Attention to youth is an issue related to the future of society. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized this idea during his speech at the meeting held on June 30 — Youth Day. The President congratulated the youth of Uzbekistan on this blessed occasion and expressed his affection and confidence in them.

It was noted that the conditions created for the youth in our country are yielding clear results. Last year, the youth of our country ranked first in Central Asia for admission to the “TOP-500” universities. Currently, 30 young men and women are studying at prestigious universities ranked in the “TOP-10” worldwide, 500 in the “TOP-100,” and 1,500 in the “TOP-300.”

Our compatriots are also achieving great success in arts and sports. Recently, our national football team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in history.

“If the First and Second Renaissance were created by our great scholars and thinkers, today history is giving the turn to you. I am confident that you are capable of raising our country’s flag high in all fields. You are the golden generation who will create a new history as the builders of New Uzbekistan,” the President emphasized.

The future of every nation depends on its youth. Indeed, the foundation for the country's future, spiritual development, and social stability is built in the hearts of the younger generation. In this sense, calling the youth the “golden generation” is not without reason. Through their worldview, aspirations, and dedication, the prosperity of society is ensured.

In our country, comprehensive development of youth, protection of their rights and interests, and creation of all conditions for them to acquire modern knowledge and professional skills are ensured. As the President said, “youth are the foundation, future, and strong support of New Uzbekistan.” For this reason, youth policy is prioritized at the state level. The golden generation is not only knowledgeable and eager for knowledge but also highly moral, patriotic, familiar with modern technologies, and able to find their place in society. They are devoted young men and women who care about the future of the homeland, nation, and humanity and feel responsibility. Especially in the education system, it is important for young people to become independent thinkers and reflective individuals.

Furthermore, youth should be enriched by our spiritual treasury — the heritage of great ancestors, understanding national identity, learning about the lives and activities of great scholars, fostering feelings of pride and dignity in their hearts. Youth raised with such upbringing will find their own path without falling under foreign influence.

Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, scientists, teachers, engineers, intellectuals. They must become a great generation that will represent Uzbekistan worthy on the world stage. For this, we adults must trust them, create favorable conditions, and support them if needed.

Providing youth with quality education and upbringing, teaching foreign languages, helping them gain professions and find worthy places in life has become a key task of our state. Necessary conditions are being created in accordance with the demands of the times.

For example, under the “One Million Programmers” project, 325 thousand young people have been trained. Last year, more than 150 thousand young men and women received international language certificates — twice as many as in 2023. This year, 292 thousand jobs will be created through 8,300 projects worth 35 billion dollars. Additionally, projects worth 83 billion dollars are planned, which will create 500 thousand jobs. As a result, thousands of specialists will be in demand in green economy, industry, energy, geology, engineering, and other fields.

At the meeting, the head of state announced important initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for youth.

First of all, quotas are being increased for driver sectors such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, energy, transport, urbanization, architecture, construction, agriculture, and water management. Now banks will provide concessional loans of up to 20 thousand dollars to youth admitted to “TOP-300” universities.

Artificial intelligence development has been identified as a priority in banking-finance, healthcare, agriculture, and energy, with 100 projects to be implemented. The “One Million Artificial Intelligence Leaders” program will be launched in cooperation with the United Arab Emirates.

A system to support startups has been established, with $145 million venture capital invested in financing them. This fund will increase to $1 billion. “Skills and Business Hour” has been introduced for school students, and 100 billion soums in grants will be allocated to help turn their ideas into startups.

Among universities, an annual competition for the “Best Creative Idea” in startups is held, with winners receiving grants up to 300 million soums from university funds.

The Ministry of Employment, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and National Bank will launch a platform by the end of the year connecting university, technical school, and vocational education graduates with employers. The “Income in Motion” electronic system will engage 3 million young people during holidays in jobs that do not require special skills.

Over the last seven years, the management personnel has significantly rejuvenated, with the share of leaders under 40 increasing from 37% to 65%. Last month, a Presidential decree was signed on training promising cadres and involving them in public administration.

Now, under the “Future Leaders” program at the Academy of State Policy and Administration, 100 promising youth will be trained annually. They will be attached to ministers and governors for experience and sent for foreign internships. Graduates of the program will become primary candidates for leadership positions.

Books, art, and culture play an important role in youth education and upbringing. Therefore, winners of competitions in these areas visit schools in remote regions to give performances. Regional governors provide buses for this purpose.

Winners of national competitions receive privileges when entering cultural and art universities. Winners of the “Talent” school ensemble competition at the regional stage receive free education at Children’s and Music Art Schools. Strengthening patriotism among the youth and protecting them from harmful influences is also crucial. The “Nation’s Devotees” monument, opened in the “Victory Park” in the capital, serves this purpose. The monument honors 196 brave and courageous military personnel and law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives for the peace of the nation. Visiting this sacred place is said to deepen youth’s love and loyalty to the homeland.

Our President recognized the knowledge and talents of the youth and expressed pride in them.

“Each of your achievements is the achievement of our entire nation. Your determination, healthy worldview, happiness, and success are also the happiness and blessing of millions of parents, teachers, mentors, and loved ones,” said the head of state.

The phrase “Youth — the golden generation” today resonates from hearts and carries great meaning. Behind this phrase lie great trust, noble purpose, and high responsibility. This golden generation must inherit our scientific, moral, cultural, and spiritual riches through education and upbringing. Indeed, the future is in their hands, and they are now under our watchful eye.

Rakhimboy Jumaniyozov

Professor, Member of the Uzbekistan Writers and Journalists Associations