Uzbekistan Prepares Human Capital Strategy for 2050

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), organized a two-day strategic retreat titled "Uzbekistan–2050: The Future of Jobs and Human Capital."

The event brought together approximately 80 representatives of government bodies, international organizations, and the expert community to discuss how demographic shifts, artificial intelligence development, and new employment models could transform Uzbekistan's labor market and human capital needs by 2050.

According to projections, Uzbekistan's population will reach 51 million by 2050, with a working-age population of 33 million. This creates significant potential for economic growth, while requiring the accelerated creation of productive and decent jobs, improved education quality, and the development of skills aligned with future economic demands.

"Uzbekistan is entering a crucial period where demographic shifts, economic transformation, and accelerated technological development will increasingly define the country's competitiveness and inclusive economic growth," said Dr. Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Representative in Uzbekistan. "Demographic changes alone do not guarantee progress — our shared future depends on how effectively we can anticipate these changes, prepare for them, and use them as an opportunity. That is why demographic resilience is acquiring special importance today. It is not only about understanding how population size changes, but also about creating conditions under which every young person acquires the skills of the future, women have equal economic opportunities, and a changing labor market leaves no one behind."

Participants examined four potential development scenarios for Uzbekistan up to 2050. These scenarios reflect various combinations of the pace of technological transformation and the capacity of the education system, labor market, and state institutions to adapt to change. The scenarios are designed not as forecasts, but as tools to test existing assumptions, identify risks, and develop solutions that maintain relevance under conditions of uncertainty.

Discussions focused on five thematic areas:

• Expanding women's economic opportunities and their participation in the economy of the future
• Talent development and expanding youth opportunities
• Active longevity and the future of retirement age
• New employment models and professions of the future
• Professional retraining, new skills, and lifelong learning

"The future of the labor market is being formed today," emphasized Shohjahon Yusupov, head of the demography forecasting department at the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan. "We need to understand in advance which professions, competencies, and forms of employment will be in demand, and create conditions so that economic growth is accompanied by higher productivity, incomes, and quality of life for the population. The results of this work will help formulate a specific portfolio of policy measures and initiatives aimed at developing human capital and preparing the country for changes through 2050."

Special attention was paid to the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on employment. The share of Uzbekistan's population aged 15 to 64 using generative artificial intelligence grew by approximately 25.5 percent between the first half of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.

Participants discussed expanding access to digital technologies and skills, including the development of tools in the Uzbek language, while ensuring that productivity growth leads to higher quality jobs and increased incomes.

Following the retreat, five thematic working groups will prepare proposals for prospective policies, projects, and initiatives. These will include practical measures for immediate implementation alongside long-term transformational solutions in education, employment, social protection, digitalization, and women's economic participation.

The event was held as part of ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Economy and Finance and UNFPA to strengthen demographic resilience and develop data-driven public policy, implemented under the "CISPop: Better Data for Better Policies" program.