The 12th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has opened in Samarkand, bringing together nearly 250 participants from 58 countries and 11 international organizations to discuss human rights, justice and human dignity amid growing global challenges.
The conference is being held under the theme “Restoring human rights, justice and human dignity in challenging times.” The event is taking place in Uzbekistan for the first time and is aimed at strengthening the role of young people in political and parliamentary processes, while creating a platform for dialogue and cooperation among young lawmakers from different countries.
Opening the conference, Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva read out a message from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to participants. In his address, Mirziyoyev welcomed young parliamentarians to Samarkand and described the hosting of the high-level conference in Uzbekistan as recognition by the international community of the country’s democratic reforms.
He noted that the conference comes at a time of deepening global conflicts, growing instability and an increase in armed conflicts, alongside challenges including climate change, economic inequality, social instability and a moral crisis. The president highlighted the scale of challenges facing young people, noting that more than 500mn children and young people live in areas affected by armed conflicts, while one in five young people and two out of three young women lack access to education.
Uzbekistan’s youth policy
Mirziyoyev said that supporting young people and enabling them to realize their potential is a priority under Uzbekistan’s “Uzbekistan–2030” strategy. Young people account for nearly 56% of Uzbekistan’s 39mn population, making long-term policies focused on human capital and youth development particularly important, according to the president.
He highlighted the expansion of opportunities for young people in education, science and entrepreneurship. More than 3,500 Uzbek young people are currently studying at leading universities ranked among the world’s top 100, while the share of young scientists with academic degrees has doubled.
Young people now account for 35% of entrepreneurs in the country, the president noted. The Youth Parliaments established under the chambers of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis have also become a platform for future lawmakers to gain experience. In the 2024 elections, nearly 200 young people were elected as members of representative bodies.
Mirziyoyev also noted that Uzbekistan has been included among the 10 leading countries implementing the UN Youth Strategy “Youth 2030” and was recognized as the fastest-growing country in the Global Youth Development Index.
Youth participation in decision-making
The president welcomed the planned adoption of the Samarkand Resolution on Youth and Future Generations, aimed at expanding youth participation in government and society within the framework of the IPU.
He also offered to establish a special platform to share Uzbekistan’s experience in developing youth potential and invited participants to the International Youth Congress “Dialogue of Generations”, scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan next year. Speaking at the conference, Narbayeva emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, dialogue and greater youth participation in political processes amid the current geopolitical environment.
She stressed that young people should be viewed not merely as subjects of political decisions, but as equal co-authors of those decisions. Oliy Majlis Legislative Chamber Speaker Nuriddin Ismoilov highlighted institutional mechanisms created to involve young people in parliamentary work. The Youth Parliaments established under the two chambers serve as a bridge between young people and parliament, allowing participants not only to study legislation but also to bring their own proposals into the legislative process.
IPU President Tulya Ackson noted that the voices of young people are playing an increasingly important role in international decision-making. She emphasized that dialogue, experience-sharing and cooperation among young parliamentarians from different countries can contribute to new approaches to addressing global challenges.
Human rights, digital security and youth employment
The conference agenda covers a range of issues including human rights and youth political participation, social justice, digital security, education and decent work, young women’s political participation, and the role of parliaments in addressing global challenges.
Young parliamentarians are expected to exchange views and initiatives on protecting human rights and dignity, strengthening peace and justice, and advancing sustainable development.
A final document reflecting the proposals and initiatives of young parliamentarians is expected to be adopted at the conclusion of the conference.
