The support of UN member states for Uzbekistan's initiatives is the result of systemic reforms in the country

The Republic of Uzbekistan has demonstrated significant success in the international arena, strengthening its active participation in the United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies. In 2024, the country achieved a number of key milestones that underline its commitment to universal principles and standards in the areas of human rights, socio-economic development, labor, and global cooperation.

One of the most significant achievements was the election of a representative of Uzbekistan to the UN Human Rights Committee (HRC) for the period 2025-2028, which was an important evidence of the strengthening of the country's position in the system of international human rights mechanisms. The HRC, as an authoritative treaty body, monitors the implementation by states parties of their obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Uzbekistan acceded in 1995. This step not only emphasizes the importance of the country's progress in ensuring and protecting human rights, but also demonstrates its readiness to actively participate in the formation and improvement of global standards in this area. The participation of a representative of Uzbekistan in the work of the HRC opens up broad opportunities for the exchange of best practices, strengthening international cooperation and contributing to the development of fair and effective approaches to the protection of human rights and freedoms at the global level.

Of no small importance is the election of Uzbekistan as a substitute member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization ILO for 2024-2027. The election confirms the country's commitment to developing labour relations that meet international standards. During the elections held in Geneva, Uzbekistan received 194 votes, which significantly exceeded the minimum required threshold, which shows how highly international partners appreciated Uzbekistan's efforts to create fair working conditions. Membership in the Governing Body opens up opportunities for Uzbekistan to actively participate in the development of global initiatives to promote decent work principles and sustainable labour practices, as well as to share best practices with other countries.

In addition, the election of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2024-2027 is an important stage in strengthening the country's international role and confirmation of recognition of its efforts in the global arena. It is noteworthy that the country received 185 votes in support of its candidacy, which significantly exceeds the minimum required threshold. This fact is a clear signal of the high confidence of the international community in the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan in the field of socio-economic development, stability and sustainability. Election to ECOSOC gives Uzbekistan a unique opportunity not only to represent its interests, but also to actively participate in the formation of international policy aimed at solving urgent global challenges. Membership in the Economic and Social Council allows Uzbekistan to play a key role in developing strategies aimed at implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering economic, social and environmental aspects. In particular, the country will have the opportunity to participate in the discussion and decision-making regarding the development of innovative approaches to sustainable economic growth, ensuring social justice and protecting the environment. Participation also creates a platform for sharing experiences and best practices in addressing issues of global importance, such as overcoming poverty, reducing inequality and combating climate change.

In 2024, Uzbekistan played a key role in initiating and adopting several important UN General Assembly resolutions, each of which not only reflects the strategic direction of the country's foreign policy, but also has a significant impact on regional and international cooperation. One of these initiatives was the resolution on combating drug trafficking, which was adopted on June 4, 2024. This document emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts by Central Asian countries to effectively counter the spread of drugs, which is directly related to ensuring security and sustainable development of the region. The resolution is based on the conceptual provisions of the National Strategy of Uzbekistan to Combat Illicit Drug Trafficking and Abuse for 2024-2028, which emphasizes Uzbekistan's systemic and long-term approach to solving this problem. In this context, the resolution also emphasizes the importance of joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, which strengthens Uzbekistan's position as an active participant in international mechanisms to combat global threats.

Another important initiative was the adoption of a resolution on 13 August 2024 aimed at sustainable forest management. The resolution focuses on the need to restore degraded lands through large-scale tree planting, the development of long-term strategies for the care of green spaces, and the strengthening of international cooperation in the field of ecology. The resolution was supported by 102 UN member states, which emphasizes its importance for solving global environmental problems, including the fight against desertification and climate change. In this context, Uzbekistan acts as an initiator of sustainable environmental practices, proposing specific measures to restore natural resources and ensure their long-term preservation. The initiative emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to environmental protection, where international cooperation becomes a prerequisite for the successful implementation of the environmental agenda.

The resolution on proclaiming June 10 as the International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations, proposed by Uzbekistan jointly with the People's Republic of China, plays an important role in stimulating global dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples of different cultures and traditions. This step is aimed at strengthening tolerance, respect and peace in a globalized world, where cultural diversity and differences between civilizations can become a source of both tension and mutual enrichment. Recognizing the importance of strengthening these principles, Uzbekistan actively supports initiatives that promote constructive dialogue and cooperation between states, regions and cultures.

The proclamation of the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations also reflects Uzbekistan's desire to contribute to the solution of pressing problems of the world order, such as the growth of intolerance, extremism and conflicts caused by cultural and religious differences. This day symbolizes the efforts of countries in promoting the values of peaceful coexistence, respect for human rights and sustainable development. The creation of a platform for regular communication and interaction between civilizations will facilitate the exchange of experience in the field of education, culture and social integration. Thus, Uzbekistan's initiative to establish the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations has not only significant symbolic but also practical meaning, helping to strengthen peace and stability in the international arena.

The resolutions initiated by Uzbekistan reflect a strategic focus on addressing the most pressing global and regional issues, promoting the ideas of sustainable development, international cooperation and global security.

Uzbekistan's achievements within the UN are the result of systemic reforms aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens, protecting human rights, strengthening institutional and economic sustainability, and preserving the environment. The consistent implementation of these initiatives not only helps strengthen the country's position in the international arena, but also makes a significant contribution to solving global problems, which underlines Uzbekistan's commitment to the principles of multilateral interaction and international cooperation.

Gayrat Khonnazarov,

Editor-in-Chief,

UzA news agency