Combating Corruption: Uzbek Experience and New Steps in Int’l Cooperation

Nurullo Rasulov, International Relations Journalist, Uzbekistan

Corruption is one of the most dangerous obstacles to societal development. It reduces the efficiency of public administration, causes enormous economic damage, and undermines citizens' trust in the state. Therefore, in recent years, Uzbekistan has been pursuing a systematic and decisive fight against corruption.

The issue of combating corruption occupies a special place in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. In particular, Goal 16 – "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions" – emphasizes ensuring transparency, reducing corruption, and strengthening the rule of law in society. Similarly, Goal 17 – "Partnerships for the Goals" – calls for experience exchange and mutual support among countries in the fight against corruption. Uzbekistan actively participates in achieving these goals by implementing a clear strategic roadmap based on national and international cooperation.

On March 5 of this year, an expanded meeting of the National Council for Combating Corruption was held under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. As noted during the meeting, the fight against corruption remains one of the highest priorities in Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms. It is impossible to achieve true development without eradicating this evil. Today, the global economy loses around $3 trillion annually due to corruption – an indication of the seriousness of the problem.

A solid legal framework has been created in Uzbekistan to fight corruption. Special laws have been adopted, a dedicated anti-corruption agency has been established, and relevant parliamentary committees are actively functioning. Furthermore, an open public discussion system on corruption issues has also been introduced. In the past, this topic was difficult to discuss, but today critical articles and journalistic investigations on corruption are being published, enhancing public oversight. As a result, Uzbekistan has improved its position in international rankings by 138 places and now ranks first in Central Asia.

Particular attention is being paid to the public procurement sector, as conflicts of interest, excessive spending, and collusive deals are most frequently observed in this field. Therefore, by the end of 2025, all public procurements will be fully digitized. Artificial intelligence will be used to monitor procurement processes and prevent purchases at inflated prices. This will eliminate one of the major sources of corruption.

The issue of personnel is also crucial in the fight against corruption. A system will be established to select professional and honest personnel for public service, train them in "integrity vaccines," and provide regular education and mentoring. Employee evaluations will no longer rely on outdated methods but will instead be conducted using a modern IT-based assessment system focused on practical knowledge and achievements. Moreover, young individuals who have successfully solved problems in their communities and demonstrated real experience will be recommended for leadership positions.

Another critical step is ensuring the transparency of income and assets of public officials. Uzbekistan plans to submit the new Law on Income and Property Declarations for public discussion by April 1, 2025. This law will make the disclosure of public officials’ income and assets mandatory and subject to public oversight.

When examining the experiences of other countries in combating corruption, Germany stands out as a global leader. In Germany, a Code of Ethics is in place for civil servants, requiring them to avoid conflicts of interest and prohibiting the abuse of office for personal gain. Officials are required to immediately report any suspicious situations to their superiors.

Additionally, the "four-eye principle" is applied in government institutions, meaning that all significant decisions must be approved by at least two people. Each ministry has a designated anti-corruption officer responsible for preventive measures.

Civil servants are strictly prohibited from accepting gifts related to their official duties (with the exception of small items worth up to 25 euros, which must still be reported). These strict rules protect civil servants from conflicts of interest.

In conclusion, in Uzbekistan, the fight against corruption is no longer a temporary campaign but has become an integral part of state policy. This fight is a continuous process carried out jointly by society and the state, and its success depends entirely on ensuring transparency, openness, and legality.