How the UN guides Uzbekistan’s youth in its digital journey

In Uzbekistan where nearly 60% of the population is under 30, digital technologies hold the key to unlocking the vast potential of its youth.

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The “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” strategy, spearheaded by the Uzbek government, is a testament to the country’s dedication to digital transformation, emphasizing advancements in digital infrastructure, e-government, and IT education. The United Nations (UN) is a crucial partner in this transformative journey, working to enhance digital literacy, broaden business opportunities, and cultivate a sustainable digital economy. These initiatives are not just about technology; they are about empowering young people politically, economically, and socially.

The importance of these efforts cannot be overstated. Digital literacy and skills are essential for young people to thrive in the modern job market and participate meaningfully in society.

By equipping youth with the necessary digital tools and opportunities, we are not only enhancing their individual prospects but also contributing to Uzbekistan’s broader socio-economic development. Our involvement ensures that these initiatives are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with global best practices to foster a more prosperous and equitable future for all.

Our role extends beyond mere support; we provide the expertise, resources, and partnerships to bridge the digital divide, promote digital education, facilitate access to financial instruments, and nurture youth-led businesses. Our vision is an Uzbekistan where the digital landscape empowers every young person, enabling them to navigate the digital age with confidence and contribute to their nation’s progress.

Teamwork is the dreamwork

UN activities include, but are not limited to:

Measuring and strengthening digital literacy.  Championing digital transformation at school level, and thanks to the UNICEF GIGA initiative, Uzbekistan made school connectivity a national priority, achieving universal school connectivity with 99.6% of schools connected to at least 10 Mbps. Uzbekistan is currently piloting innovative digital solutions to increase learning outcomes in partnership with UNICEF Learning Innovation Hub in Helsinki.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) works withtheMinistry of Digital Technologies to identify the current gaps and barriers to gender inclusion and provide recommendations based on research with tech incubator IT Park.  Soon UNDP will partner with the Digital Economy Research Center to measure the citizens’ digital literacy rate, with the hope to have digital instruments in operation by 2025.

Empowering digital education and skills. Customizable, digital education programmes (including in remote regions) ensure that entrepreneurs of all backgrounds can develop skills. Together with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, UNDP trained young entrepreneurs in boosting their businesses’ efficiency through digital technologies, while the International Trade Centre (ITC) focused their trainings on selling through online channels.

UNICEF supported the Ministry of Digital Development in building computer literacy, coding and robotics skills of about 400 adolescent girls from rural areas. Among them about 130 girls with disabilities were equipped with employability and digital skills for employment.

Engaging the local private sector. A recent joint initiative with UZUM (the first unicorn start-up in Uzbekistan) is a solid example of how to extend partnerships. In the past couple of years, through this joint initiative, more than 9,000 young people (of which 2,000 were women) improved their digital skills; 250 representatives in the public and private sector were trained on policies related to enabling a sustainable digital entrepreneurship environment; and more than 100 selected start-ups (of which 10% were women-led) received tailored mentorship.

Access to financial instruments is one of the key development areas of the UN when it comes to Uzbekistan’s digital economy. Currently, the UN is working with national partners and the private sector to introduce various private financing opportunities for early-stage businesses. For instance, one of the private financing clubs established with the support of the UN started investing in promising start-ups. We hope to see more soon.

Empowering women entrepreneurs. UNDP is conducting a comprehensive training programme on e-commerce using the UZUM online platform. By fostering digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills, this programme improves women’s economic opportunities, promotes gender equality, and drives sustainable development in the region.

Unlocking global market opportunities. Through ITC’s regional initiative Ready4Trade in Central Asia, trained e-commerce coaches provided capacity building and advisory services to over 40 small businesses, with sales on new or optimized online channels totaling $108,000.

In addition, ITC’s international partnerships with eBay, Etsy, DHL and Foursource enabled the companies’ access to new international markets, as well as boosted their online visibility by improving their digital marketing assets and online channels. For example, business-to-consumer sellers received a 60% discount on standard DHL rates for four years running. The eBay partnership resulted in almost 50 businesses across the region to realize international sales to over 30 export markets.

Improving the e-commerce ecosystem. Thanks to ITC’s partnership with impact marketplace NOVICA, a new Artisan Empowerment Hub opened in Tashkent. Seventy artisans listed on NOVICA’s international marketplace and sister websites like UNICEF. Having such a large international player in Uzbekistan processing hundreds of orders weekly, had a significant positive impact on the country’s capacity to process small parcels through the DHL office and customs.

Developing e-commerce strategies. A participatory multi-stakeholder process involving an in-depth analysis of the national e-commerce ecosystem, saw the collaborative effort between UN agencies, such as the International Trade Centre, and the government of Uzbekistan, the private sector, business support organizations and academia. The strategies prioritize enhancing the legal framework for e-commerce and e-services, improving financial infrastructure and electronic payment systems, and strengthening companies’ capacities to trade online.

We remain committed in supporting Uzbekistan’s digital transformation. We will continue to promote access to finance, advocate for inclusive policies, and facilitate the growth of an enabling entrepreneurial ecosystem to create a more prosperous and inclusive future for all citizens of Uzbekistan. Please join us in making that happen!