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In recent years, Uzbekistan has been undergoing a transformation to promote freedom of expression, media independence, and pluralism. The government has recognized that access to information is crucial for building a vibrant and inclusive society, and has taken bold steps towards this goal. UNESCO, as a main stakeholder in this area, fully supports Uzbekistan's efforts and is expanding cooperation in the information and communications sector.

Since late 2016, when President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power, the Uzbekistani government has taken a new approach to open the country to the world in order to achieve sustainable growth. This approach required serious transformations in all major areas of life, including in the sphere of information and communications. The government has committed to ensuring freedom of speech and the press, which they believe is essential for their democratic and socio-economic reforms. Access to information is crucial for good governance and the rule of law. It enables citizens to hold their governments accountable and to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. When citizens have access to information, they are better equipped to demand transparency and accountability from their governments. This, in turn, promotes more effective and efficient governance.

As a result of this commitment, the number of media outlets in the country has increased by almost 30 percent compared to 2016, and now stands at over 1960. Private media has become increasingly important in ensuring plurality of opinions, and the number of internet publications has almost doubled, surpassing 680. The government has also created various ways for direct dialogue with the population, such as press-services and spokesperson’s offices in all central and local government branches.

To support these efforts, 91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ been expanding technical support and capacity-building projects since 2017. 91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ implemented several projects aimed at enhancing the role and influence of mass media in society, supporting and protecting the rights of journalists and bloggers, and solidifying legislative, administrative, and other bases to fight against obstructing journalists’ activities, censorship, exerting pressure and influence on editorial staff, illegal seizure of media materials and equipment.

Furthermore, UNESCO and Uzbekistan successfully organized the global commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on September 28-29, 2022. The international conference on the theme "Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance, and Access to Information," organized in the framework of these celebrations, was attended by more than 150 experts from all regions of the world.

In summary, Uzbekistan's commitment to promoting access to information and communications has been a key factor in their transformation towards sustainable growth. UNESCO fully supports these efforts and is expanding cooperation to enhance the role and influence of mass media in society, support and protect the rights of journalists and bloggers, and promote access to information for all.