Political will driving education in Uzbekistan: Attending the IPU and much, much more

The Deputy Minister of Education (second right) hosted IPNEd during the 150th IPU Assembly sharing the country’s educational priorities and it’s plans for the future.

• IPNEd was hosted by the Ministry of Education in Uzbekistan during the 150th IPU Assembly from 5-9 April 2025.

• Being accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Pre-School and School Education, Mr. Farhod Bokiev, provided a window into the political leadership behind Uzbekistan’s education system.

• High-level political commitment to inclusive education is proving a driving force for system-wide change.

Greeted at Tashkent airport by the Deputy Minister of Pre-School and School Education, Mr. Farhod Bokiev and his team, I was welcomed on behalf of IPNEd to the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly hosted by the government of Uzbekistan.

Education in Uzbekistan is regarded as a critical aspect of childhood, recognised at the highest level by the President, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

At celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, President Mirziyoyev quoted Uzbek poet, playwright, journalist, scholar, and community leader Abdulla Avloniy.

“‘Education for us is the most important issue, our happiness, our life and destiny depend on it’. This approach has become the criterion of our efforts in advancing the education sector. Indeed, if we change education, education will change a person. If a person changes, our entire society will change.”

It is no surprise then, that the President, who officially opened the 150th IPU Assembly, cited the importance of ensuring that children who are furthest behind must be able to attain education.

Being hosted by Deputy Minister Farhod, who previously served as a Senator in the Oliy Majilis, during my time at the IPU provided me with a window into learning about the Uzbek education system and the Ministry’s plans.

At the core of schooling is a deep patriotic sentiment that recognises the country’s leadership, values and national pride. These values centre on its unique history and culture, encouraging peace, tolerance, kindness and respect for others.

Visiting 385-Maktab, ‘the school of the future’

Free education from early childhood to secondary education is compulsory in Uzbekistan with 93 per cent of children enrolled at primary school. 

I visited a state school in Tashkent, 358-Maktab, dubbed the ‘school of the future’, which centres on inclusion and preparing students with academic knowledge and practical competencies to enter the international workforce.

One of the most striking features of this school was the clear focus on supporting children with disabilities. 358-Maktab had facilities for children with physical disabilities and neurodivergencies, and I was told that inclusivity is a key part of the national strategy for Uzbek schools. 

This was re-emphasised over dinner with the Director of Schools, who previously served for 10 years as Director of Books and Libraries. He shared that 358-Maktab’s focus on inclusion is what is envisioned for all schools across the country so every student is learning. 

As a well-resourced school, 358-Maktab enables students to build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy from the early years, to learning more specific skills such as robotics and textile arts in secondary school. 

Inclusive education is a key pillar of the education system in Uzbekistan, modelled at a state school 358-Maktab, dubbed ‘the school of the future’.

Political leadership drives up learning outcomes

Foundational learning is an important component of quality education in Uzbekistan, where levels of literacy and numeracy are better than the average for low- and middle-income countries. 

According to the World Bank, 68 per cent of age 10 children are able to read and write for their level. Yet the global average for LMICs stands at only 30 per cent. 

A competency-based curriculum, improved education infrastructure to meet a growing youth population, and private sector involvement have been important ingredients for improved learning outcomes.

But at the heart of it all is sustained political will driving the prioritisation of education - the key to educational progress. 

Rounding out my time in Tashkent and on my way to the airport, my interpreter (a student volunteer) asked me what I thought he could do to improve his English and study abroad.

As I responded, I couldn’t help but match his academic ambition with what I’d seen earlier in the week: A country that believed in the value of quality education from the highest level all the way down to its students.