TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 25. Schools across
Uzbekistan held “Last Bell” ceremonies on Monday as nearly 472,000
students graduated from secondary education and prepared to enter
adulthood, Trend
reports via the press service of the president.


In an address to graduates, teachers and parents, the president
described young people as the driving force behind the “New
Uzbekistan” and said the country was committed to creating
opportunities for every student to succeed.


More than 11,000 students graduated this year with gold and
silver medals for academic achievement, marking a record high. The
president said these students would serve as examples for their
peers and contribute to the country’s future development.


He emphasized the growing importance of practical skills in a
rapidly changing labor market, saying employers increasingly value
knowledge, qualifications and results over formal diplomas
alone.


The speech encouraged graduates to master at least one foreign
language and one modern profession, particularly in
technology-related fields such as artificial intelligence.


Uzbekistan currently has 207 universities and 643 technical
colleges capable of training young specialists, the address said.
Authorities also highlighted the increasing number of students
being admitted to leading foreign universities before completing
school.







The president announced several youth-focused economic
initiatives, including 25 trillion UZS ($1.9 billion) in
preferential loans for aspiring entrepreneurs and a $100 million
fund to support startup projects launched by graduates.


Major IT companies are expected to train at least 50,000
graduates annually in artificial intelligence and help place them
in high-paying jobs, according to the statement.


The address also praised the achievements of young Uzbek
athletes and artists, citing chess players and footballers who have
gained international recognition in recent years, as well as a
short film by young Uzbek filmmakers that won the Grand Prix at an
inclusive cinema festival held alongside the Cannes Film
Festival.


Calling graduates the future engineers, doctors, scientists,
entrepreneurs and creators of a “Third Renaissance,” the president
urged young people to set ambitious goals, believe in themselves
and remain committed to education and self-development.


“Today you have graduated from school, but the school of life is
only beginning,” the address said.