly guaranteed by law in our country, while representatives of different religions and denominations live together in peace and harmony. The study and broad promotion of the heritage of our great ancestors has been elevated to the level of state policy.

Extensive opportunities for pilgrimage have been created. Religious tolerance and interfaith harmony have become important values that unite society and strengthen peace and stability.

At the same time, the large-scale reforms underway in Uzbekistan are enriching the noble ideals of independence with new substance. Respect for human dignity, reliable protection of rights and freedoms, the development of education and science, enhancement of the spiritual and educational environment, and the strengthening of peace, harmony and tolerance in society are becoming key benchmarks of our development.

Therefore, the 35th anniversary of independence is not only an opportunity to review the years behind us, but also an important occasion to reflect more deeply on the future and to move confidently towards the new development milestones of New Uzbekistan. The value of independence is measured not only by the achievements attained, but also by our responsibility to safeguard it, cherish this blessing and pass it on worthily to future generations.

Enriching the meaning of this great value is the sacred duty of every generation.

Preserving peace and stability, honouring human dignity, guaranteeing freedom of conscience, advancing science and enlightenment, guiding young people towards noble goals, safeguarding our national and religious values, and strengthening an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance among representatives of different nationalities and religious denominations are among our most important tasks in building the bright future of New Uzbekistan.

As the President has said: “We are stronger today than we were yesterday. God willing, tomorrow we will be even stronger.”

Sodiq TOSHBOYEV,
Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan