New Uzbekistan Prioritizes Unity and Inclusivity in State Policy

The state policy of New Uzbekistan is committed to uniting representatives of all nationalities into a single, harmonious family. For thousands of years, Uzbekistan has been a beacon of world civilization, where various nationalities and religions have coexisted peacefully, enriching one another's cultures.

In the development of New Uzbekistan, special attention is given to enhancing interethnic solidarity and fostering friendly relations with foreign countries. The legal framework now ensures equal rights and freedoms for members of 16 religious denominations and over 130 nationalities and ethnic groups residing in the country.

The main goal of Uzbekistan's state policy on interethnic relations is to guarantee equality before the law for all citizens, irrespective of gender, race, nationality, language, religion, social origin, belief, personal, and social status. The policy aims to strengthen the unity of Uzbekistan’s multiethnic population, foster interethnic harmony, and expand friendly international relations. It also focuses on preserving and developing the languages, customs, and traditions of various nationalities and ethnic groups.

To achieve these objectives, Uzbekistan has established mechanisms for cooperation between state bodies and civil society institutions. This includes promoting a sense of solidarity among the diverse nationalities and ethnic groups in the country, educating the younger generation in the spirit of love and tolerance for the Motherland, and maintaining friendly international relations. Support for compatriots abroad is also a priority.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has spearheaded significant reforms to ensure interethnic harmony, raising the status of interethnic relations to new heights. These efforts are rooted in the longstanding values of friendship and tolerance. A new state body, the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Cooperation with Foreign Countries, was established under the Cabinet of Ministers on May 19, 2017.

The Committee, in collaboration with 157 national cultural centers, 38 friendship societies, and 98 societies of compatriots abroad, plays a crucial role in promoting interethnic and interreligious harmony and developing international friendships.

In Uzbekistan, television and radio programs are broadcast in 12 languages, while newspapers and magazines are published in 14 languages. Education in 1,865 out of more than 10,000 general education schools is conducted in Uzbek and six other languages: Karakalpak, Russian, Tajik, Turkmen, Kyrgyz, and Kazakh.

The establishment of the Public Diplomacy Center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Uzbekistan on June 26, 2018, further strengthens mutual trust and good neighborliness among member countries.

Uzbekistan has also implemented measures to honor contributions to interethnic harmony. The "Friendship of Peoples" badge, established on June 1, 2021, recognizes local and foreign partners who promote interethnic friendship. The "Religious Tolerance" badge, introduced in September 2023, acknowledges significant contributions to the religious and educational spheres.

Over 500 activists from national cultural centers have received state awards, with 14 honored as "Heroes of Uzbekistan." The state's commitment to these efforts is reflected in the allocation of 30 billion soums from the state budget over the past six years to support national cultural centers.

Uzbekistan celebrates national holidays of various ethnic groups, including "Vardavar" for Armenians, "Sabantuy" for Tatars and Bashkirs, "Ohi" for Greeks, "Chhusok" and "Sollal" for Koreans, "Dojinki" for Poles, "Christmas" and "Maslenitsa" for Russians, and "Chun Tze" for Chinese. These celebrations, along with the annual "Week of Tolerance" in November, further promote interethnic harmony.

Looking ahead, the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for 2022-2026 aims to continue strengthening interethnic harmony and religious tolerance. Plans include enhancing state support for national cultural centers, improving the material and technical base of folklore ensembles, and creating favorable conditions for young people of different nationalities.

The inclusive policies of New Uzbekistan aim to create a cohesive society where all nationalities and ethnic groups are united into a single family. This approach ensures spiritual progress and strengthens interethnic harmony, reflecting the nation's rich heritage of tolerance and friendship.