Another 'Leader and Youth' meeting was held in the Syrdarya region, aimed at supporting youth initiatives, expanding opportunities for education, career choice, and active participation in community life.
Another 'Leader and Youth' meeting was held in the Syrdarya region, aimed at supporting youth initiatives, expanding opportunities for education, career choice, and active participation in community life.
The open dialogue was organized at the 'Kelajak' center and served as a platform for productive communication between young people and leaders of state institutions. Participants included the Deputy Prosecutor of the region, Anvar Shukurov, the director of the 'Kelajak' center in the Syrdarya region, Avazbek Mamatov, as well as the chairman of the Syrdarya Regional Council of the Union of Youth of Uzbekistan, Azizbek Rakhmonov, students, and active youth.
During the open dialogue, possibilities created for youth at the center, the activities of clubs, the advantages of private educational centers, and the educational process conducted with the participation of qualified specialists in modern conditions were discussed. It was emphasized that studying at the center provides not only economic benefits but also the opportunity to obtain international certificates.
One of the key topics of discussion was career choice. Young people asked detailed questions to specialists regarding the admission process into the prosecutor's office and other law enforcement agencies, as well as the specifics of service and opportunities for professional growth in higher education institutions.
Particular attention was drawn to a report on innovative projects developed by young people. One student from the center presented a mobile application that automatically detects dangerous situations, such as conflicts or domestic violence, and transmits geolocation data to law enforcement agencies via voice notification. This initiative generated great interest among participants and was discussed for assistance in its practical implementation.
Furthermore, students put forward proposals to expand volunteer activities, strengthen the work of youth coordinators in universities, and organize trips for talented youth to historical and educational sites in Tashkent, including the Uzbekistan Civilization Center.
All voiced proposals and initiatives were recorded by responsible persons, and corresponding tasks for their execution were defined. Azizbek Rakhmonov, chairman of the Syrdarya Regional Council of the Union of Youth of Uzbekistan, stated that all conditions have been created in the country for acquiring knowledge, mastering professions, and realizing the potential of youth. He noted that this open meeting took place in a sincere and constructive atmosphere.
According to Rakhmonov, based on the youth's proposals, a memorandum of cooperation will be signed soon between the Syrdarya Regional Council of the Union of Youth of Uzbekistan, the 'Kelajak' center, and the Children's Fund, which will serve as practical support for youth initiatives. At the end of the event, the Syrdarya Regional Council of the Union of Youth of Uzbekistan presented books representing new history and national knowledge, as well as selected works of Uzbek and world literature for children and youth, to the 'Kelajak' center library.
The collections 'Selected Works' and the book titled 'Shuur' by Master Poet Farida Afruz, who worked as a cultural worker in Uzbekistan, have become a unique gift for literature lovers in our country. The presentation of these books took place at the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan.
Minhojiddin Mirzo, First Deputy of the First Deputy Chairman of the Writers Union of Uzbekistan, literary scholar Qozoqboi Yo'ldoshev, renowned journalist and writer Khurshid Dustmuhammad, and other participants spoke at the event. They discussed the unique features of Farida Afruz's creativity.
Minhojiddin Mirzo noted that the creation of each book is a special holiday. He emphasized that the books presented at the presentation contain the dreams, aspirations, experiences, and heartfelt emotions of the poet Farida Afruz, and they attract attention by embodying beautiful heart discoveries.
Philologist Doctor of Sciences Qozoqboi Yo'ldoshev stated that Farida's works reflect the fruits of feelings, warmth, and emotions. He added that examples of her work can often be attributed to mystical themes. These beautiful poems are performed by artists, which has allowed songs written by Farida Afruz to win the hearts of millions of listeners. His poems can be called an expression of divine feelings. He suggested that many desires and sufferings accumulated in her heart, and her work can be described as messages from a philosopher, poet, and person rebelling against fate.
Writer and publicist Khurshid Dustmuhammad shared his opinion that Farida's poems captivate the reader. He described them as blooming, fiery, and trembling, penetrating into people's hearts. According to him, in these poems, the poet skillfully finds and expresses thoughts that have not been spoken.
The literary forum provided a detailed discussion of Farida Afruz's work and her new publications. The Master Poet herself spoke about the history of creating these books. Excerpts from beautiful poems were also read.
Social networks have become an integral part of the global information space in recent years and are actively used among young people. The spread of digital technologies has accelerated the exchange of information, but this process has given rise to a number of problems related to information security, content affecting youth consciousness, and personal data protection.
As the number of internet users and coverage expands, there is a trend toward an increase in the number of social media users. According to data from Datareportal, if the global number of internet users was 4.95 billion (62.5% of global internet coverage) at the beginning of 2022, it is expected to reach 6.12 billion (73.8%) by 2026. Consequently, the number of social media users has grown from 4.62 billion at the beginning of 2022 to 5.66 billion (67.7%) by 2026.
The average time users spent on social networks increased from 2 hours and 27 minutes at the beginning of 2022 to 2 hours and 50 minutes by 2026. UN data shows that 82% of internet users are aged between 15 and 24. According to Internet Matters, 13% of children aged 11–16 own their own channels and blogs on social networks.
On average, teenagers aged 12–17 spend more than four hours a day on social networks worldwide, while children under 8 spend at least 14 minutes daily on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The expansion of internet coverage, the reduction in mobile communication service costs, and the mass distribution of smartphones lead to all segments of the population, including children and adolescents, becoming active participants in the digital environment.
In Uzbekistan, social network usage indicators are also steadily growing. According to DataReportal (Digital 2024: Uzbekistan), at the beginning of 2022, there were 24.1 million internet users and 6.2 million social media users in the country. By January 1, 2026, the number of internet users is expected to reach 31.1 million, and social media users—14.1 million. Analysis of this data demonstrates a steady growth in the number of internet and social media users.
Nevertheless, the uncontrolled flow of information on social networks poses various risks. A Pew Research Center study showed that 46% of teenagers have encountered harmful or age-inappropriate content on the internet. UNICEF reports emphasize that child safety in the online environment, including cyberbullying, the dissemination of personal data, and psychological pressure, is one of the main problems.
Other countries are implementing clear legal and institutional mechanisms to address these issues. For example, French legislation requires social networks not to register users under 15 without parental consent. Australia has established strict requirements for protecting children from harmful content under the 'Online Safety Act'. The UK has placed obligations on internet platforms to protect users, especially minors, through the 'Online Safety Bill'. Spain is also implementing a special strategy to protect the rights of children and adolescents in the digital environment.
Reforms in this area have also begun in Central Asian countries. In Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, legislation concerning the regulation of internet content and the protection of youth from harmful information is being improved. In Uzbekistan, relevant measures are being taken within the framework of the laws 'On Informatization' and 'On Protecting Children from Harmful Information'. Furthermore, special attention is paid to developing national content in the information space and increasing youth media literacy.
Thus, although social networks play an important role in the development of modern society, ensuring their safe and effective use is an urgent task. It is crucial to form a comprehensive approach involving the state, society, and family, to improve youth digital culture, and to perfect legal mechanisms.
According to the decision of the Public Council at the National Agency for Social Protection, three projects aimed at supporting various segments of the population were funded through the state social program.
It is emphasized that every problem must be identified through dialogue, so public opinion is of great importance in all management structures.
The first initiative, the "SOS" project, received 204.6 million UZS from the state social program for the Uzbek Association of Children's Quarters. The goal of this project is to increase solidarity with families raising foster children, ensure the well-being of children, and strengthen the social services system.
The Center for Youth and Children with Disabilities received 254.9 million UZS. The main task of this project is to develop modern educational and methodological materials for primary class speech therapists, improve their professional qualifications, and develop professional communication skills.
The "Umid Kuchi" Social Center was allocated 488 million UZS. This project will be implemented in the districts of Yakkasaroy and Olmazor. Its mission is to support the elderly, increase their social activity and ability to live independently, as well as reduce the impact of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease through preventive activities.
It is important to note that all these projects contribute to improving the quality of social services, supporting needy segments of the population, and developing an inclusive and effective social protection system.
