The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, spoke at the Leaders’ Summit within the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku, focusing his address on domestic urban policy and development plans.
The head of state noted that affordable and sustainable housing has become critically important amid accelerating global urbanization. According to him, urban growth is already accompanied by serious challenges, including housing shortages and social issues.
He placed particular emphasis on the situation in Uzbekistan, stressing the strategic importance of urbanization for the country.
“The issue of sustainable urban development is of strategic importance to the New Uzbekistan. Over the next 15 years, our country’s population is expected to grow from 38 million to 50 million, with the urbanization rate rising from 51 to 65 percent,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.
According to him, these changes are seen by the authorities as an opportunity for balanced regional development and economic growth.
Among the key indicators, he highlighted large-scale expansion of housing construction. Over the past ten years, annual housing construction volumes in the country have increased tenfold. In 2025, this figure reached 238,000 units, and by 2030 it is expected to grow by a further 1.5 times. Around $2 billion from the state budget is allocated annually to affordable housing programs.
The president also reported measures to address informal housing. In 2024, a special law was adopted, and documentation was issued for nearly 100,000 homes. In addition, the share of renovation of dilapidated housing is planned to increase from 15 to 60 percent.
A National Committee for Urbanization has been established to manage these processes.
The environmental section focused on the “Yashil makon” (Green Space) and “Toza havo” (Clean Air) programs. The government aims to increase urban greenery coverage to 30 percent by 2030.
The president also highlighted the “New Tashkent” project, designed for a population of two million. He said the megaproject is being implemented according to modern urban planning standards, including “green,” “smart,” “safe,” and “15-minute city” principles. More than $25 billion in investments have already been attracted in the first phase.
Outside the capital, similar projects are being implemented across the country under the “New Uzbekistan” brand. According to the president, 61 such residential complexes have already been built, with the number expected to reach 100 by 2030.
In conclusion, he put forward several initiatives, including the proposal to establish an international “Smart and Safe Cities Alliance,” as well as the idea of holding the 15th session of the forum in 2030 in New Tashkent, focusing on the role of local communities in sustainable urban development.
Overall, the speech focused on Uzbekistan’s domestic urban agenda — from large-scale housing development to digital transformation and environmental standards in urban planning.
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