NEW UZBEKISTAN AS A MODEL OF MODERN NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

This article examines the large-scale political, social, and educational transformation taking place in Uzbekistan during the period of reforms initiated under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The study focuses on the concept of “New Uzbekistan” as a comprehensive model of national renewal grounded in education, innovation, openness, and social justice. Particular attention is given to the “Concept for the Development of the Higher Education System of the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030,” which serves as a strategic framework for producing globally competitive professionals, strengthening research and innovation, and integrating digital technologies into academic life. The article analyzes the philosophical shift in public consciousness from passive discourse to active civic participation, highlighting the growing role of youth in scientific research, entrepreneurship, and policymaking. It also explores reforms in foreign and migration policy, increased engagement with the Uzbek diaspora, and enhanced legal and social protections for labor migrants. Special emphasis is placed on social justice initiatives, including the establishment of a large-scale anti-incarceration fund, which reflects a transition toward a more humane and rehabilitative governance model. The findings demonstrate that Uzbekistan’s transformation is not limited to structural reforms but represents a deep reorientation of national identity, governance culture, and societal values. The article concludes that the “New Uzbekistan” embodies a future-oriented, inclusive development path that positions the country as an emerging model of reform in Central Asia.