The key facts
- A world summit opened in Samarkand titled 'Investments in Child Well-Being: The Path to Sustainable and Equitable Development of Future Generations'
- Mirziyoyev reported child poverty falling almost fourfold over five years and preschool enrollment rising from 27.7% to 78%
- Proposals included expanded cooperation on pediatric oncology, a safe digital environment, and the Samarkand Platform to continue the work
Opening of the summit in Samarkand
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed a greeting to participants of the world summit 'Investments in Child Well-Being: The Path to Sustainable and Equitable Development of Future Generations,' which opened in Samarkand. The text of the congratulation was distributed by the presidential press service. The head of state thanked the UN and the UNICEF children's fund, the World Bank, the World Health Organization, the International Social Security Association and other partners for taking part in organizing the forum.
Data on reforms
According to Mirziyoyev, as a result of reforms, maternal mortality in childbirth and child stunting have been halved. Preschool enrollment rose from 27.7% to 78%, and nearly 100% of six-year-old children are covered by school preparation. Access to higher education increased fivefold — from 9% to 45%. Thanks to a social protection system focused on early identification of the needs of families and children, child poverty has fallen almost fourfold over the past five years. Over the past two years, the number of inclusive schools has grown fivefold, and more than 85% of children with disabilities are covered by educational services.
Support for families and orphans
The president emphasized that 100% of orphans and children left without parental care in Uzbekistan are raised in families. He quoted the folk wisdom 'Seven mahallas are parents to one child,' noting that this tradition must be reinforced by state guarantees, the work of qualified specialists, and respect for the personal inviolability of every child.
Proposals for international cooperation
Mirziyoyev noted that armed conflicts, forced migration, climate change and economic hardship heavily affect children's lives. He proposed discussing at the summit the strengthening of continuous support from an early age, as well as expanding international cooperation in the early detection and treatment of severe childhood illnesses, in particular pediatric oncology. The president supported the initiative of the first ladies on international cooperation in pediatric oncology, indicating that it must be combined with the recommendations of medical experts, needs-based assistance, and transparent spending of funds. 'A child's place of residence should not limit their ability to receive help,' he said.
Digital environment and the Samarkand Platform
The president named a safe educational and digital environment for children as another priority of the summit, emphasizing the need to strengthen international cooperation against cyberbullying, exploitation and misuse of personal data. He also proposed expanding opportunities for children to learn, create and communicate safely, providing practical assistance in digital literacy to children, parents and educators, and involving children's opinions in decision-making. Mirziyoyev expressed interest in forming the Samarkand Platform as a mechanism for practical interaction to exchange experience, prepare voluntary joint projects and discuss results. He stressed the importance of developing plans with responsible parties, resources and timelines for implementing the goals of the summit's final declaration.
