Al-Ula, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 16 February – The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Government of Uzbekistan have signed two significant agreements to enhance the country's education and road infrastructure sectors. The signing took place on the sidelines of the Al-Ula Conference for Emerging Market Economies between IsDB Group Chairman, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Economy and Finance, H.E. Mr. Jamshid Kuchkarov.

The first agreement focuses on improving the quality and efficiency of education services, with IsDB contributing US$160.25 million. This project, implemented in partnership with the Global Partnership for Education, aligns with Uzbekistan’s national education strategies and aims to establish 58 inclusive, student-friendly schools equipped with laboratory equipment, furniture, and digital infrastructure. It also includes the construction of 2,431 classrooms, reforms to competency-based curricula and teaching materials, enhancements to teacher preparation programs, student assessment mechanisms, and school evaluation systems, and the implementation of inclusive education models to ensure equal learning opportunities for all students.

By 2026, all girls and boys in Uzbekistan will benefit from improved access to quality education within a competency-based, inclusive, and accountable system. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to enhance the learning environment and build a sustainable, competency-based education system that improves student learning outcomes across the country.

The second agreement focuses on the reconstruction and upgrading of the A373 Road Project, with IsDB contributing US$138.80 million. This initiative aims to reduce travel time by 50%, bringing it down to just 30 minutes by 2030, decrease accidents by 40%—lowering the annual rate to 24 incidents, and upgrade the existing 4-lane dual carriageway to accommodate growing traffic demands. Additionally, the project will enhance regional and local connectivity, improve safety, optimize trade routes, and facilitate regional trade, tourism, and integration with neighboring countries.

These agreements reaffirm IsDB’s commitment to sustainable development, economic growth, and infrastructure advancement in Uzbekistan.