Uzbekistan has emerged as a global model in early childhood education, showcasing its rapid progress at high-level sessions held at UNESCO headquarters during the “Global Education Monitoring 2026 (GEM)” events.

Minister of Preschool and School Education E’zoza Karimova joined more than 30 education leaders from around the world, presenting the country’s transformation in expanding access to preschool education, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Speaking at a session on equitable access, Karimova highlighted a dramatic leap in enrollment-from just 28% in 2017 to 78% today-driven by sweeping reforms under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. UNESCO experts described Uzbekistan’s experience as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic globally in early education.

Key to this progress has been the introduction of public-private partnerships, the rise of family-based kindergartens, and the rollout of mobile preschool groups-innovative solutions that have widened access, especially in underserved areas.

At a separate panel, the minister outlined lessons behind the успех, stressing the importance of turning political commitment into systemic reform and adopting flexible models to scale results nationwide.

According to the GEM 2026 report, Uzbekistan stands out as the only country in the world to have tripled preschool enrollment within just seven years-an achievement now drawing global attention as governments search for effective education solutions.