According to data from the Centre for Eastern European Studies (OSW), signs of prolonged demographic decline are being recorded in Turkey for the first time. This situation could potentially affect the country's economy, labor market, and defense potential in the future.
Maintaining ties with citizens living abroad, reliably protecting their rights and interests, and mobilizing their scientific, intellectual, and investment potential for the country's development are among the most important tasks of our time. In this multinational country, ensuring an atmosphere of mutual respect and unity is considered the foundation of effective public administration.
Currently, over 130 nations and ethnic groups live in Uzbekistan in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Numerous organizations, such as national cultural centers and friendship societies operating throughout the republic, contribute to strengthening interethnic cohesion.
It should be noted that July 30th is annually celebrated as the Day of Peoples' Friendship. In connection with this date, various spiritual and educational events, cultural festivals, round tables, exhibitions, and friends' meetings are organized across regions, with a special focus on strengthening the atmosphere of diversity, interethnic cohesion, and civic unity in the country.
The Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated March 19, 2025, 'On Measures to Bring National Unity and Strengthen Ties with Citizens Abroad to a New Stage,' and the resolution 'On Measures for the Effective Organization of the Activities of the Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Interethnic Relations and Affairs of Citizens Abroad' also play an important role.
Indeed, the tasks set out in the document create a new mechanism for developing interethnic relations, supporting people's diplomacy, and strengthening systemic ties with citizens abroad.
The work of people who make a worthy contribution to strengthening interethnic cohesion and the atmosphere of diversity in the country is always highly valued. One example of such recognition is the traditional award 'Cross of Peoples' Friendship,' which is presented annually on the occasion of the Day of Peoples' Friendship on July 30th.
This year, this high award was conferred upon nearly 70 state and public organizations, representatives of national cultural centers, religious confessions, as well as non-governmental commercial organizations. They were recognized for their dedicated work aimed at establishing an atmosphere of friendship, solidarity, and mutual respect among different nations and ethnic groups.
Sevar Shokirova, Director of the Agency for Specialized Educational Institutions, who was awarded the 'Cross of Peoples' Friendship,' stated: 'I accept this award not as a personal achievement, but as recognition of the many years of dedicated work of the Agency for Specialized Educational Institutions team, the reforms being carried out in the field of education, and our consistent efforts to develop international cooperation.'
She added that in recent years, the Agency has established effective connections with leading world universities, international educational organizations, and foreign partners. Today, their students study at prestigious universities worldwide, while teachers acquire advanced foreign experience and implement it into the education system. She expressed confidence that such educational cooperation will contribute to strengthening friendship and mutual trust between peoples.
Indeed, the reforms being implemented in this area contribute not only to strengthening peace and harmony in the country but also to enhancing Uzbekistan's prestige as a state that is open, diverse, and actively cooperating with the global community.
Over the past ten years, significant changes have taken place in all spheres of the country, including the approach to labor, improvement of working conditions, and raising the social status of representatives of various sectors.
The importance of a healthy social environment is emphasized. Society demonstrates imbalance if every segment of the population is not treated with consideration for its dignity. In this context, the social protection system is recognized as one of the most developed areas currently. Thanks to the new policy of New Uzbekistan, based on the principle of human value, equality and transparency are growing in society. This is the result of hard work and strong political will.
Previously, people with disabilities lived in isolation, feeling forgotten. Today, they are provided not only with attention but also with opportunities to enhance their abilities and contribute to the development of society. Even persons with disabilities now hold responsible positions in prestigious organizations, which is achieved through phased reforms.
Firstly, the National Agency for Social Protection was established, which took control of people with disabilities. Furthermore, the Center for Social Services for People in Need of Social Protection was founded under this agency, ensuring systematic coverage of vulnerable segments of the population. This is evident in the care provided to people in severe emotional crisis, as well as to women and children. Additionally, the disability determination system was radically modernized: it was completely converted to an electronic format, which allowed the elimination of excessive bureaucratic hurdles and guaranteed the prevention of third-party interference.
Thus, one of the key achievements of New Uzbekistan is the progress in the social protection system, which contributes to the formation of an inclusive environment in society. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed that instead of providing material assistance to people with disabilities, they should be actively involved in the labor market and provided with favorable conditions. He noted that the most important thing for people with disabilities is the provision of opportunities, which in turn fuels hope and belief in the future.
Special attention is paid in the country to elevating the value of man, strengthening interethnic cohesion, and creating an atmosphere of hospitality. Spiritual and educational events are regularly held aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence of various nationalities and ethnicities, as well as affirming the principles of mutual respect and solidarity.
As part of these noble goals, a festive event was organized in the 'National Unity' park in the Khatirchi district on the occasion of the International Day of Friendship, which is celebrated on July 30.
The event, organized with the aim of widely promoting high values such as interethnic cohesion, mutual respect, solidarity, and friendship, as well as strengthening the atmosphere of unity among citizens, included cultural and educational performances, the performance of national songs, artistic compositions, and scenes celebrating the ideas of friendship and hospitality.
Participants noted that equal rights and opportunities have been created in the country for all representatives of different nations and ethnicities, and highly appreciated the efforts directed towards preserving their national culture and language. It was emphasized that such spiritual and educational actions are invaluable in forming a sense of love for the Motherland, interethnic respect, hospitality, and friendship in the hearts of the younger generation. After all, progress, prosperity, and rise are possible only in a country where peace and stability prevail.
The idea of strengthening mutual respect and solidarity in society, oriented towards human interests, is also embodied in the center of the large-scale reforms currently being carried out in the country. This event, dedicated to the International Day of Friendship, serves this noble purpose, contributing to the further strengthening of peace and a friendly atmosphere in the country.
