By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo
The following article was contributed by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul to the UN Journal for publication. –Ed.
From June 23 to 25, 2025, the city of Samarkand will host the United Nations Public Service Forum (UNPSF 2025). The central theme of this prestigious international event is “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating the Delivery of Public Services for a Sustainable Future.” The forum is organized jointly by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Hosting the forum offers Uzbekistan a unique opportunity to showcase and evaluate its public service reforms on a global stage.
The UN Public Service Forum is a major international platform that brings together countries, international organizations, and civil society to promote effective public service delivery, foster innovation, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The deep reforms launched in Uzbekistan in 2017 have also led to major transformations in the country’s civil service system. At the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the concept of public administration was fundamentally reimagined. Guided by the principle, “The people do not serve the government; the government serves the people,” the President’s Virtual Reception and People’s Reception Offices were established. A new structure known as the “Mahalla Seven” was introduced. The Agency for the Development of Public Service under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was founded on October 3, 2019. On August 8, 2022, the Law “On Civil Service” was adopted. Nearly 160 regulatory legal acts on HR policy were enacted, a performance-based assessment system was implemented, and open competition for civil service vacancies became standard. A talent pipeline for senior leadership positions was also established. As a result, state-society relations became more democratic and responsive.
Uzbekistan’s approach to public service deserves recognition. The country has embraced the idea of building a social state, placing human dignity at the heart of its development agenda and prioritizing the development of human capital. One of the mechanisms for implementing this vision is the unique “Mahalla Seven” model. This structure ensures that public servants are closer to the people, solve issues locally, and deliver direct social services and assistance. Currently, almost 50,000 civil servants operate within the "Mahalla Seven" framework, including neighborhood chairs, deputy mayors, women’s activists, youth leaders, social workers, tax officers, and prevention inspectors.
This marks one of the defining achievements of President Mirziyoyev’s leadership. As a result of governance reforms, the activities of all government institutions have been brought down to the community (mahalla) level. In turn, the mahalla has risen to the top of the governance pyramid — becoming a key link in public policy implementation and a driver of reform.
Initially, problems in local communities were studied in the field. Once systemic issues were identified, relevant ministries adopted targeted solutions. Gradually, the mahalla transformed from a place where problems were merely identified into a space where decisions are made and problems are solved on-site. The mahalla has become a "support bridge" between public authorities and society in improving people’s well-being. Thanks to the launch of the “Open Budget” initiative, mahallas now play a pivotal role in public administration and local governance.
The mahalla, as a compact model of local self-governance, is now led by a managerial team known as the “Seven.” This enhanced institutional structure has evolved into a real-life school for nurturing a new generation of leadership. Increasingly, professionals who have worked in the mahalla — immersed in community challenges and dedicated to solving real-life problems — are being promoted to senior and responsible government positions. In effect, the President has drawn a career path for those working in the mahalla: serve the people with commitment, and earn the opportunity to rise to national leadership roles.
What are the benefits of this unique structure?
Firstly, it enables a comprehensive, collaborative approach to solving local issues across all sectors. Each member of the “Seven” contributes based on their area of expertise, ensuring effective outcomes. Most importantly, it creates direct dialogue between citizens and government representatives.
In our view, Uzbekistan’s hosting and participation in the Forum is a vital opportunity to share this unique national experience, accelerate public service modernization and digital transformation, and deepen international cooperation. We proudly support this event and look forward to welcoming participants to the historic and vibrant city of Samarkand!
