Uzbekistan to Host the UN Public Service Forum 2025: A Historic Milestone in Public Sector Reform

From June 23 to 25, 2025, the historic city of Samarkand will host the United Nations Public Service Forum (UNPSF 2025), marking a significant milestone for Uzbekistan. Held under the theme “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating the Delivery of Public Services for a Sustainable Future,” the forum is co-organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

This high-level global platform will bring together government leaders, international organizations, and civil society to promote innovation in public service delivery and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For Uzbekistan, it offers a unique opportunity to share its bold public service reforms and connect with international partners committed to effective and inclusive governance.

Transforming Governance: Uzbekistan’s Public Service Reforms

Since 2017, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has launched far-reaching reforms to modernize public administration. Embracing the principle, “The people do not serve the government; the government serves the people,” the country has reshaped its approach to governance — placing citizens at the heart of policy.

Key initiatives include the creation of the President’s Virtual and People’s Reception Offices, the introduction of the “Mahalla Seven” structure, and the establishment of the Agency for the Development of Public Service under the President in 2019. The landmark Law “On Civil Service” was adopted in 2022, paving the way for a transparent, merit-based civil service. More than 160 regulations on HR policy were enacted, performance-based assessments were introduced, and competitive recruitment for public sector positions became the norm.

A new generation of leaders is also emerging through the establishment of a talent pipeline, where service in local communities is becoming a launchpad for national leadership.

The "Mahalla Seven": Bringing Government Closer to the People

At the heart of Uzbekistan’s reforms lies the “Mahalla Seven” model — a unique governance framework operating at the neighborhood level. This structure brings together seven public servants, including community chairs, deputy mayors, youth leaders, women’s activists, social workers, tax officials, and prevention inspectors, all working collaboratively to address local needs.

Today, nearly 50,000 civil servants operate within this framework, delivering social services, responding to community concerns, and building trust between citizens and the state. This grassroots model has elevated the mahalla from a traditional neighborhood council into a key driver of national development.

Initially, mahallas were used to identify problems at the local level. Now, they have evolved into decision-making spaces where issues are resolved on-site, thanks to close coordination with ministries and local authorities. Through initiatives such as the “Open Budget” platform, mahallas now also play a critical role in participatory governance and budget planning.

A Pathway to Leadership and Innovation

The “Mahalla Seven” model is not only improving service delivery but also serving as a real-life school for future leaders. Public servants working in mahallas, deeply immersed in the challenges of their communities, are increasingly being promoted to senior government roles. The message is clear: those who serve the people well locally will be trusted with greater responsibilities nationally.

This approach strengthens citizen engagement, fosters inter-agency collaboration, and ensures that public policy is rooted in the real needs of communities. Most importantly, it establishes direct dialogue between the people and their government.

Looking Ahead: Sharing Uzbekistan’s Experience with the World

Uzbekistan’s hosting of the UN Public Service Forum is more than symbolic — it reflects the country’s growing role as a reformer and innovator in public governance. The forum presents an ideal platform to share national experiences, accelerate digital transformation, and deepen cooperation with international partners.

We look forward to welcoming participants from around the world to Samarkand — a crossroads of civilizations and, today, a beacon of public sector innovation and inclusive governance.