Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has demonstrated rapid progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climbing 19 positions in the 2025 edition of the Global Sustainable Development Index, published by the authoritative Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

According to the report, the country now ranks 62nd with a score of 73. This means that approximately 45% of the global goals have already been achieved or are in an advanced stage of implementation.

The report is compiled annually under the leadership of Columbia University professor and UN Secretary-General’s advisor Jeffrey Sachs. It reflects countries’ progress in meeting the 17 SDGs, covering areas such as poverty eradication, food security, healthcare, education, gender equality, sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, and other key development priorities.

Notably, Uzbekistan has been recognized as the fastest-improving country in the index among the nations of Central Asia and Eastern Europe since 2015. This progress is attributed to the comprehensive structural reforms implemented under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

During the online launch of the report on 24 June, Professor Jeffrey Sachs emphasized the importance of political leadership and a strategic approach to resource mobilization and efficiency. He highlighted Uzbekistan’s efforts in poverty reduction and sustainable development, calling the country a model of active transformation.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Umid Abidkhodjaev presented Uzbekistan’s key initiatives aimed at achieving the SDGs, including the development of national mechanisms for financing sustainable growth. He focused in particular on reforming the global financial architecture and creating more accessible long-term financing mechanisms for low- and middle-income countries.

Kevin Chika Urama, Vice President of the African Development Bank, along with other international experts, also praised Uzbekistan’s reform efforts. They stressed the importance of political will and decisive leadership in driving sustainable change. According to them, Uzbekistan’s systemic approach to reducing poverty, improving the quality of healthcare and education, empowering women, and supporting an environmentally conscious economy has been the foundation of its recent progress.

Improving statistical transparency, advancing digital technologies, and investing in the green economy are regarded as strategic priorities for the coming years. Thus, Uzbekistan has not only strengthened its position in the global ranking but also confirmed its readiness to play an active role in advancing global sustainable development.