10-07-202656
At the Yangiariq Construction and Transport Vocational College of Khorezm Region, a round table discussion was organised on the initiative of the Khorezm Regional Branch of the Sustainable Development Centre, dedicated to the theme 'First Steps Towards Sustainable Development: The Content and Essence of Goals and Objectives'.
The event focused on communicating the content and essence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to young people, elucidating the interconnection between global and national goals, and discussing the reforms currently being implemented in Uzbekistan to achieve sustainable development.
The Director of the College, Shavkat Khudayberganov, opened the event and provided an overview of the institution's efforts to raise the ecological and social awareness of its students, as well as to foster their engagement with the principles of sustainable development.
In his address, the Head of the Khorezm Regional Branch of the Sustainable Development Centre, Professor Bakhtiyor Ruzmetov, elaborated on the scientific and practical foundations of the sustainable development concept and its global significance. He emphasised that the three major global crises of our time — climate change, the reduction of biodiversity and environmental pollution, and the depletion of natural resources — represent the most serious threats to sustainable development.
Professor Ruzmetov stressed that overcoming these threats requires every state and society — including every young individual — to contribute their part. The active participation of the younger generation in achieving the SDGs, he noted, will lay the groundwork for future progress.
Uzbekistan's achievements on the path of sustainable development are increasingly recognised at the international level. According to the 2025 report of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Uzbekistan ranked 62nd out of 167 countries with a score of 73.1 points. Since 2015, the country has been recognised as one of the most dynamically progressing nations in the Central Asian and Eastern European regions in terms of SDG implementation.
The presentation cited a passage from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's address to the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly:
"We are pursuing a policy of building a new democratic, law-governed, socially oriented and secular New Uzbekistan, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. To this end, we are consistently advancing our irreversible reforms. Our paramount objective is to fundamentally transform the life of every family and every citizen in our country, and to enhance human dignity and well-being."
As highlighted in the presentation, the poverty rate in Uzbekistan has declined from 35% to 6.6% in recent years. Through the modernisation of education and science, the development of innovative industries, and the promotion of a green economy, millions of new jobs have been created. Preschool enrolment has risen from 27% to 78%, while higher education coverage has increased from 9% to 42%.
Information was also provided on reforms in the areas of the national Yashil Makon (Green Space) project, the empowerment of women and youth, digital transformation, and the introduction of innovative technologies.
At the conclusion of the round table, the cultivation of sustainable development, peace, and tolerance principles among young people — and the formation of an active civic identity — were identified as key priorities. The event served to inspire the younger generation to contribute actively to the achievement of the SDGs, to approach global issues with a sense of responsibility, and to develop as citizens committed to building a better future.
Head of the Khorezm Regional Branch of the Sustainable Development Centre, Prof. Bakhtiyor Ruzmetov