For reference: The report is prepared annually by the SDSN based on an independent assessment and reflects the level of progress of countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The network was created by Jeffrey Sachs, a Columbia University professor and advisor to the UN Secretary-General on the SDGs.

In 2025, Uzbekistan has risen by 19 positions compared to last year and has been recognized as the fastest growing country in Central Asia and Eastern Europe since 2015.

On June 24, an online presentation of the report was held, which was attended by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Umid Abidkhadjayev, Vice President of the African Development Bank Kevin Chika Urama, Professor of Tsinghua University David Lee, Professor of the University of Pennsylvania Eugenie Birch, Vice President of SDSN Guillaume Lafortun and other international experts.

During the event, Deputy Minister Umid Abidkhadjayev spoke about the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan to achieve the SDGs and the existing national financial mechanisms. The reforms of the global financial system and the expansion of long-term and affordable financing opportunities for low- and middle-income countries were also discussed.

In his speech, Professor Jeffrey Sachs emphasized:

"Achieving sustainable development primarily depends on political leadership. It is important not only to direct internal and external resources, but also to ensure their effectiveness."

Professor Sachs and the Vice-President of the African Development Bank highly appreciated the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan, noting the firmness of political will and resolute leadership as key factors. International experts highlighted the country's success in reducing poverty.

Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is implementing large-scale institutional and structural reforms in such areas as poverty reduction, food security, social protection, creating decent jobs, improving the quality of healthcare and education, ensuring gender equality, developing a digital and green economy, and increasing statistical transparency.

These steps have become the main reason for Uzbekistan's significant progress in the global sustainable Development Index and have received wide international recognition.

For more information: Read the report

Press Service of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan.