Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In his speech, he emphasized that the future of the world is directly determined by investment in young people, highlighting three priority areas: education, entrepreneurship, and employment.

1. Education – every young person must acquire the knowledge and skills required in the era of artificial intelligence.

2. Entrepreneurship – it is important to encourage young people not only to look for jobs but also to create them. In this context, he noted that Uzbekistan has allocated $400 million for youth entrepreneurship.

3. Employment – startups and skills must be linked to real opportunities. Artificial intelligence does not eliminate jobs but transforms them.

From the UN podium, the message was clear: creating opportunities for young people means guaranteeing the future, and peace is the starting point of all opportunities.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented a new initiative — “The World Youth Movement for Peace”, underlining that without peace there can be no education, no entrepreneurship, and no jobs.

This initiative serves as a practical program of action for Uzbek youth to reach new heights on the international stage.

Distinguished delegates, dear friends,

 

The future of our world depends on how we invest in young people. Education, entrepreneurship, and employment are the three pillars that can lift youth out of poverty and into opportunity.

 

In Uzbekistan, youth poverty once stood at 35 percent. Through bold reforms in education, skills training, and jobs, we are working to bring that number down to just 6 percent. This is not about statistics — it is about giving millions of young people the dignity of work, the power of knowledge, and the hope of a better tomorrow.

 

Education must come first. Every young person deserves the tools and teachers to prepare not only for today’s jobs but for tomorrow’s challenges. Artificial intelligence is already transforming the way we learn, and if we use it wisely, it will not take away opportunities but create new ones — from personalized learning to global classrooms without borders.

 

Next is entrepreneurship. We cannot only wait for jobs to be offered — we must encourage young people to create them. That is why Uzbekistan has directed $400 million into youth entrepreneurial programs. AI is opening whole new industries — in health, climate, finance, and beyond. With the right support in funding, mentorship, and global networks, young innovators can turn these technologies into enterprises that generate thousands of jobs.

 

And then, employment. Skills and startups must connect to real opportunities. AI is not here to reduce jobs but to redefine them — making work smarter, safer, and more human. Our responsibility is to ensure every young person gains the digital and creative skills to thrive in this transformation.

 

Friends, these three pillars — education, entrepreneurship, and employment — are the bridge out of poverty. They are also the foundation of peace.

 

That is why the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has launched a new initiative: “The World Youth Movement for Peace.” Because without peace, there is no education. Without peace, no entrepreneurship. Without peace, no jobs.

 

So let us unite — across borders, cultures, and generations. Let us lead together, and let youth be at the frontlines of building the AI-powered future of work.

 

Let us unite for peace. Thank you.