Ashraf AboArafe Analizes
From June 23 to 25, 2025, the ancient city of Samarkand will host the United Nations Public Service Forum (UNPSF 2025). With the theme “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating the Delivery of Public Services for a Sustainable Future,” the forum will bring together world leaders, public administration experts, and civil society representatives to share innovations in governance and public service delivery.
Jointly organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the event represents a historic milestone in Uzbekistan’s journey of state modernization. It offers the country a unique opportunity to highlight its bold reforms and people-centered approach to governance on a global stage.
Transforming Governance: From Top-Down to Bottom-Up
Since 2017, Uzbekistan has launched a comprehensive reform agenda under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, fundamentally reimagining the relationship between the state and its citizens. Guided by the principle: “The people do not serve the government; the government serves the people,” a new era of public service delivery began.
Key initiatives included the establishment of the President’s Virtual Reception and People’s Reception Offices, offering citizens direct access to government solutions. In 2019, the Agency for the Development of Public Service was created under the President, and in 2022, the Law “On Civil Service” was adopted — ushering in transparency, merit-based hiring, and performance evaluations. More than 160 regulatory acts have shaped a new culture of accountability and professionalism in the civil service.
The Mahalla Seven: A Community-Based Governance Innovation
Central to Uzbekistan’s reform model is the “Mahalla Seven” structure — a unique, localized governance system aimed at delivering services directly to citizens. Nearly 50,000 civil servants work within this framework, including neighborhood chairs, deputy mayors, women’s and youth leaders, social workers, tax officers, and prevention inspectors.
The mahalla (community unit), once limited to identifying problems, has now become a platform for resolving them. This shift was made possible through field-based problem mapping, followed by targeted responses from national ministries. The “Open Budget” initiative empowers mahallas to manage resources transparently and plan local development.
Each member of the Mahalla Seven contributes from their area of expertise, creating an interdisciplinary, cooperative problem-solving team. Most importantly, it opens direct channels between citizens and public institutions — strengthening trust and accountability.
A School for Future Leaders
The Mahalla system has become more than a governance tool; it is now a leadership incubator. Public servants who demonstrate commitment and innovation at the grassroots level are increasingly being promoted to higher leadership roles. This reflects the President’s vision of a meritocratic career pathway, rooted in community service and people-first governance.
Global Relevance and Shared Learning
Hosting the UN Public Service Forum 2025 is both a recognition of Uzbekistan’s transformation and a platform to share its innovations with the world. The forum is expected to deepen international cooperation, support the digital transformation of public services, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Uzbekistan’s experience — particularly the Mahalla Seven model — offers valuable insights for countries seeking to decentralize governance, strengthen local leadership, and make public service delivery more responsive and inclusive.
We proudly welcome the international community to Samarkand, a city that bridges civilizations and now also bridges governance traditions — as Uzbekistan steps confidently onto the global stage of public administration excellence.
