YOUTH
This year, Uzbekistan celebrates the 35th anniversary of its independence — an important milestone in the history of our nation and an opportunity to reflect on how far the country has come since September 1, 1991.
For the people of Uzbekistan, independence is more than a date on the calendar. It represents sovereignty, national identity, responsibility for our own future, and the ability to build a state based on the aspirations of our people. Over the past 35 years, Uzbekistan has undergone a remarkable transformation while preserving the traditions, culture, and values that have shaped our society for centuries.
Today, Uzbekistan is increasingly open to the world. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev since 2016, the country has pursued reforms aimed at modernizing the economy, strengthening public institutions, expanding international cooperation, and creating greater opportunities for its citizens.
An important part of this transformation has been Uzbekistan’s growing relationship with the United States.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, Uzbekistan and the United States have developed cooperation across many areas, including trade and investment, education, regional security, cultural exchange, and people-to-people diplomacy. In recent years, this partnership has continued to expand as Uzbekistan has pursued a more open and active foreign policy.
The relationship between our countries is particularly important because it is increasingly built not only through governments, but also through universities, businesses, civil society organizations, diaspora communities, and young people. These connections create a stronger foundation for long-term friendship and mutual understanding between the Uzbek and American peoples.
INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION
Perhaps one of the most significant priorities of today’s Uzbekistan is its attention to young people.
Uzbekistan is a young nation demographically—youth make up over half of the country’s 39 million, and the country’s future will depend greatly on the education, ambitions, skills, and opportunities available to the next generation. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has consistently emphasized the importance of supporting young people, expanding access to quality education, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, and creating opportunities for young Uzbeks to participate in the development of their country.
This approach is particularly meaningful for Uzbek youth living and studying abroad (in 2025, nearly 29,000 Uzbek students went abroad for education, with just 351 to the US).
Young Uzbeks in the United States are gaining knowledge and professional experience in some of the world’s leading universities, companies, institutions, and international organizations. Maintaining their connection with Uzbekistan and creating opportunities for them to contribute their knowledge and experience to the country’s development is therefore increasingly important.
As the U.S. Representative of the World Association of Youth of Uzbekistan (WAYU), I have the privilege of working with young Uzbeks across the United States and helping strengthen the connection between our youth abroad and their homeland. Our work is about much more than bringing people together. It is about building a community, supporting talented young people, encouraging educational and professional cooperation, promoting Uzbek culture, and creating bridges between Uzbekistan and the United States.
Diaspora youth can play a unique role in this process. They understand Uzbekistan and its traditions while also gaining experience in American society. They can become bridges between institutions, cultures, businesses, universities, and communities.
INDEPENDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Thirty-five years of independence give us many reasons to celebrate, but independence also carries responsibility.
For my generation, that responsibility is to help build the next chapter of Uzbekistan’s development. We have an opportunity to represent our country internationally, acquire knowledge and experience abroad, establish new partnerships, and use those opportunities to contribute to our homeland.
Uzbekistan’s greatest strength has always been its people. Today, a new generation of Uzbeks is becoming increasingly educated, internationally connected, entrepreneurial, and ambitious.
As Uzbekistan celebrates its 35th Independence Day, I believe our task is not simply to honor the achievements of the past, but also to look confidently toward the future.
A future in which Uzbekistan continues to strengthen its friendship with the United States and the international community. A future in which young people are given the opportunity to turn their ideas into meaningful change. And a future in which Uzbeks around the world remain connected to their homeland and contribute to its prosperity.
Happy 35th Independence Day to the people of Uzbekistan. May our independence be eternal, our country peaceful, and our future prosperous.
Khumoyun Turaev is Representative of the World Association of Youth of Uzbekistan (WAYU) in the United States. He lives in Connecticut.
By Khumoyun Turaev