Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — For the first time in the history of Central Asia, the United Nations Public Service Forum has opened in the city of Samarkand.

Held under the theme “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating the Delivery of Public Services for a Sustainable Future,” this major international event has brought together more than 400 delegates from UN bodies, government institutions of various countries, and international organizations from across all continents — a testament to the high global status of the forum.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a welcome address to the participants.

He noted that the decision to hold the forum in Uzbekistan is recognition of the country’s path toward deep reform and openness to the world.

According to him, the “New Uzbekistan,” confidently adhering to the principle of “the state for the people,” is actively adopting advanced international practices and becoming part of global public administration processes.

The head of state expressed his gratitude to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for supporting the initiative to host the forum in Samarkand and congratulated all participants on the occasion of United Nations Public Service Day, celebrated annually on June 23.

Addressing the forum, Shavkat Mirziyoyev drew attention to the key challenges facing public governance systems today — climate change, resource scarcity, and the growing threat of cyberattacks. In this context, improving the delivery of public services has become particularly urgent.

He emphasized the need to exchange best international practices in the digitalization of public administration and in the development of modern leadership models.

The president outlined the comprehensive reforms currently being implemented in Uzbekistan in this area. In particular, he mentioned the adoption of the Law “On Civil Service,” the introduction of a targeted social support system through neighborhood committees (mahallas), the fact that women now make up 35% of civil servants, and that more than 700 public services are available online.

Thanks to the full digitalization of public service processes, Uzbekistan has risen 24 places in the UN’s global E-Government Development Index and 17 places in the International Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index.

Special attention was given to new international initiatives proposed by Uzbekistan, including the establishment of a Global Knowledge Center for Digital Transformation of Public Service and an International School for Young Leaders.

According to the president, these projects will serve as important platforms for sharing experience, training qualified personnel, and implementing innovative governance solutions.

“These initiatives open up significant opportunities to enhance collaboration among governments, innovators, and development partners, to train future generations of civil servants, and to promote the widespread use of digital tools in governance and everyday life,” Mirziyoyev stated.

He expressed confidence that these ideas would be reflected in the forum’s final document — the Samarkand Declaration — which will serve as a roadmap for joint action in building a more inclusive, efficient, and people-centered public service.