Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 13 April 2025, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov, held a meeting with Mr. Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), at the UN Headquarters in New York.

During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation in preparation for the UN Public Service Forum 2025, as well as broader topics including digital public governance, e-participation, and strengthening partnerships with UNDESA within the framework of Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms.

Minister Shermatov provided an update on preparations for the UN Public Service Forum 2025, which is scheduled to take place in Samarkand from 23 to 25 June. He noted that with active support from UNDESA, the initial concept of the forum has already been developed, key topics have been identified, high-level panel sessions are being arranged, and diplomatic engagement is ongoing with UN member states.

Mr. Li expressed his full support for the initiative and emphasized the importance of holding the forum at a high international standard, recognizing its significance as a global platform for public service innovation under the United Nations framework.

The meeting also touched on ongoing digital government reforms in Uzbekistan. Key topics included the improvement of public service delivery via e-platforms, integration of government agencies, development of digital infrastructure, and the application of analytics and artificial intelligence in governance processes. Minister Shermatov stressed that these reforms are in full alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and form a core part of the Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy.

He also announced the upcoming launch of Uzbekistan’s National E-Participation Portal, which will enable citizens to engage in public consultations, submit proposals, and monitor state initiatives and policy implementation.

Mr. Li praised the initiative as a forward-thinking model of civic engagement and a step toward open and accountable governance.

The parties also discussed organizing a series of training workshops in Uzbekistan in 2025 as part of the cooperation with UNDESA. These workshops will focus on enhancing digital competencies among public servants, planning and implementing digital transformation initiatives, ensuring the resilience of digital public services, and other key areas.

To conclude the meeting, Minister Shermatov informed the UN Under-Secretary-General about the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies and UNDESA under the Local Online Services Index (LOSI) initiative.

This agreement will allow for regular assessments of digitalization progress among local government bodies, facilitate international knowledge exchange, and support the integration of Uzbekistan’s regions into global digital rankings.