Youth in Uzbekistan is regarded as a strategic resource for the country’s development. A significant share of the population consists of young people, and for this reason state policy is aimed at creating conditions for their comprehensive development, enhancing legal culture, social engagement, and active participation in public administration and governance processes. To this end, the Youth Parliament operates under the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan as a consultative body that ensures the practical involvement of young people in legislative activity, parliamentary oversight, and the socio-political life of the country.
The Youth Parliament carries out its activities on the basis of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, current legislation, decisions of the Senate, and the approved Regulation. It does not have the status of a legal entity and functions on a voluntary basis as a consultative structure under the Senate. The term of office of the Youth Parliament is five years. Its main purpose is to involve young people in the legislative process, familiarize them with the mechanisms of parliamentary oversight, develop leadership qualities, public speaking and decision-making skills, and convey pressing youth issues directly to the Senate.
The composition of the Youth Parliament consists of 100 members aged between 18 and 30. It includes young deputies elected to local Councils of People’s Deputies (six representatives from each region), representatives recommended by the Youth Affairs Agency, and candidates nominated by the relevant Senate committee. In forming the membership, principles of equality, active civic engagement, leadership potential, initiative, and a high level of legal and political culture are taken into account.
The main areas of activity of the Youth Parliament cover a wide range of issues related to fostering patriotism and an active civic stance among young people, preventing offenses and crime, combating violence against children, promoting environmental awareness, studying socio-economic challenges faced by youth in the regions, developing proposals to improve legislation, building strategic cooperation with ministries and agencies, strengthening international cooperation with youth parliaments of other countries, and actively participating in public discussions through mass media and social networks.
Members of the Youth Parliament take part in discussions of draft laws, hold meetings with young people in the regions, prepare analytical materials on pressing issues, submit proposals to state programs, promote start-ups and innovative ideas, and contribute to addressing challenges in the fields of education, employment, entrepreneurship, ecology, and healthcare. Special attention is given to supporting graduates of “Mekhribonlik” homes and working with young citizens of Uzbekistan studying and working abroad.
The structure of the Youth Parliament includes seven specialized commissions covering issues of employment and the economy, youth rights and legislation, patriotic education, international relations and tourism, agriculture and ecology, science, innovation and healthcare, as well as culture, sports, and gender equality. The activities of members are coordinated through these commissions, enabling a systematic approach to addressing tasks in each area.
Each member of the Youth Parliament is assigned to a senator within the framework of a “mentor–mentee” system and also cooperates with a designated ministry or agency. This provides young people with the opportunity to gain practical experience in public administration, participate in the work of Senate committees, and acquire unique hands-on experience in parliamentary activity.
Particular attention is given to the international dimension. The Youth Parliament develops cooperation with youth parliaments of foreign countries, participates in international forums, promotes the “Uzbek model” of state youth policy, and maintains ties with compatriots abroad.
The activities of the Youth Parliament are based on the principles of openness and transparency. Meetings are held at least three times a year, and its work is widely covered in mass media and social networks. Every year on 30 June, Youth Day in Uzbekistan, the Youth Parliament presents to the public a report on implemented projects and achieved results.
Thus, the Youth Parliament under the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan serves as an effective platform for direct dialogue between youth and the highest legislative body of the country, an important instrument for nurturing future leaders, and a mechanism for involving young people in the processes of state decision-making.