Op-Ed | Why my visit to Uzbekistan matters to New York City's future | amNewYork

"For many Americans, Uzbekistan has long been misunderstood. It was once a closed republic of the Soviet Union isolated, constrained, and overshadowed by the legacy of communism. But the country I visited is something vastly different. Uzbekistan today is charting a bold new path: expanding its economy, protecting workers, empowering women, and embracing modernization without sacrificing cultural or religious identity."

"One of the first things that struck me was this: Uzbekistan is a Muslim-majority nation without extremism. Its people practice their faith with peace, dignity, and pride. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country has ensured there is no division, no radicalism, and no suppression of other religions. Mosques, synagogues, and churches stand together not as symbols of conflict, but as proof that coexistence is possible."

"Saida Mirziyoyeva, the President's daughter, has played a leading role in major reforms, including the elimination of child labor in the cotton industry a sector that once depended on it. Women are taking leadership positions in government, business, medicine, and education. Entrepreneurs are starting new enterprises. Foreign investment is rising. And the country is building partnerships with America that bring stability, oppo"

Uzbekistan has undergone a broad rebirth from a closed Soviet republic to a nation pursuing comprehensive reforms. The government is expanding the economy, protecting workers, eliminating child labor in the cotton industry, and empowering women into leadership roles across government, business, medicine, and education. The country balances modernization with preservation of cultural and religious identity. A Muslim-majority population practices faith peacefully without extremism; mosques, synagogues, and churches coexist. Entrepreneurship and foreign investment are increasing, and international partnerships with the United States are growing to foster stability, opportunity, and shared values rooted in diversity and inclusion.

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