ACHIEVEMENTS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN UZBEKISTAN: PROGRESS OR PROMISE?

Abstract

Uzbekistan’s sustainable development efforts, guided by the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy launched in 2023, achieved a 6.5% GDP growth to $115 billion in 2024, driven by $34.9 billion in FDI and 242 major projects. The strategy targets 50% higher education enrollment and 25,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030, with the Yashilmakon project planting 138 million trees. Governance reforms, including e-government expansion and the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre, enhance transparency, while partnerships with the Asian Development Bank supported $4.65 billion in projects. Rural-urban disparities in education and healthcare, exacerbated by limited rural connectivity, hinder digitalization efforts. The informal economy (20% of GDP) and SME barriers limit economic inclusivity. Central Asia’s water scarcity, driven by regional tensions, complicates environmental goals, necessitating cooperation. Sustaining progress requires equitable policies, public engagement, and diplomatic efforts to address geopolitical and logistical challenges.