Five years ago, around 650 million people lived in poverty across the globe. Today, that number has climbed to more than 800 million. In other words, one out of every ten people on Earth still struggles to meet their basic needs. These stark realities place urgent responsibilities on governments, international organisations, and the global community.
Amid this global challenge, Uzbekistan has made the fight against poverty a state priority. As part of its efforts, the country hosted the 3rd International Forum “From Poverty to Prosperity” in Namangan, bringing together nearly 200 international experts, policymakers, and representatives of leading financial institutions.
From poverty to prosperity: A model for the future
Opening the forum, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined Uzbekistan’s ambitious direction.
“We are working to create an Uzbekistan model for poverty reduction by studying successful experiences from around the world. We are ready to set new, higher goals: by 2030, in line with international standards, we have every opportunity to completely eliminate absolute poverty in Uzbekistan — and we will definitely achieve it!” he said.
This vision earned praise from some international partners. Liu Junwen, director general of the International Poverty Reduction Center in China, told Euronews: “When I heard President Mirziyoyev’s introduction, I thought: This is a perfect policy system for reducing poverty.”
A nationwide programme: From poverty to prosperity
To translate this vision into reality, Uzbekistan launched a new nationwide programme called “From Poverty to Prosperity”. Covering seven priority areas — from building sustainable income sources to strengthening social protection — the programme’s main focus is not on short-term jobs, but on permanent employment that secures stable income for citizens.
Obid Khakimov, director of the Center for Economic Research and Reform, explained the uniqueness of this approach.
“We started new poverty reduction policy in 2020 and this programme was efficient because Uzbekistan has unique experience”, he told Euronews. He added: “The uniqueness is that the country started working at the mahalla (local) level. There are about 10,000 mahallas, and in all of them the government assigns a special person with knowledge and experience who is responsible for poverty reduction. In 2021, when we first measured poverty in Uzbekistan according to the national poverty line, it was 17%. Now it is below 7%.”
This grassroots model has proven transformative. Families receive individual attention, while resources are directed to raise household income. Each year, between €2.3 and €2.8 billion is invested in improving mahallas, modernising living conditions, and expanding local business infrastructure.
Uzbekistan lifted 7.5 million people out of poverty
The results speak for themselves. According to the World Bank, Uzbekistan’s poverty rate dropped from 32% in 2016 to just 8.9% in 2024 — lifting 7.5 million people out of poverty.
Obert Pimhidzai, lead economist at the World Bank, shared his view on these figures. “What sets Uzbekistan’s experience apart is the speed of progress, even after COVID. Between 2021 and 2024, when poverty stagnated or even increased in many countries, Uzbekistan achieved remarkable and sustained reductions,” he told Euronews.
With nearly €30bn invested this year alone, the country created 300,000 new jobs and expanded programmes for women and youth. From free medicines and social payments to vocational training and business loans, the state is opening opportunities at every level.
Regional impact: Uzbekistan drives Central Asia’s fight against poverty
Beyond its national progress, Uzbekistan is also shaping the region’s development.
As Pimhidzai told Euronews: “Uzbekistan, being one of the largest countries in Central Asia, is critical in the fight against poverty. Its progress accounts for about 20% of the overall reduction in the region. Going forward, much of Central Asia’s success will depend on Uzbekistan’s continued progress.”
International lessons: Inclusive and green growth
Experts emphasised that Uzbekistan’s reforms link growth with inclusivity and sustainability.
Sangheon Lee, assistant director general for jobs and social protection at the International Labour Organization (ILO), drew a comparison with China’s success.
“The Chinese experience is quite similar in many ways — combining strong economic goals with inclusive policies and targeted measures at both national and local levels. Uzbekistan is following a similar path, especially in advancing the green transition,” he noted.
The fight against poverty delivers its greatest results when economic growth is matched with fairness — when nations invest in education, give people the skills they need, and make opportunities accessible to all groups in society.
