Uzbekistan’s SDG Story: Innovation, Sustainability and Cooperation

Uzbekistan’s SDG Index score rose from 48.6 in 2015 to 73.1 in 2025. This ranked it first among Central Asian nations and 62nd globally out of 167 countries.

List of Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 1-8
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13 – Climate Action
• SDG 14 – Life Below Water
• SDG 15 – Life on Land
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

From 43.5 in 2015, Uzbekistan reached 72.3 in 2025. Infrastructure development has accelerated across Uzbekistan. Large-scale road, rail and logistics investments are improving regional connectivity. The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, airport modernisation and industrial zones have supported trade and industrialisation.

Over 14 industrial zones were launched, internet penetration surpassed 95%, and IT Park Uzbekistan supported 1,200 startups by 2025. Infrastructure investment accounted for over 15% of annual public spending, with a focus on rail, energy and logistics.

Digitalisation of public services has advanced, with e-government platforms reducing administrative burdens. The share of industry in GDP has increased, supported by modernised textiles, construction materials and pharmaceutical sectors.

SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Reducing inequality has been addressed through targeted social programmes and regional development policies. Social transfers are now more equitable due to means-testing and use of digital platforms. The score rose from 44.2 to 70.4.

Reforms in education and health have helped reduce rural-urban gaps. Ethnic and linguistic diversity has been more openly recognised in public discourse. Legal protections for vulnerable groups have also improved.

Income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, declined from 0.38 to 0.33 over the decade. However, it still remains an issue, particularly between Tashkent and peripheral regions. Migration policy and remittance support continue to be important for economic inclusion.

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

The country scored 75.1 in 2025, up from 48.1 in 2015. Urban development has shifted toward sustainability. The greater focus fell on public transport, green space and disaster resilience. The Tashkent City and regional urban regeneration projects aim to modernise infrastructure and expand access to housing. Earthquake preparedness, air quality monitoring and historic preservation have received more attention.

Green space per resident in Tashkent increased from 7 to 13 m². Municipal services have been upgraded through public-private partnerships. Still, rapid urbanisation challenges planning capacity, and informal settlements remain in some areas. The country has committed to implementing smart city strategies across major urban centres.

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Uzbekistan has made progress in waste management reform and resource efficiency. From 40.7, the score increased to 69.8. A new environmental code was adopted, and laws regulating plastic use and emissions were updated.

New waste separation laws were introduced in 2022, with pilot recycling projects in 11 cities. Energy intensity per unit of GDP fell by 18%, and industrial emissions reporting became mandatory. Recycling infrastructure remains limited, but pilot projects in Tashkent and regional cities have begun.

Industrial audits and green certification schemes encourage cleaner production. The concept of a circular economy has gained traction in national planning. Public awareness campaigns about responsible consumption are increasingly common, though behavioural change takes time.

SDG 13 – Climate Action

The score in this area improved from 42.0 to 68.5. Climate policy in Uzbekistan is now integrated into broader development planning framework. The country ratified the Paris Agreement and set national targets for emission reductions. It developed its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and expanded climate finance partnerships.

The expansion of solar and wind energy has contributed to a reduction in emissions per unit of GDP. Desertification and drought resilience remain key issues, particularly in the Aral Sea region. Thus, over one mln hectares of forest were planted in the Aral Sea region. Adaptation measures include afforestation, efficient irrigation and regional cooperation on water management. Climate education and disaster risk reduction are emerging as key policy areas.

However, the country still deals with factories damaging the environment with their harmful emissions. Particularly, since 2023 they caused 322 bn UZS in damage.

SDG 14 – Life Below Water

As a landlocked country, this goal saw limited direct action. However, the score improved modestly from 35.1 to 55.6 through regional cooperation on aquatic biodiversity and sustainable fisheries in inland waters. The country also participates in regional environmental cooperation frameworks concerning the Caspian Sea and transboundary rivers.

Uzbekistan has promoted sustainable fish farming in inland waters and supported pollution control in river basins. Its contributions to SDG 14 focus on regional environmental diplomacy, aquatic biodiversity and water management in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins.

SDG 15 – Life on Land

Uzbekistan’s score rose from 46.6 to 70.1. The number of protected natural areas doubled, and satellite monitoring of forests was introduced. Sustainable pasture management was implemented on over 3 mln hectares of rangeland.

Land degradation, desertification and biodiversity loss are priority concerns. Programmes for afforestation in the Aral Sea zone have planted millions of trees over degraded land. Protected areas have been expanded, and wildlife monitoring has improved with the use of satellite and drone technologies.

Uzbekistan has joined international agreements on biodiversity and desertification. Sustainable forestry and pasture management are being integrated into agricultural policy. Ecotourism and local conservation efforts have also received government support, contributing to public engagement.

SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

From 39.2, Uzbekistan reached 71.4. Governance reform has been a cornerstone of the country’s transition over the past decade. Legal and judicial reforms aimed to strengthen rule of law, improve access to justice and increase transparency. The role of civil society has expanded. Media freedoms and public consultation in policymaking are increasing.

Anti-corruption policy was institutionalised. Uzbekistan rose 20 positions in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index between 2015 and 2025. The introduction of digital government systems and open data platforms has improved accountability. International human rights dialogue has intensified, with Uzbekistan increasingly engaging with UN mechanisms.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The score climbed from 47.3 to 76.0. Uzbekistan has embraced multilateral cooperation as essential to achieving the SDGs. It has presented multiple Voluntary National Reviews at the UN and forged development partnerships with the EU, UN agencies, the World Bank and regional institutions.

The country has also become a vocal advocate for reforming the global financial system to promote sustainable finance. South-South cooperation, regional connectivity and knowledge-sharing are key pillars of its international development approach. Uzbekistan actively participates in UN development platforms and hosts regional dialogue on water, climate and trade.

From 2015 to 2025, Uzbekistan’s path toward sustainable development has been defined by ambitious reform, growing international engagement and an evolving sense of national purpose. While challenges remain, the decade marks a transformative period that lays the foundation for meeting the goals of Agenda 2030 and beyond.

Kursiv also reports on Uzbekistan’s progress in pursuing SDGs one through eight, as the country combats poverty, hunger and inequalities.