SAINT PETERSBURG, 10 February /Dunyo IA/. A leading Saint Petersburg publication, “Russia News”, has published an article titled “Uzbekistan’s inclusive turn: Solutions at the level of every mahalla”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The article provides an analysis of the outcomes of a video-conference chaired by the President of Uzbekistan on 23 January, which set out the country’s key priorities for poverty reduction and employment creation in 2026. The author notes that, in terms of its approach and selected policy instruments, the meeting marked a turning point in the evolution of Uzbekistan’s social policy.

Particular attention is given to the shift toward a territorially targeted model for combating poverty, where the primary measure of effectiveness is results at the level of each mahalla (local community). For the first time in Uzbekistan, poverty and employment are being addressed not only nationally but also through the lens of individual local communities.

The publication cites Uzbekistan’s strong socio-economic performance in 2025: 7.7% economic growth, inflation reduced to 7.3%, and rising investment and export volumes have provided the financial foundation for a substantial expansion of social programs. As a result, over 5.4 million people were provided with income sources, and 330,000 families were lifted out of poverty, the article notes.

A separate section of the article focuses on the infrastructure and energy components of Uzbekistan’s reforms. “Russia News” highlights plans to build small solar power plants in each of the country’s “challenged” mahallas, which are expected not only to ensure stable energy supply but also to create sustainable local income sources and generate employment opportunities.

The publication also emphasizes the institutional aspects of the reforms. The work of khokim assistants, guided by a project-based approach and measurable results, combined with a multi-tiered coordination system and the introduction of public evaluation mechanisms, is seen as laying the foundation for a new model of local community development management.

In conclusion, “Russia News” notes that Uzbekistan’s social policy goes beyond traditional resource redistribution, evolving into a system of managed territorial development. The focus on local specificity, leveraging community strengths and institutional restructuring, the article stresses, provides the basis for sustainable poverty reduction and improved quality of life.