Uzbekistan’s parliament expands oversight role as reforms reshape legislative priorities

Uzbekistan's legislative body is taking on a more prominent role in the nation's reforms and international collaborations, with a heightened emphasis on the caliber of legislation, parliamentary oversight, regional discourse, and the enforcement of laws. This was a key takeaway from the international scientific and practical conference, "Independent Uzbekistan – 35 Years of Development: Reforms, Results, and Prospects," held in Tashkent.

Dildora Kamalova, a member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, noted that attendees reviewed Uzbekistan's progress over the last decade and deliberated on parliament's contribution to legal, economic, and institutional reforms. The conference also featured evaluations of socioeconomic advancements, initiatives to elevate living standards, environmental concerns, and responses to contemporary challenges. A significant portion of the discussions centered on the legal framework underpinning reforms and the practical application of enacted legislation.

Participants underscored the constitutional tenet of "individual – society – state" and identified effective law enforcement as an area demanding ongoing attention. Discussions highlighted that legislative reforms should be gauged not merely by the formal passage of laws, but also by their implementation and tangible outcomes.

The conference addressed the evolving function of parliament within Uzbekistan's governance structure. Participants asserted that parliamentary duties extend beyond lawmaking to encompass oversight, engagement with civil society, and public accountability. The quality of legislation was identified as a crucial metric for assessing parliamentary effectiveness. According to the discussions, laws should also be evaluated based on their impact on citizens, the business environment, and the delivery of public services.

Parliamentary oversight was deemed another vital component of this approach, alongside ongoing dialogue among lawmakers, government bodies, and civil society. The discussions also touched upon Uzbekistan's involvement in international parliamentary organizations. Over the past decade, the country has expanded its engagement through various institutions and platforms, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Interparliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Assembly of Asian Parliaments.

Uzbekistan also participates in the Forum of Central Asian Parliaments, which offers a regional platform for lawmakers to address issues pertinent to Central Asian nations. This forum was recognized as a key mechanism for fostering regional parliamentary cooperation. Its inaugural meeting took place in Turkestan in 2023, followed by a second in Khiva in 2024, and a third is slated for Bishkek in 2025.

This format enables parliamentarians to exchange perspectives on regional matters such as transport connectivity, energy, economic cooperation, and the harmonization of national legislation. Uzbekistan has also increased its participation in broader international parliamentary events. In April 2025, Tashkent hosted the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Another international parliamentary event is scheduled to occur in Uzbekistan in September. Samarkand will host the 12th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, where discussions are expected to focus on human rights, justice, and dignity. The Tashkent conference also referenced initiatives concerning the role of national parliaments in achieving international development objectives.

In December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, initiated by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on strengthening the role of parliaments in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. According to information presented at the conference, another resolution concerning the role of parliaments in social development was adopted four years later. The international conference concluded with the adoption of the Tashkent Declaration. This document was signed by parliamentarians representing eight countries and representatives of international organizations. The declaration outlines areas for future parliamentary and international cooperation, covering peace and security, economic and trade relations, digital transformation, environmental issues, humanitarian cooperation, and parliamentary affairs.