ADB Allocates US$100 Million to Develop STEM Education in Uzbekistan’s Secondary Schools

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a concessional loan of US$100 million to support Uzbekistan in improving the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in secondary schools.

The “STEM in Secondary Education” project aims to equip the country’s youth with modern skills essential for sustainable and inclusive development, helping Uzbekistan achieve its goal of reaching upper-middle-income country status by 2030.

“This project demonstrates Uzbekistan’s commitment to investing in human capital and empowering its youth,” said Kanokpan Lao-Araya, Director of the ADB Resident Mission in Uzbekistan. “By strengthening STEM education, the country is laying the foundation for a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive future.”

Under the project, 200 secondary schools across the country will be modernized to serve as resource centers for neighboring educational institutions. Modernization includes the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories, development of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, installation of solar energy systems, and creation of inclusive facilities for students with disabilities. A nationwide teacher training program will cover six STEM subjects, and interdisciplinary learning using educational technologies will be implemented. To encourage girls’ participation in STEM fields, the project will feature promotional campaigns and individualized career guidance.

The initiative aligns with Uzbekistan’s Development Strategy for 2022–2026 and supports the ADB Strategy 2030 priorities, including digital transformation, gender equality, and climate resilience. The project complements broader ADB education programs aimed at developing human capital in Uzbekistan, including future investments in vocational education for the “green” economy.

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership between ADB and Uzbekistan. Since joining the bank in 1995, Uzbekistan has received loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling US$14.6 billion from the ADB for the public sector.

The ADB is a leading multilateral development bank promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Working with governments and partners to address complex challenges, the bank applies innovative financial instruments and strategic collaboration to improve lives, develop quality infrastructure, and protect the environment. Established in 1966, the ADB has 69 member countries, 50 of which are in the region.