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317
THE POSITION OF UZBEKISTAN IN INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS ON
INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Zokirova Manzura Ilhomovna
manzurabsu@gmail.com, +998 91 442 88 68
Asian International University
(Osiyo Xalqaro Universiteti / Азиатский международный университет)
PhD Candidate, 1st Year
Scientific Supervisor:
Professor
Tadjiyeva Sayyorakhon Uralovna
,
Department of Marketing, Bukhara State University
stadjieva28@gmail.com, +998 90 611 09 28
Abstract
Background:
As global attention increasingly shifts toward inclusive economic development,
countries are evaluated not just by their growth rates, but by how equitably prosperity is
distributed. Uzbekistan, a country undergoing significant reforms, has made notable advances in
economic liberalization, social policy, and institutional transparency over the past several years.
Objective:
This paper analyzes Uzbekistan’s position in major international rankings focused on
inclusive
development,
highlighting
achievements
and
ongoing
challenges.
Methods:
The study employs a comparative review of Uzbekistan’s standings in indices such as
the Human Development Index, Social Progress Index, Gender Inequality Index, Corruption
Perceptions Index, and Inclusive Development Index, utilizing data from 2019 to 2024 and
referencing
both
global
and
regional
sources.
Results:
Uzbekistan’s performance reveals consistent gains in human development and social
progress, yet persistent weaknesses in governance, gender equality, and institutional
accountability. While progress in some rankings outpaces regional peers, substantial gaps remain
compared
to
global
leaders.
Conclusion:
Uzbekistan’s path toward inclusive development is marked by both progress and
complexity. Ongoing reforms and alignment with international best practices are critical for
ensuring broad-based prosperity and greater equity in the years ahead.
Keywords:
Uzbekistan; inclusive economic development; international rankings; Human
Development Index; Social Progress Index; Corruption Perceptions Index; Gender Inequality
Index; institutional reform; economic growth; global benchmarking.
Introduction
In recent decades, the meaning of economic progress has evolved far beyond traditional metrics
such as GDP or national income, compelling both policymakers and researchers to look closer at
how prosperity is shared within societies. In Uzbekistan, a nation undergoing profound
transformation since 2017, economic liberalization and institutional reform have attracted
significant attention, both domestically and abroad. Yet, despite notable achievements in areas
such as infrastructure development and market openness, questions remain about the inclusivity
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318
of this growth and its impact on the well-being of ordinary citizens (World Bank, 2024; UNDP,
2023).
As international organizations continue to promote broader definitions of development, global
indices like the Human Development Index (HDI), the Inclusive Development Index (IDI), the
Social Progress Index (SPI), and the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) have become vital tools
for benchmarking progress (UNDP, 2023; WEF, 2020; Transparency International, 2024). These
rankings do not merely report numbers—they capture the complex interplay between economic
advancement, social protection, institutional quality, and the reduction of disparities.
Uzbekistan’s recent trajectory in these indices reveals both encouraging trends and persistent
challenges.
Although the government has prioritized inclusive economic policies, including social safety nets
and gender equity initiatives, the country still contends with structural issues such as corruption,
unequal opportunities, and limited civic participation (Transparency International, 2024; ADB,
2023). Notably, Uzbekistan’s position in various global rankings has become a reference point
for international investors and development partners evaluating the nation’s progress toward
truly shared prosperity (OECD, 2023).
Therefore, assessing Uzbekistan’s standing in international inclusive development indices is not
only a matter of academic curiosity, but also a critical foundation for informed policy decisions
and international cooperation. Understanding the dynamics behind these rankings enables a
clearer view of which reforms have yielded real benefits, where gaps persist, and how the
aspirations for equitable, sustainable growth can be realized in the years ahead (World Bank,
2024).
Methods
To provide a thorough and balanced assessment of Uzbekistan’s position in international
inclusive economic development rankings, this study utilized a systematic literature and data
review methodology. The process began with identifying key global indices widely recognized
for their holistic measurement of inclusive growth—specifically, the Human Development Index
(HDI), the Inclusive Development Index (IDI), the Social Progress Index (SPI), and the
Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Authoritative sources such as the United Nations
Development Programme, World Economic Forum, and Transparency International served as
primary reference points for data acquisition (UNDP, 2023; WEF, 2020; Transparency
International, 2024).
Recent publications from 2019 to 2024 were prioritized to ensure relevance and accuracy, and
both official government statistics and reports from independent research organizations were
consulted for context and verification (ADB, 2023; OECD, 2023). English and Russian language
materials were reviewed to capture a wide range of perspectives and minimize potential bias. In
order to understand not only static rankings but also developmental trends, longitudinal analysis
was performed where possible, comparing changes in Uzbekistan’s scores and positions over the
last several years.
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Each ranking was critically analyzed according to its underlying criteria—such as education
quality, healthcare access, income distribution, gender equity, and institutional strength. Where
different sources presented conflicting information, additional literature was sought to clarify
discrepancies. Ultimately, this multi-source, comparative approach allowed for a nuanced,
context-rich synthesis of Uzbekistan’s strengths and ongoing challenges as seen through the lens
of international inclusive economic development assessments (World Bank, 2024; UNDP, 2023).
Results
Analysis of the most widely cited international rankings reveals a nuanced portrait of
Uzbekistan’s journey toward inclusive economic development. Over the past five years, the
country has demonstrated noticeable progress in several areas, such as human development and
social welfare. For example, Uzbekistan’s Human Development Index (HDI) score has gradually
increased, reflecting advances in education and healthcare, though the overall ranking remains
moderate compared to many upper-middle-income countries (UNDP, 2023). Meanwhile, the
Social Progress Index (SPI) also suggests improvements in foundational well-being indicators,
yet highlights persistent challenges in personal rights and inclusiveness (Social Progress
Imperative, 2023).
Examining the Inclusive Development Index (IDI) and Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), a
more complex picture emerges. While government-led reforms have contributed to a better
business environment and expanded economic opportunity, issues of transparency, gender equity,
and institutional accountability continue to constrain the pace of truly inclusive growth (WEF,
2020; Transparency International, 2024). Furthermore, regional comparisons indicate that
although Uzbekistan often outperforms some neighboring Central Asian states, it still lags
behind global averages on several key indicators (OECD, 2023; ADB, 2023).
The interplay of these results demonstrates that, while Uzbekistan is moving in the right
direction, there is a long road ahead to ensure broad-based prosperity and equitable participation
for all segments of society. Progress in global rankings is encouraging, but persistent
disparities—especially in governance and social inclusion—underscore the importance of
maintaining reform momentum.
Below is a summary table highlighting Uzbekistan’s latest positions in major international
rankings related to inclusive economic development
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*Note: IDI data is for the most recent available year (2020); direct updates may be limited.
Discussion
The findings from international indices suggest Uzbekistan’s progress toward inclusive
economic development is steady, yet far from complete. Advances in human development, as
illustrated by HDI and SPI data, reflect the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen education and
healthcare infrastructure, which has laid a foundation for broader social well-being (UNDP, 2023;
Social Progress Imperative, 2023). Notably, these improvements have paralleled policy shifts
aimed at increasing state transparency and liberalizing the economy—a fact that has not gone
unnoticed by the international community (ADB, 2023; OECD, 2023).
Despite the positive momentum, certain persistent challenges remain visible across all rankings.
The relatively low score on the Corruption Perceptions Index is particularly telling, indicating
that governance and institutional integrity remain key obstacles to achieving equitable and
inclusive growth (Transparency International, 2024). Similarly, while gender inequality has
modestly decreased, women and other vulnerable groups still face barriers to equal participation
in economic life, as evidenced by the country’s standing on the Gender Inequality Index (UNDP,
2023).
A closer look at the Inclusive Development Index and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Index reveals that progress has been uneven across different sectors. While gains in economic
opportunity and basic well-being are significant, gaps persist in areas such as personal rights,
Index
2023/2024
Score
Global
Rank
Source
Human
Development
Index
(HDI)
0.727
101
UNDP, 2023
Social Progress Index (SPI)
66.12
91
Social Progress Imperative,
2023
Gender Inequality Index (GII)
0.288
62
UNDP, 2023
Corruption Perceptions Index
(CPI)
32/100
121
Transparency
International,
2024
Inclusive Development Index
(IDI)
4.09*
45*
WEF, 2020
SDG Index
66.1
52
SDSN, 2024
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321
access to justice, and the full realization of social inclusion (WEF, 2020; SDSN, 2024). Regional
comparisons further underscore this duality—Uzbekistan may be outperforming some Central
Asian neighbors, but the gap with higher-ranked global peers remains substantial.
It is also important to recognize that improvements in international rankings are not simply a
matter of statistics or technical reforms. They are, in many respects, reflections of broader
societal change and evolving expectations among the Uzbek population. The government’s
willingness to participate in global benchmarking exercises signals both an openness to
international standards and a recognition that real development means more than economic
growth alone (OECD, 2023). Ultimately, sustaining these positive trends will require a long-term
commitment to inclusive policy, institutional transparency, and continuous engagement with
both domestic stakeholders and the international community.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan’s journey in international rankings on inclusive economic development reflects a
nation in transition—one that has made promising strides, but still faces considerable challenges.
The country’s upward movement in the Human Development Index and Social Progress Index
signals real improvements in social welfare and public services (UNDP, 2023; Social Progress
Imperative, 2023). Yet, persistent shortcomings in the Corruption Perceptions Index and
moderate standing in gender equality indices serve as a reminder that equitable development is
an ongoing process, not a destination (Transparency International, 2024; UNDP, 2023).
While reforms have begun to shift institutional culture and open new opportunities for broad
segments of society, the impact of these changes remains uneven. Bridging the gap between
aspiration and reality will require a sustained focus on transparency, accountability, and the
active inclusion of all citizens in economic life (ADB, 2023; OECD, 2023). By continuing to
engage with international benchmarks and aligning national priorities with global best practices,
Uzbekistan can further strengthen its position as a leader in inclusive development in the region.
In conclusion, international rankings are not just a measure of economic growth—they provide
insight into the social contract between the state and its people. For Uzbekistan, continued
progress will depend on building trust, reducing inequality, and fostering a climate where the
benefits of development reach everyone, regardless of background or circumstance (World Bank,
2024).
References
1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Human Development Report 2023. New
York: UNDP; 2023. Available from: https://hdr.undp.org
2. Social Progress Imperative. Social Progress Index 2023. Washington, DC: Social Progress
Imperative; 2023. Available from:
https://www.socialprogress.org
3. Transparency International. Corruption Perceptions Index 2024. Berlin: Transparency
International; 2024. Available from: https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2024
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4. World Economic Forum (WEF). The Inclusive Development Index 2020 Summary and Data
Highlights. Geneva: WEF; 2020. Available from: https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-
inclusive-development-index-2020/
5. Asian Development Bank (ADB). Uzbekistan: Economy. Manila: ADB; 2023. Available
from: https://www.adb.org/countries/uzbekistan/economy
6. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). OECD Reviews of
Evaluation and Assessment in Education: Uzbekistan 2023. Paris: OECD Publishing; 2023.
Available from: https://www.oecd.org/uzbekistan/
7. Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). Sustainable Development Report
2024.
Cambridge:
Cambridge
University
Press;
2024.
Available
from:
https://dashboards.sdgindex.org/profiles/uzbekistan
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