TASHKENT, Dec 26 — President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on December 26 delivered an Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan, declaring 2026 a decisive year for reforms and proposing to name it the “Year of Mahalla Development and Social Prosperity.”
“Over the past nine years, together with you and our people, we have gone through a significant path of development,” the President said at the beginning of his speech, noting that economic growth, social protection, and the rule of law had strengthened, with reforms being felt “in every mahalla, every family, and by every individual.”
Despite difficult circumstances, democratic reforms continued consistently in 2025, resulting in significant achievements across all sectors. For the first time in the country’s history, gross domestic product exceeded $145 billion, exports rose by 23 percent to $33.4 billion, and gold reserves surpassed $60 billion.
Foreign investment reached $43.1 billion, with total investment accounting for 31.9 percent of GDP, while international rating agencies raised Uzbekistan’s sovereign rating from BB– to BB.Electricity production increased to 85 billion kilowatt-hours following reforms in the energy sector. Clean drinking water reached 715,000 residents in 188 mahallas for the first time, while water supply improved for another 2.3 million people.This year, five million citizens began receiving sustainable income, unemployment fell from 5.5 percent to 4.9 percent, and 1.5 million people were lifted out of poverty.
The poverty rate declined from 8.9 percent at the beginning of the year to 5.8 percent, while 1,435 mahallas became poverty-free areas.“When we started this work, one-third of our population lived below the poverty line,” President Mirziyoyev said, adding that more than 8.5 million people had risen out of poverty through a new social protection system providing over 100 types of services. The President highlighted Uzbekistan’s growing international role, noting that the country hosted the 150th anniversary Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the UNESCO General Conference session, the Central Asia–EU Summit, and the International Climate Forum in 2025.He also cited the signing of a historic agreement on the junction point of the borders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the adoption of a “Declaration of Eternal Friendship.”
At the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders in Tashkent, a proposal was made to create a strategic format for the Central Asian Community, while Azerbaijan’s admission as a full member was described as a step of historic significance.International cooperation was further strengthened through the signing of an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union, the Central Asia–U.S. Summit, the Central Asia–Japan meeting in Tokyo, and a CIS leaders’ meeting in Saint Petersburg.“
All of this is taking our international relations to a fundamentally new level,” the President said.Emphasizing the importance of the mahalla system, President Mirziyoyev noted that 90 percent of citizens identify themselves as part of their mahalla community. He proposed declaring 2026 the “Year of Mahalla Development and Social Prosperity,” an initiative warmly supported by those present.
According to the President, 2026 will mark a decisive stage in building New Uzbekistan, with fundamental transformations planned across public administration, the judicial system, the economy, education, healthcare, culture, sports, and ecology.Key priorities include comprehensive mahalla development, support for entrepreneurship, and transitioning the economy to a technological and innovative model. In 2026, 782 new industrial and infrastructure projects worth $52 billion will be launched, with GDP projected to reach $167 billion and economic growth estimated at 6.6 percent.Four data centers, two supercomputers, and artificial intelligence laboratories in 15 universities will be established, enabling more than 100 AI projects.
The President also announced plans to launch Uzbekistan’s first satellite and send the country’s first astronaut into space.Other priorities include stimulating domestic demand, expanding housing and mortgage programs, doubling foreign tourist numbers over five years, developing transport infrastructure, reforming vocational education, strengthening ecological protection, promoting green energy, modernizing public administration, and enhancing judicial reforms.“We declare a ‘state of emergency’ on corruption in 2026,” the President said, stressing zero tolerance and personal accountability for the use of public funds.
President Mirziyoyev concluded by announcing plans to revise the “Uzbekistan–2030” Strategy through broad public discussion and highlighting preparations for the 35th anniversary of independence.“If we remain united, acting as one people, one nation, we will undoubtedly achieve our grand goals,” he said.
