Opening remarks for the Consultations on the New Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy Consuelo Vidal Bruce, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Uzbekistan

On behalf of the UN Country Team that works in Uzbekistan, I would like to commend the Government of Uzbekistan for initiating the development of a new long-term national development Strategy, the "New Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy."

Uzbekistan has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as evidenced by its recent submission of the 2nd Voluntary National Review (VNR).

During the UN ECOSOC High-level Political Forum on 17 July 2023, the Uzbekistan delegation presented the VNR, highlighting the country's current progress and challenges in achieving the SDGs.

I am pleased to announce that Uzbekistan has improved its position in the global 2023 SDG Index rating, moving up 8 positions to rank 69th among 166 countries. This remarkable progress is a result of the comprehensive structural and socio-economic reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in recent years.

Today, we are here to contribute to the alignment of the draft “New Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy” with Agenda 2030, through the national SDG framework, goals, and targets.

The "Leave No One Behind" principle, a fundamental aspect of the SDGs, resonates with the spirit of the 2030 Strategy: It aims to ensure inclusivity and equality for all citizens, providing them with opportunities for growth and prosperity.

I am pleased to note that the new Strategy places a strong emphasis on social and environmental aspects of sustainable development, with clear goals and targets in education, healthcare, social protection, gender equality, water, and environmental protection.

The “New Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy” has been costed, with 252 billion USD allocated for its implementation.

In this regard, an Integrated National Financing Strategy helps mobilize both public and private, domestic and external financing to achieve the SDGs and the national development priorities, and can guide the allocation and mobilization of resources.

I am pleased to report that the UN has recently supported the formulation of an SDG Financing Strategy, for the financing of the national SDGs and national development priorities until 2030, in an integrated and efficient manner.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The agenda 2030 and its 17 SDGs were adopted in 2015 by all United Nations Member States, and most multilateral organizations (many of them represented by all of you here), providing a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. 

But unfortunately, the collective promise that we all made in 2015 is in peril.

In recognition of the global imperative to accelerate progress towards the realization of the (SDGs), the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has convened a global SDG Summit scheduled to take place on 18-19 September 2023 during the UN General Assembly.

The SDG Summit seeks to galvanize renewed commitment from the international community, national governments, civil society, and development partners on a new phase of concerted global efforts in achieving the 2030 Agenda.

As we embark today on these consultations, let us engage in open and constructive discussions to contribute to the shaping of a national strategy that not only reflects the aspirations of Uzbekistan’s citizens, but also the country’s contribution to its international commitments and to the global international community.

I would like to thank you all for being here, and for your commitment and contribution to this vital process.

By contributing to the alignment of the “New Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy” with the national SDG framework, we will not only be contributing to paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for all people in Uzbekistan: we will also be contributing to the global promise of a more green, just and equitable future for all.

Thank you.