Uzbekistan faces a major challenge: the persistent corruption affecting its institutions. In response, the government has begun integrating blockchain technology into its administrative processes to improve transparency and accountability. This initiative aims to establish more honest practices and restore citizens’ trust in their public institutions. This article explores the measures taken by Uzbekistan, the application areas of blockchain, and the expected effects of this digital transformation in combating corruption.
An assessment of corruption in Uzbekistan
The perception of corruption in Uzbekistan remains very concerning. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, the country ranks 157th out of 180, highlighting the extent of the problem. In 2018, over 1,500 officials were reported for illegal behavior related to corruption, according to statements from the Attorney General’s office. These events have prompted leaders to drive a significant change dynamic.
An institutional commitment to transparency
The government of Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Mirziyoyev, has acknowledged the importance of eradicating this culture of corruption. In his addresses, he has taken a firm stance on the need to implement systems that promote justice, honesty, and respect for commitments to the people. Over the past two years, the willingness to adopt innovative solutions has led to the exploration of blockchain as an effective response to the challenges of corruption in public administration.
Integration of blockchain in government operations
Through a presidential decree signed in July 2018, Uzbekistan decided to integrate blockchain into its administrative operations starting in 2021. The primary goal of this initiative is to improve the quality of public services while ensuring better transparency of transactions. United Nations organizations active in the country, such as UNDP and UNICEF, have joined this effort by highlighting studies on the use of this technology to limit corruption.
Case studies and pilot initiatives
To materialize this strategy, several initiatives have been implemented in sectors particularly affected by corruption. Two pilot projects stand out:
- School certificates: The current system for issuing school certificates, based on paper documents, facilitates fraud. To address this, a blockchain has been developed to digitally record the certificates issued and ensure their validity. This will also allow educational institutions to verify certificates online, thereby reducing the risk of forgery.
- The cadastre service: The application of blockchain aims to regulate property records, thus preventing any manipulation of data by unscrupulous inspectors. With this new application, citizens can now access reliable information about their properties, streamlining the registration process and making it more transparent.
Challenges and future prospects
Despite these advances, challenges remain. It is essential to develop an institutional and regulatory framework that will facilitate the adoption of blockchain in the education system and the cadastre service. The legal recognition of data stored in these new infrastructures must be clearly established. This collaborative work with national partners is crucial to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of blockchain-based projects.
As Uzbekistan positions itself at the forefront of using blockchain to combat corruption, it becomes an example of innovation in digital governance. The success of these initiatives could inspire other nations facing similar issues.
For more information on the implications of blockchain technology, check out this article on understanding blockchain or explore the revolutionary impact of this technology.
