It was attended by representatives of the Senate, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the Government, the United Nations and academia.

During the discussion, the need for approval of this comprehensive Strategy was noted, which outlines an integrated approach to solving problems of mental health, injuries, road accidents, healthy lifestyle and behavioral patterns among adolescents.

Participants noted that the approval of this important document would contribute to adequate funding and an intersectoral approach to working with adolescents in sectors such as health, education and child protection.

This will bring Uzbekistan closer to adopting a Strategy comprehensively developed in accordance with international and regional practice.

"The approval of the National Strategy for the Protection of Adolescent Health and Well-being requires concerted and coordinated efforts of all relevant partners and sectors under the auspices of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan," said Munir Mammadzade, Head of the UNICEF Representative Office in Uzbekistan.

Teenagers in Uzbekistan make up 16.2% of the country's population, or about five and a half million people, which represents a high potential for receiving a demographic dividend if this target group is given proper attention.

In addition, the draft Strategy supports global and national recognition of the need to intensify actions in the interests of adolescent health and well-being to curb negative trends in this population group. Social and gender norms can limit girls' life choices and deprive them of access to services, the information service of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan reports.