The new decree marks another important milestone in the ongoing religious and educational reforms

A Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been issued, introducing new measures to further strengthen the guarantees of citizens' right to freedom of conscience and to elevate religious and educational reforms to a new level.

This decree marks the beginning of a new era in promoting religious tolerance, improving the moral climate, and organizing religious education in a modern format. Its main objective is to ensure freedom of conscience for all citizens, implement consistent reforms in the religious and educational sphere, and nurture young people in the spirit of patriotism, tolerance, and humanism, grounded in the nation's rich spiritual heritage.

The decree outlines the following key priorities:

• In-depth study of the national religious heritage that embodies ideals of peace, tolerance, and humanism;
• Fundamental reform of the religious personnel training system;
• Support for scientific research aimed at promoting social and moral stability;
• Expansion of international cooperation;
• Establishment of a new system for coordinating the activities of religious and educational organizations.

In addition, by September 1, 2025, a “Unified Portal for Hajj and Umrah” and its mobile application will be developed and launched. This digital platform will provide transparent, fast, and user-friendly services for pilgrims, removing bureaucratic barriers. The portal will introduce a centralized electronic system for citizen registration, service allocation, and monitoring.

Furthermore, the decree states that the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan will be renamed the Uzbekistan International Academy of Islamic Studies. It will serve as a center for training specialists in modern Islamic studies, source studies, religious studies, Islamic psychology, and Islamic economics. The Academy will intensify academic and applied research, incorporate advanced pedagogical technologies, and expand international collaboration. Additionally, its professional development center will be transformed into an Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining in the Religious and Educational Sphere.

The decree also introduces a new framework for cooperation between the Committee on Religious Affairs, the Mahalla (local community) Association, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Youth Affairs Agency, and the Committee on Women and Family Affairs. This partnership will operate under the principle of “A Tolerant Society — A Stable State”, playing a crucial role in ensuring societal tolerance, interethnic harmony, and freedom of conscience.

Moreover, the decree provides for the establishment of a Council for the Coordination of Educational, Scientific, and Research Institutions in the Field of Religious Enlightenment, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of their activities on a permanent basis.

This decree will serve as a legal and practical foundation for modernizing the religious and educational sector of Uzbekistan, strengthening the moral resilience of society, and responding to global challenges through knowledge and education.