10-07-202656
At the present stage, strengthening the role of national culture and the arts in society, alongside the modernisation of the governance system in accordance with contemporary standards, has become a priority objective of state policy. Integrating the substance of these reforms with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — in particular, Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) — provides a framework for assessing sectoral development against internationally recognised benchmarks.
Presidential Resolution No. PQ–150, signed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 21 April 2026, constitutes a significant legal basis for advancing the sectoral governance system to a new level. The document envisages the transformation of cultural centres, repositioning them not merely as spaces for spiritual enrichment, but as hubs for innovation in technology, engineering, and traditional crafts. This approach enhances the social and economic utility of cultural institutions within society.
With regard to structural changes within the system, particular note should be taken of the transfer of cultural centres to the jurisdiction of local government authorities, as well as the introduction of mechanisms to attract private investment into the sector. Furthermore, in the interest of rational resource utilisation, the operations of underperforming institutions are subject to optimisation, while the establishment of new creative organisations — such as the "Tumor" State Dance Ensemble from 1 July 2026 — is aimed at supporting national art forms at a professional level.
With a view to qualitatively enhancing education in the field of culture and the arts, entirely new "2+2" integrated educational programmes are to be introduced from the 2026/2027 academic year. The articulation of technical college graduates with higher education, combined with full state budget financing of accommodation and tuition costs for pupils of specialised schools, reinforces the social protection of sector employees. The introduction of a rating-based system for the assessment and incentivisation of personnel establishes a renewed motivational environment for the preservation of national values. From an analytical standpoint, achieving sustainable development in the cultural and arts sector hinges centrally on maintaining an appropriate balance between public governance and private sector engagement. The launch of cultural cluster projects — notably the "Culture Hotel" [Madaniyat mehmonxonasi] — is designed to transform the sector into not only a space of cultural significance, but also an economically viable and investment-attractive industry.
By way of conclusion, it should be emphasised that the consistent implementation of the designated objectives will serve to advance the broad projection of Uzbekistan's cultural potential on the international stage. The ongoing assessment of cultural policy against SDG indicators provides a solid foundation for benchmarking national strategies against global best practice and for guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Madinabonu Sharifova, Senior Specialist, Centre for Sustainable Development