Uzbekistan launches reforms for national cohesion and expat links

On March 19, President Mirziyoyev enacted the decree titled “On Measures to Elevate National Harmony and Relations with Compatriots Abroad to a New Level.” The initiative seeks to promote national unity, solidarity, and cohesion, ensure equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, deepen the multiethnic population’s stake in Uzbekistan’s prosperity, and foster stronger ties with Uzbeks living abroad.

Key priorities

The decree identifies several priority objectives to strengthen national harmony and relations with compatriots abroad:

• Fostering a unified civic identity by harmonizing interethnic relations and promoting friendship, mutual solidarity, tolerance, and unity within society;
• Enhancing the multiethnic population’s role in national development by safeguarding their rights and legitimate interests;
• Supporting Uzbek diaspora communities abroad in preserving their national identity while mobilizing their social and economic potential for Uzbekistan’s progress;
• Strengthening socio-cultural ties and friendly relations with foreign countries through people-to-people diplomacy, boosting Uzbekistan’s positive international image.

The decree emphasizes a “fundamental reform” of the sector. A new Committee on Interethnic Relations and Issues of Compatriots Abroad will be established, replacing the existing Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries under the Ministry of Culture. This new body will serve as the state authority responsible for implementing policies in these areas, coordinating the efforts of government agencies and organizations. It will report directly to the Presidential Administration and the Cabinet of Ministers. Locally, these responsibilities will fall to deputy heads of regional and city administrations tasked with public and religious affairs.

Plans to promote national harmony

The decree outlines several initiatives to bolster interethnic harmony:

• An annual conference under the slogan “Uzbekistan is Our Common Homeland” will celebrate the equality and solidarity of all ethnic groups and their contributions to the country’s development;
• Streets in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional centers, and Tashkent will be transformed into “Cultural Wealth of Uzbekistan” zones, reflecting the cultures, customs, and traditions of various ethnic groups and showcasing harmonious interethnic relations;
• Environmental campaigns under the motto “Together We Are Stronger” will involve eco-volunteers from diverse ethnic backgrounds to address pressing issues and foster a sense of collective responsibility;
• Projects and programs promoting national cohesion will be launched with the participation of prominent figures from various ethno-cultural groups;
• Films and series will be produced to highlight the contributions of different ethnic groups to Uzbekistan’s history and its stable development today.

Strengthening ties with compatriots abroad

To enhance relations with Uzbeks abroad, the government will draw on the UN Volunteers’ TOKTEN program (Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals) as a model. This initiative will facilitate the transfer of human capital to support innovative socio-economic development and environmental sustainability in Uzbekistan. Highly skilled expatriate professionals will be directed to sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and private enterprises, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence. Clear organizational and legal mechanisms will be established to support this process.

Concrete, well-founded proposals will be developed to encourage the participation of compatriots abroad in Uzbekistan’s socio-economic life, including:

• Supporting direct investments;
• Channeling charitable funds into socially beneficial and targeted projects;
• Encouraging investments in the capital market;
• Promoting tourism development.

The Uz Global Think forum will provide a permanent platform for dialogue with Uzbek experts and scholars abroad, fostering exchanges on entrepreneurship, socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and quality education. Additionally, by September 1, 2025, sister regions and friendship societies will be positioned as “cultural bridges” to advance socio-cultural ties with foreign countries.