Uzbekistan plans to integrate ethical standards in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) by 2025. This was announced on January 31 at the International Digital Forum Digital Almaty 2025 in Almaty by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.
According to him, in 2024, under the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan approved a strategy for the development of AI until 2030.
The document outlines the following target indicators:
- increasing the volume of software development and AI-based services to $1.5 billion;
- establishing 10 scientific laboratories specializing in AI research;
- creating a modern high-performance server infrastructure for big data processing and AI model training;
- ensuring Uzbekistan's entry into the top 50 of the Government AI Readiness Index.
To achieve these goals, a number of priority tasks have been identified. Among them is developing human resources and training specialists in the field of AI. In particular, Uzbekistan and the UAE have reached an agreement to launch a program to train 1 million AI developers.
The second direction is accelerating the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies in key sectors of the economy. Currently, more than 20 projects have already been implemented, including palm payment in the metro via PalmPay, digital identification MyID and FaceID in mobile applications, AI assistants from EPIKU and the Tax Committee, and the launch of the legal platform LexAI.
The head of government noted that as a result, in 2024, Uzbekistan rose from 87th to 70th place in the Government AI Readiness Index.
The third direction highlighted is developing IT infrastructure for the application of artificial intelligence technologies. The republic is expanding international partnerships to develop AI regulation standards, workforce training, and infrastructure creation.
Starting in 2025, Uzbekistan will launch a new support system for innovative projects aimed at AI development. Support programs for startups are proposed to be developed through the implementation of joint acceleration and venture investment programs.
Despite the "unprecedented" opportunities arising, Abdulla Aripov pointed out the "serious challenges" posed by AI. In particular, this includes legal protection, regulation of ethical principles in the application of AI technologies, and transparency in data collection and processing processes, which requires "close attention and coordinated actions to ensure safety," he emphasized.
"To date, many countries around the world have adopted ethical principles in the field of artificial intelligence. Uzbekistan plans to integrate similar standards this year," the Prime Minister shared.
Furthermore, the head of the Cabinet invited partners to participate in an international conference on AI development in the CIS countries, which will take place on August 7-8, 2025, in Samarkand.
Earlier, Spot reported that Uzbekistan may join the unified customs transit system of the EAEU.