Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of the ongoing UN Public Service Forum in Samarkand, an in-depth discussion was held on the reform of public services in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).

A central focus of the session was the role and potential of AI technologies in the delivery of public services. The event provided a significant platform for dialogue between representatives of government and private sectors, international organizations, and academic institutions on the effective integration of AI into public administration.

During the panel discussions, it was emphasized that artificial intelligence has the capacity to fundamentally transform public governance. AI enables the automation of routine and repetitive tasks and facilitates the collection, analysis, and use of vast datasets to inform sound decision-making. It also plays a crucial role in enhancing communication between public servants and citizens, improving the quality of public services, and tailoring them to individual needs, including those of socially vulnerable groups.

Participants stressed the importance of promoting key principles for the safe and equitable use of AI: eliminating algorithmic bias, protecting personal data, respecting human rights, and ensuring accountability and transparency. It was specifically noted that citizens affected by state decisions must have the right to seek clarification, appeal decisions, and understand the processes behind them.

International cooperation on fair and effective use of AI in the public sector is accelerating. Global principles and guidelines developed in recent years aim to support governments in responsibly adopting AI technologies.

Among the priority topics discussed were enhancing the transparency and efficiency of public administration through digital technologies, improving the delivery of public services, and strengthening evidence-based decision-making.

During the session, the launch of the UNU-EGOV initiative was officially announced. Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov took part in the ceremony and delivered remarks.

“We are pleased to begin a strategic partnership with the United Nations University — UNU-EGOV. This initiative will open new avenues for conducting advanced research in the field of e-governance, implementing joint practical projects, and enhancing the qualifications and training of our specialists.

It is well known that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has consistently championed the idea of regional cooperation among Central Asian countries. In this regard, the Central Asia Digital Government Forum — being created in partnership with UNU-EGOV — will serve as an important platform for sharing best practices, exchanging knowledge, and most importantly, improving the quality of services provided to citizens and entrepreneurs.

We express our sincere gratitude to the United Nations University and truly believe that this cooperation will bring tangible benefits to the people of our region,” the minister stated in his address.