Uzbekistan is embarking on a democratic journey that, while still in its nascency, signals a pivotal shift in its domestic governance. This is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a substantive, people-oriented transition aimed at embedding democratic values in the nation’s fabric. This followed the overwhelming support in a 2023 referendum to adopt sweeping constitutional changes aimed at expanding the nation’s democratic freedoms whilst promoting free enterprise and global investments. Uzbekistan’s recent elections, with a voter turnout of nearly 75%, provided convincing evidence of this change.

This turnout included an inspiring influx of first-time voters, particularly among the youth and women – a historically underrepresented demographic. A further testament to this progress is Uzbekistan’s legal commitment to ensure a minimum of 40% female representation among candidate nominations, signalling the nation’s intent to foster an inclusive political landscape. The eager participation across demographics underscores a citizenry deeply invested in the country’s future – a stark contrast to the self-imposed isolation that defined Uzbekistan’s years after the tumultuous breakup of the Soviet Union.

I recently had the privilege of observing this democratic transition firsthand, being invited as part of a team of 850 international election observers nationwide. The energy among voters was palpable, and the diversity of those in line to cast their ballots was encouraging. In fact, it took me nearly an hour to reach our hotel from the city centre as the roads outside the hotel were closed for a political rally filled with music, dance and performances galore. This scene symbolizes a new Uzbekistan, one willing to embrace political representation. These incremental yet significant steps forward show that the democratic transition in Uzbekistan is no longer a distant aspiration, but a reality in the making.

In tandem with these historic elections, the Institute for Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia was also invited to deliver a talk at a recent conference in Tashkent titled “New Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities in the Era of Global Transformation”, hosted by our think-tank partners, the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS), which provided an ideal platform to further our dialogue on Uzbekistan’s transformation. The conference, attended by representatives from across the globe, tackled some of the region’s most pressing issues, including new untapped potential for regional integration in Central Asia. In my discussion, I presented ASEAN as a proven model of regional cooperation, highlighting how its principles of peace, dialogue, and mutual economic development, exemplified by the acronym, ZOPFAN – Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality – could provide a framework for Central Asia’s own integration efforts. In a world increasingly defined by multipolar competition, regional dialogue, neutrality, and cooperation aren’t just ideals; they are essential for ensuring stability and prosperity, especially in regions grappling with complex border issues and lingering historical grievances.

Uzbekistan’s interest in deeper collaboration with ASEAN, specifically with Malaysia, could unlock vast potential across various sectors. One promising avenue is the expansion of Halal tourism. During our visit, we were treated to a tour of the ancient Uzbek cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, which are celebrated not only as important historic centres of learning but also as pivotal contributors to Islamic scholarship and culture. With Malaysia’s burgeoning Halal market and a significant portion of its population drawn to sites of religious pilgrimage, Uzbekistan has the potential to become a leading destination for Halal tourism. This potential for cultural wealth not only provides additional economic opportunities but also fosters cultural connections across the Muslim world.

Green energy and technology cooperation offers another rich area for partnership. Uzbekistan’s commitment to sustainable development aligns closely with the MADANI (an acronym for Sustainability, Care, Respect, Innovation, Prosperity and Trust, Malaysia’s philosophy of nationhood) government and Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s ambitions in green technology as laid out in the National Energy Transformation Roadmap (NETR) and the National Policy on Climate Change 2.0, where both countries stand to benefit from substantial mutual exchange and collaboration in this burgeoning field. Malaysia, with its ambitions and experience in solar energy and clean infrastructure, could provide valuable insight and support for Uzbekistan’s own clean energy transition. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s wealth of critical minerals presents an opportunity for Malaysia to diversify its supply chains, securing reliable partners for resources crucial for the green transition. These minerals are essential for producing renewable energy technologies such as carbon capture and storage, solar panels, and electric batteries. Further cooperation in this area could strengthen both nations’ contributions to a more sustainable global economy.

Food security is yet another sector where both countries share common ground. With Malaysia placing high importance on food sustainability and Uzbekistan focusing on agricultural empowerment, joint ventures in research and development for sustainable agricultural practices and technologies could benefit both nations and regions. By investing in sustainable farming, Uzbekistan and Malaysia could bolster their food security strategies, reduce instability in food imports, and enhance resilience in the face of global food security challenges.

The democratic transition unfolding here, while gradual, marks a renewed commitment to openness and progress. For Malaysia and ASEAN, the prospect of cooperation with both Uzbekistan and Central Asia in its regional integration strategy opens new avenues for partnership and growth. Together, by investing in shared goals like sustainable development, cultural exchange, and economic resilience, we can facilitate laying the groundwork for a more stable and prosperous Global South. Of course, Uzbekistan’s journey is far from complete, but with each vote cast and each new partnership forged, the country is confidently stepping into a future shaped by the will of its people and the promise of a more collaborative, interconnected world.

Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah,

Chairman of the Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia