Uzbekistan approves new program to employ high school graduates who don’t enroll in university

To implement the programs, $300 million has been allocated to Aloqabank and the National Bank of Uzbekistan. Under the “Youth Business” program, 100,000 young people will be supported, while the “Step into the Future” initiative aims to provide employment for 140,000 university graduates.

The Ministry of Employment, together with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Bank, will launch a platform to connect university, college, and vocational education graduates with employers. In addition, the Ministries of Employment, Public Education, and Higher Education will jointly develop an electronic system titled "Income in Action", aimed at engaging 3 million students on vacation in short-term, skill-free jobs.

To encourage high school students to explore career paths, a nationwide contest called “My Profession” will be held annually.

A robust system to support startups has been launched. To date, $145 million in venture capital has been invested into the sector. President Mirziyoyev stated that this figure is expected to rise to $1 billion.

In public schools, a new initiative called "Skills and Business Hour" will be introduced, enabling students to develop their ideas into real startup projects, backed by 100 billion UZS in grant funding.

Among universities, the “Best Creative Idea” competition will be held annually. Winners will receive grants of up to 300 million UZS, financed by university funds.

To support the prototyping and testing phase of startups, the Innovation Agency and IT Park will jointly establish an R&D Center. For the most promising projects, the Youth Venture Fund will cover up to $50,000 of the costs related to prototype development.

Each year, Uzbekistan will also host Startup Expo, a major exhibition bringing together investors, large enterprises, and startup founders.

President meets with outstanding youth

President Mirziyoyev met with outstanding and proactive young people from various fields – science, technology, culture, arts, sports, and entrepreneurship – and listened to their ideas and proposals.

A number of young individuals who have become role models for their peers were honored with state awards under a special presidential decree.

At today’s event, the president personally presented the awards in a ceremonial setting.

A message of encouragement to Uzbekistan’s youth

At the conclusion of the event, the president once again addressed the youth with the following message:

“Knowledge gained in youth is like a pattern carved in stone – it becomes the foundation for your future.

“The stronger the foundation, the more magnificent the building of your life and happiness will be.

“Action taken in youth leads to success in the future. A friend made in youth becomes a lifelong partner, a source of strength and support.

“Never forget – when children are educated, healthy, brave, and ambitious, the future of the nation and the state will be bright.

“I wish for all young people in Uzbekistan to possess these noble qualities.

“I firmly believe that, together with our entire multiethnic people and you, my dear sons and daughters, we will undoubtedly achieve our great goals. We will build the New Uzbekistan together!”