Uzbekistan, with a vibrant and youthful population of 37 million, is setting ambitious goals to become a leader in innovation and development in Central Asia. This year, Tashkent will host the Central Asia Universities Forum, a premier event designed to bring together leading minds from academia, industry, and the public sector. This forum will highlight Uzbekistan's potential and serve as a platform to unveil the country's ambitious five-year development strategy. By fostering collaboration and showcasing the country's advancements, we aim to attract global attention and investment, reinforcing Uzbekistan's position as a dynamic and forward-thinking nation.

Uzbekistan is blessed with abundant natural resources, including gold, uranium, copper, and natural gas, making it one of the world's top producers. The country is also a leading exporter of cotton and fruits, leveraging its fertile land and favorable climate. These resources have traditionally fueled the economy, but the government recognizes the need to diversify and modernize.

Over the past decade, Uzbekistan has made significant strides in transforming its economy from resource-based to knowledge-based. The number of universities has tripled, and there are now 10,000 schools and 37,000 kindergartens, with 400,000 new children joining schools every year. This rapid expansion reflects the government's commitment to education and its recognition of the importance of a skilled workforce for sustainable economic growth.

The President's Excellence Initiative, launched in 2019, established 14 presidential schools in collaboration with Cambridge University to foster educational excellence. Within the last five years, over 160 specialized schools have been launched across the country, offering an excellent education system, transparent admission processes, and highly qualified teaching staff. This shift is supported by the government's proactive policies and initiatives to attract investments in school construction and educational infrastructure.

As part of the Excellence Initiative, New Uzbekistan University was launched in 2021 in close collaboration with MIT and TUM, two of the world’s leading universities, as a flagship institution aimed at regional and global engagement. New Uzbekistan University is also a key player in this transformation. As part of its mission to become a premier institution, it is hosting the Central Asia Universities Forum in partnership with Times Higher Education, fostering regional and global collaborations. This collective effort underscores Uzbekistan's dedication to creating a knowledge-based economy, ensuring a prosperous future for its young and dynamic population.