Advisers on spirituality and state language to be appointed in regional governments

Uzbekistan will introduce the position of an adviser to regional governors on spirituality and state language issues. This is stated in the presidential decree signed on October 20 by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, titled “On Additional Measures for the Further Development of the State Language.”

According to the document, the decision aims to ensure the full and effective use of the state language across all areas of the country’s socio-political life, improve the system of teaching the Uzbek language in educational institutions, preserve its purity, continuously enrich it, integrate it into modern information technologies and communications, and strengthen its international standing and reputation.

The decree also approves the 2025–2026 implementation program for the Concept for the Development of the Uzbek Language and Improvement of Language Policy for 2020–2030.

Starting from January 1, 2026, within the established staffing limits, the position of an adviser to the head on spirituality and state language issues will be introduced in the central offices of republican-level state bodies and economic associations, as well as in the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional and Tashkent city administrations, and district (city) governments.

In addition, by June 1, 2026, a draft regulatory document on the preparation and publication of the multi-volume “National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan” in electronic format must be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers, and by December 1, 2026, the book “Mother Tongue: Encyclopedia” will be finalized and published.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Digital Technologies, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the Academy of Sciences, together with other relevant ministries and agencies, will submit a draft regulatory document by May 1, 2026, to develop a platform that supports the Uzbek language using artificial intelligence.

The decree also provides for annual contests, including “Uzbek Language – the Voice of My Heart,” “My Dear Uzbek Language,” essay competitions in schools dedicated to the Uzbek language, and the “Best Uzbek Language Teacher of the Year” award.