Concept of "New Uzbekistan" Presented in Geneva at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 25 February 2026, Akmal Saidov, Director of the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights, participated online in the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, taking place at the Palace of Nations in Geneva.

The opening ceremony featured addresses by António Guterres, Annalena Baerbock, Volker Türk, as well as heads of state, foreign ministers, and delegation heads of United Nations member countries.

In his address, the head of the Uzbek delegation presented the concept of "New Uzbekistan" in the area of ensuring and protecting human rights and freedoms, reaffirming the country's unwavering commitment to the goals and principles of the UN Charter, as well as to the development of international cooperation and solidarity in the face of contemporary global challenges.

It was noted that wide-ranging reforms in this sphere are being consistently implemented under the leadership of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The updated "Uzbekistan 2030" Strategy is regarded as the national roadmap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and is aimed at strengthening the principles of social justice, the rule of law, and improving the quality of life of the population.

The address also announced the preparation of a draft second National Human Rights Strategy for 2026–2030 and the development of a National Programme on Human Rights Education under the Fifth Phase of the UN World Programme.

Uzbekistan confirmed its support for UN Secretary-General's "UN-80" initiatives, as well as the High Commissioner for Human Rights' proposal to establish a Global Alliance for Human Rights.

It was further noted that in 2026, Uzbekistan will host the Fifth Samarkand Human Rights Forum, timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the International Covenants on Human Rights, as well as a Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians.

The 61st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council opened on February 23, 2026, with representatives of more than 100 countries taking part. The agenda includes 29 interactive dialogues, thematic panel discussions on digital technologies and the anniversary of the Durban Declaration, as well as the consideration of human rights situations in a number of countries and regions. The session will run until March 31, 2026.