The large-scale reforms carried out have created vast opportunities for young people, including access to quality education and the achievement of high results in their chosen professions.

The year 2024 was declared the Year of Youth and Business Support, emphasizing special attention to the development of the next generation and entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan. The President has often noted that the past seven years have marked an era of a “great leap forward” in providing opportunities for youth.

Among the implemented measures are loans provided under programs aimed at supporting budding entrepreneurs, family businesses, benefits offered under the "Youth Notebook" initiative, and projects launched in youth industrial and entrepreneurial zones. Moreover, 1,500 young individuals started businesses from scratch and have already increased their turnover to over one million dollars.

Numerous initiatives have been introduced to nurture talents and support the potential of young people. Special attention has been given to creating conditions for obtaining quality education, enhancing professional training levels, and developing entrepreneurial skills among youth. Modern educational institutions, technology parks, and innovation centers have been established, enabling thousands of young people to realize their ideas and projects.

Today, Uzbekistan provides extensive opportunities for youth self-realization. Key directions include accessible education, employment programs, support for creative and scientific activities, and participation in the country's social and political life. Additionally, there are benefits and grants for students, programs for young farmers and entrepreneurs, contributing to their successful integration into the economy.

Along with creating conditions to support and develop youth, it is essential to understand the sentiments of the new generation, their interests, and aspirations. Youth interests often reflect global trends. For instance, today, more young people are interested in IT, artificial intelligence, ecology, and sustainable development.

It is crucial to understand that the interests of youth are not just data but a key to developing human capital. When young people can engage in activities they genuinely enjoy, it not only boosts motivation and productivity but also contributes to the country’s modern development.

The Yuksalish Movement conducted a survey among young people to determine their opinions about their future professions and identify the specialties they consider relevant and promising.

The results of this research can help employers and organizations forecast the demand for skilled personnel in the coming years. Companies will be able to plan job vacancies, considering young specialists’ expectations and shape HR policies aimed at attracting young employees.

Survey Methodology and Findings

A total of 1,843 individuals participated in the survey. The primary method of data collection was an online survey using Google Forms. The questions were structured to ensure clarity and accessibility for all participants.

For respondent selection, a quota of 100 participants aged 15 to 30 years was established, including youth from the capital and regions of the country. This approach ensured data diversity and accounted for regional characteristics and differences in youth perceptions.

The survey consisted of 13 questions and covered various aspects of youth life, including attitudes toward education, professional aspirations, values, and opinions on employment and career growth. Completing the questionnaire took approximately 10 minutes.

Regional Distribution of Respondents:

• Karakalpakstan: 6.9%
• Andijan Region: 7%
• Bukhara Region: 7.8%
• Jizzakh Region: 5.8%
• Kashkadarya Region: 8.7%
• Navoi Region: 5.7%
• Namangan Region: 8.3%
• Samarkand Region: 9.5%
• Surkhandarya Region: 5.9%
• Syrdarya Region: 3.3%
• Tashkent Region: 7.4%
• Fergana Region: 8.7%
• Khorezm Region: 6.7%
• Tashkent City: 8.3%.

The distribution of respondents was proportional to the population of each region. Most respondents came from Samarkand Region (9.5%), followed by Fergana Region (8.7%), Kashkadarya Region (8.7%), Namangan Region (8.3%), and Tashkent City (8.3%). These data underscore the significance of different regions in shaping youth professional orientation.

Career Choice and Reasons

The majority (89.4%) indicated that they are pursuing education in their chosen field, while 7.2% reported otherwise. Another 3.4% cited other reasons.

• 55% chose their profession based on childhood dreams.
• Family advice and relatives working in the same field significantly influenced 21.9% of respondents.
• Only 11.5% selected their profession due to high salaries and career prospects, while 5% did so because of low competition. Another 6.6% mentioned other reasons.

Promising Employment Directions

Among the areas considered most promising by youth:

• Entrepreneurship ranks first (38.6%).
• Government service is also of interest (35.7%).

A smaller percentage (6.9%) saw prospects in labor migration, and 7.4% preferred working in the private sector. Among all respondents, 6.8% saw themselves in law enforcement, and 4.6% as IT specialists or psychologists—these professions were independently suggested by the respondents.

Employment in Uzbekistan

Optimism regarding local job opportunities is expressed by 73.8% of respondents who believe they can find decent work in Uzbekistan. However, 19% doubt the availability of opportunities, while 7.2% cited other reasons.

Salary Expectations

• 49% believe an optimal income for a comfortable life is 10 million soums or more.
• 31.9% consider 8–10 million soums acceptable, while 15.8% named 4–7 million soums.
• 3.3% cited other income levels.

Work in Uzbekistan or Abroad?

• One in four (24.9%) considers working abroad preferable.
• Over half (53.2%) are inclined to work in their home country.
• 19.4% were unsure, and 2.5% provided other options.

Among those preferring to work abroad, the main reasons include:

• 49.5% — higher salaries;
• 47.6% — better opportunities for personal development;
• 19% were unsure;
• 16.4% cited other reasons.

Necessary Reforms for Sustainable Development

Respondents identified key areas for the country’s development:

• Job creation (56.5%)
• Combating corruption (43.4%)
• Budget control (30.1%)
• Access to education (30.7%).

Interestingly, about 20.7% of respondents emphasized the importance of digitalization and adopting new technologies.

These insights help understand young specialists' expectations regarding their careers and society, as well as their salary preferences. In the context of globalization, accelerating migration, and evolving economic realities, it is vital not only to support youth but also to create new opportunities for them.

Undoubtedly, modern youth play a key role in shaping any country’s future. Understanding their sentiments and expectations regarding professional activities allows drawing essential conclusions about the directions in which the labor market and the economy as a whole will develop.

The survey results highlight the strong influence of family and personal aspirations on decisions about the future, while financial factors play a lesser role. Improving working conditions and creating opportunities for professional growth may become critical factors for retaining young professionals and ensuring sustainable economic development.