Forum of Rectors of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan Approves New Stage of Cooperation in Education and Science

A fundamental shift is occurring in global demography. While concerns several decades ago were focused on excessive population growth, the primary threat today is the sharp decline in birth rates and population aging.

Indicators and Global Trends

To maintain demographic stability and prevent natural population decline, an average rate of 2.1 children per woman is required. However, more than half of the world's population lives in countries where this safe rate is lower.

The most serious consequences of the crisis are visible in Asia and Europe. In South Korea, which was considered an absolute record holder for the process, the fertility rate hovers around 0.7. High real estate costs, intense competition in the labor market, and the expenses of raising children force young people to forgo starting a family and having children.

Examples of Countries with Low Birth Rates

In Japan, which has become one of the oldest nations, this figure is approximately 1.2, and the country's population is shrinking by hundreds of thousands annually. China, which long pursued the 'One child, one family' policy, has also fallen into a severe demographic trap: the fertility rate reached 1, and the population began to decrease. As a result, India has taken the position of having the largest population.

The situation in Europe is also critical: the average birth rate across the continent is 1.46. For example, Italy (1.2) and Spain (1.16) are facing serious population aging. In the USA, the rate is 1.6, and the demographic balance is mainly maintained through external immigration.

Reasons for Declining Birth Rates

The sharp drop in birth rates worldwide is linked to several interconnected factors. Firstly, urbanization and the high cost of living in cities place significant pressure on family budgets. Secondly, as women receive higher education and have more opportunities for career advancement, the age of marriage is noticeably postponed. Thirdly, family and personal values are changing: among the younger generation, the tradition of living without children or limiting themselves to one child is becoming popular.

Socio-economic Consequences

The demographic crisis entails serious economic and social consequences. The reduction in the workforce and the increase in the number of pensioners create unprecedented strain on state budgets and pension systems. Economic growth and innovation rates are slowing down, and due to a lack of children, schools and kindergartens are closing, while the demand for nursing homes is increasing.

Measures and Regional Differences

Despite developed countries (South Korea, Japan, and European countries) allocating huge financial resources and providing tax incentives to stimulate birth rates, these efforts have not yet yielded the expected results. In regions such as Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, and in Africa, high birth rates persist. Consequently, a sharp change in the balance of economic power in the world and the direction of global labor migration is possible in the near future.

During a reporting meeting dedicated to the semi-annual functioning of the Agency for Improving Management Efficiency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, sequential steps in human capital development were noted as a priority area of state policy.

Analysis and Implementation of Management Systems

It was reported that existing capabilities were revised in more than 40 districts and cities to implement a results-based management system. A deep analysis of economic potential, management processes, and the quality of public services was conducted in 16 districts and cities of the Samarkand region, as well as in the regions of Namangan, Syrdarya, Surkhandarya, Bukhara, Kashkadarya, Fergana, Jizzakh, and others.

For the first time, economic drivers for each district were determined using Big Data and SWOT analysis with artificial intelligence, which allowed for the formation of investment project maps.

New Service Centers and Digitalization

As part of the mahalla-level work system, new service centers were opened in the Kahramon Khovos mahalla of the Syrdarya region and the Yangi Namangan Norin mahalla of the Namangan region. These centers provided residents with the opportunity to use 980 types of public services directly in the mahalla, without needing to contact various departments.

In terms of personnel provision, the personnel database was updated, and a reserve of high-potential personnel strategically important to the country was formed. This reserve included 415 graduates of foreign higher education institutions and Presidential schools, 250 promising female leaders, laureates of the 'Zulfiya' award, and selected promising specialists from various fields. This reserve is intended to ensure that the public administration system has competitive leaders with modern knowledge and skills.

Personnel Assessment and Professional Development

At the end of the second quarter, the performance indicators of 435 managers and deputy managers from 113 republican organizations, as well as 1329 deputy hokims from 14 regions and 208 districts (cities), were assessed.

Additionally, 74 people out of 421 university graduates received promotions based on recommendations. The results of using artificial intelligence for strategic forecasting were presented. According to analyses, in the coming years, the country will have a need for more than 50 new modern specialties, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analysis, digital transformation, 'green' energy, urbanism, geographic information systems, agrotechnology, and digital water resource management.

In this regard, practical work has begun on training personnel, forming a personnel reserve, and adapting educational programs to market needs. During the reporting period, 5316 civil servants participated in various training programs. Seminars on experience exchange were organized with the participation of experts from the University of 'Yangi Uzbekistan' and the Singapore Business School.

International Cooperation and Development

1860 applicants participated in the admission process to the Academy of Public Policy and Administration, of which 1334 passed the next selection stage. In the framework of international cooperation, 7 seminars were held with the participation of over 600 civil servants. Work is also underway to send 50 participants of the 'Young Talents' program for international internships within the FAO system.

A number of joint projects have been implemented with international organizations such as KOICA and JICA. Specifically, measures were taken to improve the qualifications of up to 30 civil servants in Japan and up to 20 managerial personnel in the United Kingdom.

Digital Platforms and Internships

A new interaction channel, 'Hokim - Vazir', was launched on the 'Digital Office' platform. The information systems 'hrm.gov.uz' and 'samaradorlik.gov.uz' have been entered into the state register as objects of critical information infrastructure. 49 new services have been integrated into the Agency's information systems through the 'E-Government' system. Currently, 30 thousand civil servants actively use the 'MyDX' mobile application. During the reporting period, a new system of targeted foreign internships was also introduced, according to which every dispatched employee must develop a practical project based on the acquired knowledge and experience.

Interviews were conducted with 300 candidates for the next internship programs, from whom 107 were selected. They will study in countries such as Singapore, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Finland, Malaysia, Turkey, China, Azerbaijan, and others. Under the KOICA program, 15 candidates were selected from 169, and under the JICA program, 18 for master's and 1 for doctoral programs. Additionally, candidates for master's programs—232 and for doctoral programs—38 were chosen through the 'Umid el-Yurt' fund.