A collaboration between the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Government of Uzbekistan, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is driving transformative reforms in Uzbekistan's education sector, with a focus on early childhood development and inclusive learning.
On his visit to Uzbekistan, IsDB President Muhammad Al-Jasser toured the Institute for Retraining and Advanced Training of Directors and Specialists of Preschool, where he observed innovative teacher training methods. The visit marked a key milestone in the multi-million-dollar education partnership designed to modernize Uzbekistan's learning system.
“These investments are a testament to Uzbekistan's determination to modernize its education system,” said Ezozkhon Karimova, Minister of Preschool and School Education. “By investing in teachers, we are investing in the future of every child.”
The partnership's flagship initiative, the Enhancing Access to Quality Early Childhood Education Project, is being implemented jointly with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MoPSE). With $2.3mn in funding, the project is establishing 11 regional training centers, launching Uzbekistan's first AI-powered multimedia studio in Tashkent, and creating new training programs for teachers at both pre-service and in-service levels.
“Witnessing this project first hand is truly inspiring,” said Dr. Al-Jasser. “We are seeing modern tools unleash the potential of teachers and an innovative curriculum to revolutionize the learning experience for a generation of children. By investing in its youth, Uzbekistan is forging a path to lasting prosperity.”
Beyond early childhood education, the trilateral partnership is spearheading the SmartED Project, Uzbekistan's largest education investment to date at $220mn. Within this framework, MoPSE and UNICEF signed agreements worth $19.2mn to pilot inclusive education models, modernize the national curriculum and assessment system, and enhance quality assurance mechanisms.
“The investment by the Islamic Development Bank in Uzbekistan's education sector is both timely and strategic,” said Regina Castillo, UNICEF Representative to Uzbekistan. “Such support is important. There are immense returns from early childhood education. Furthermore, focusing on curriculum reforms is fundamental to creating a relevant and resilient educational system.”
The reforms arrive at a critical moment, as countries worldwide confront a global learning crisis. Research shows that children with access to high-quality early education are more likely to succeed academically, earn higher incomes, and contribute positively to society. However, early childhood educators often lack sufficient training, underscoring the need for sustained investments.
For IsDB, these initiatives fall under its Member Country Partnership Strategy (2022–2026), which emphasizes strengthening human capital as a foundation for sustainable development.
