Two years in Uzbekistan: Reflections on change, people and opportunities

When Uzbekistan’s 40-day summer heat period, known as chilla, ended this year, UNDP staff marked the occasion with melons. The celebration came after an extraordinary July, when Tashkent reached 44.3°C, nearly matching its historic record.

For Akiko Fujii, the episode captured her first major reflection after two years in the country: climate change is no longer an abstract global issue. More than 25% of Uzbekistan’s land is already degraded, while nearly 45% faces the risk of desertification. The country also receives 80% of its water from beyond its borders.

Fujii says the recent adoption of the Water Code and other water reforms points in the right direction, but climate resilience will require action at every level. Regional cooperation will be essential, she writes, alongside efforts by individual communities to conserve water.

UNDP is working particularly in vulnerable areas such as the Aral Sea region. Its integrated approach connects the health of nature with decent jobs and effective local governance. During field missions, Fujii met women and men testing water-saving methods and creating jobs in fish farming and agriculture. She argues that these efforts now need to expand.

Her second reflection concerns Uzbekistan’s young population. The census has shown a population of more than 39 million, with children under five forming the largest age group. Fujii also sees the country’s first FIFA World Cup appearance as an expression of youthful energy.

But she cautions that a demographic dividend does not happen automatically. It depends on developing and retaining talent through quality education, skills training, healthcare, infrastructure and public services. The choices made now will shape the future inherited by Uzbekistan’s young and growing population.