Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has reached a new level in recent years, becoming a strategic direction of state policy. At the core of this partnership lies education – as the foundation for innovation, sustainable development, and the formation of human capital capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

The history of Uzbekistan’s interaction with UNESCO began shortly after the country gained independence. In 1993, Uzbekistan became a full member of the organization, and by 1996, a UNESCO office was opened in Tashkent. This milestone marked an important stage in strengthening humanitarian ties and expanding programmatic cooperation. The office’s primary mission is to provide technical and expert support in education, science, culture, and communication. Uzbekistan has always actively supported UNESCO’s initiatives and has been elected twice to the organization’s Executive Board – in 1997-2001 and 2009-2013 – underscoring the country’s international recognition for its contributions to global cooperation.

Since 2018, cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO has intensified significantly. The volume of joint projects in education alone has exceeded $13 million. In 2022, the two sides signed a four-year cooperation program for 2022-2026, covering key areas such as inclusiveness, digitalization, improving the quality of education, and preparing youth for life and work in the era of sustainable development. This document reflects a new philosophy of partnership, in which Uzbekistan is viewed not as a recipient of aid, but as a dynamically developing partner actively implementing advanced practices.

In recent years, the country has witnessed notable changes in its education system. The share of children enrolled in preschool education has increased from 27% to 70%, while access to higher education has risen from 8% to 38%. These figures demonstrate the large-scale transformations aimed at ensuring universal access to knowledge. At the same time, UNESCO emphasizes that quantitative achievements must be accompanied by qualitative improvements, which is becoming the main priority in the new phase of reforms.

One of the central areas of cooperation has become the development of digital learning. Within the framework of the joint project “Empowering Education in Uzbekistan” for 2024-2027, measures are being implemented to digitalize schools and enhance teachers’ professional skills. Special attention is given to eliminating digital inequality between regions and creating equal opportunities for all students. In 2025, national workshops on developing digital competencies for teachers in the technical and vocational education system were held in Uzbekistan, enabling curricula to be adapted to the demands of the digital economy.

Another important focus of cooperation is improving teacher education. The Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan and UNESCO signed a new agreement to launch a major initiative to transform teacher training under the SMART-ED Project, which serves as a key component of efforts to enhance the quality and efficiency of general secondary education. The total investment is $6.5 million, and the project is planned for a 4-year implementation period. The initiative is designed to establish a modern system of continuous professional development for teachers and education administrators, creating a sustainable mechanism for improving the quality of education at the national level.

In parallel, UNESCO is implementing the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) for Artificial Intelligence study. Its goal is to assess Uzbekistan’s readiness to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into education, science, and public administration. This research will help develop national approaches for the safe and ethical use of AI in education, including analysis of digital infrastructure, teachers’ competencies, and the regulatory framework.

UNESCO is also providing support in education for sustainable development, which focuses on fostering environmental and social responsibility. Educational curricula are being updated to include topics such as environmental stewardship, sustainable resource use, gender equality, and civic engagement. One of the projects aims to integrate the principles of sustainable development into school education, making learning a tool for building a culture of sustainability and conscious behavior.

Modern education must not only provide knowledge but also prepare individuals for life in a rapidly changing world. UNESCO is assisting Uzbekistan in developing its education management system by introducing monitoring and data analysis tools. Uzbekistan has become the first country in Central Asia to implement EMIS PATT – a UNESCO tool for assessing the effectiveness of education management processes. Within this initiative, a comprehensive analysis is being conducted to evaluate the capabilities, limitations, and efficiency of the national Education Management Information System (EMIS), to modernize and align it with digital standards. According to UNESCO experts, the level of development of Uzbekistan’s education information system is significantly higher than that of countries where this tool was previously applied, particularly in African and Pacific nations.

Despite significant achievements, challenges remain. The main issues are related to teaching quality, teachers’ methodological preparation, and infrastructure constraints. It is essential to ensure the sustainability of reforms so that project results are not temporary. Equally important is adapting educational content to new economic realities – training specialists in demand in innovation and technology. Partnership with UNESCO helps Uzbekistan address these tasks systematically. International expertise and project support enable shaping education policy based on global best practices while taking into account national specificities. Gradually, a comprehensive educational ecosystem is emerging, oriented toward innovation, digital development, and sustainable progress.

Looking ahead, Uzbekistan has every opportunity to become a regional leader in next-generation education – flexible, digital, and inclusive. Through the implementation of joint programs, the country is strengthening its human capital, building a foundation for an innovation-driven economy, and enhancing its international standing.

Cooperation with UNESCO demonstrates that investing in knowledge means investing in the future. By joining efforts, Uzbekistan and UNESCO are creating conditions in which education becomes not only a fundamental human right but also a driving force of progress, innovation, and societal sustainability.

Aziza Alimova, UzA