Corruption is not just a legal violation; it is also a moral decline of society. It reduces the efficiency of public administration, causes enormous damage to the economy, and erodes citizens’ trust in the state. Uzbekistan is taking decisive steps to combat this issue by integrating international experience with a national model.
The fight against corruption is a key component of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. Specifically, Goal 16 – “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions” – aims to ensure transparency, reduce corruption, and strengthen the rule of law in society. Additionally, Goal 17 – “Partnerships for the Goals” – outlines mechanisms for international cooperation and mutual support in combating corruption. Uzbekistan actively participates in achieving these objectives by implementing a clear strategic roadmap based on national and international cooperation.
On March 5 of this year, an expanded meeting of Uzbekistan’s National Council on Combating Corruption was held under the chair of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the meeting, it was emphasized that fighting corruption remains one of the top priorities in Uzbekistan’s reform agenda, as genuine development is impossible without eliminating this problem. Today, the global economy loses $3 trillion annually due to corruption, highlighting the severity of the issue.
Uzbekistan has established a strong legal framework for combating corruption. Specific laws have been adopted, a dedicated anti-corruption agency has been created, and relevant parliamentary committees are actively working. Furthermore, an open public discussion system on corruption has been introduced. In the past, discussing this topic was quite challenging, but today, critical articles and investigative journalism reports on corruption are being published, reinforcing public oversight. As a result, Uzbekistan’s position in international rankings has improved by 138 places, making it the leading country in Central Asia in this regard.
The state procurement sector is also receiving special attention in the fight against corruption, as conflicts of interest, excessive expenditures, and collusion in bidding processes are most prevalent in this area. Therefore, by the end of 2025, all state procurements will be fully transitioned to an electronic format. Additionally, an artificial intelligence-based monitoring system will be implemented to prevent purchases at inflated prices, eliminating major sources of corruption.
Another crucial aspect of anti-corruption efforts is personnel management. It was emphasized that selecting professional and honest individuals for public service, providing them with an “integrity vaccine,” and ensuring their continuous education and ethical training are essential. Instead of outdated evaluation methods, a modern IT-based system will assess civil servants based on their practical knowledge and achievements. Additionally, young professionals with proven problem-solving experience at the community level will be recommended for leadership positions.
Ensuring transparency in the income and assets of public officials and government employees is also of great importance in combating corruption. Uzbekistan plans to introduce a Law on Income and Property Declarations for public discussion by April 1, 2025. This law will mandate the disclosure of officials’ income and assets, making such information publicly accessible for monitoring legality.
Furthermore, it was noted that the use of official vehicles should be significantly reduced, and a transition to domestically produced cars and furniture should be implemented.
In conclusion, Uzbekistan’s fight against corruption is no longer just a temporary campaign; it has become an integral part of state policy. This fight is a continuous process that requires joint efforts from both the government and society, with its success dependent on ensuring openness, transparency, and legality.
By Nurullo Rasulov, International Relations Journalist, Uzbekistan
