- 2026-07-01
- 341
A Pedagogue Aware of the Responsibility of Continuity: A Builder of the Third Renaissance
“Succession is not merely a source of pride; it is also a great responsibility.”
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Today, the world has entered a new stage of development. The strength of nations is no longer determined by the size of their territory or the abundance of natural resources, but by knowledge, technology, and human capital. In his recent dialogue with young people, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan emphasized this very truth, noting that the driving force behind the progress of New Uzbekistan is a generation of educated, proactive, and responsible young people.
The ideas advanced in the President’s address carry profound philosophical significance. As he stated, “Succession is not merely a source of pride; it is also a great responsibility.” This message, above all, encourages us—educators and future teachers—to gain a deeper understanding of the responsibility entrusted to us.
A teacher is not merely a professional who imparts knowledge. A teacher shapes the future of society, preserves the nation's historical memory, and passes on its spiritual values and intellectual heritage to future generations. Therefore, one of the foremost tasks facing pedagogical higher education institutions today is not only to prepare highly qualified professionals equipped with modern knowledge and skills, but also to nurture educators who deeply understand and embrace the responsibility of carrying forward this invaluable legacy.
As the President emphasized, supporting young people has become one of the highest priorities of state policy in Uzbekistan. One of the practical outcomes of this policy has been the establishment of the Youth Leaders Corps in local communities. The effectiveness of this system, however, largely depends on the leadership culture and civic responsibility cultivated within higher education institutions.
At Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute, students actively serve as coordinators, volunteers, and community leaders across various fields. Through these activities, they develop leadership skills, learn to engage with their peers, listen to their concerns, and find practical solutions to existing challenges. Such experience significantly contributes to the effective work of youth leaders serving in local communities. In this regard, pedagogical universities are becoming not only centers for preparing future teachers but also institutions for educating modern leaders.
The President also highlighted the important role of senior citizens in instilling national values in the younger generation. This approach is increasingly reflected in the higher education system. Veterans' Councils within educational institutions regularly meet with groups of students assigned to them, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue. During these meetings, students receive valuable guidance not only on academic matters but also on career development, life choices, family values, and personal growth, drawing upon the wisdom and rich life experience of respected elders. Such interactions help strengthen young people's sense of responsibility, patriotism, and respect for national values.
Another important initiative introduced by the President is the designation of every Thursday as "Youth Day." This initiative has further strengthened the system of engagement with young people. At our Institute, Thursdays are marked by open dialogue sessions involving representatives of government agencies, financial institutions, law enforcement bodies, employers, and entrepreneurs. These meetings contribute to improving graduate employment opportunities, supporting students' startup initiatives, encouraging entrepreneurship, and expanding access to various state support mechanisms and preferential opportunities.
The President identified three pillars of success in today's rapidly changing world: knowledge, professional skills, and technology. This principle also sets new priorities for pedagogical higher education institutions. Today's teacher must possess not only a deep command of their academic discipline but also strong digital competencies, proficiency in foreign languages, and the ability to effectively apply artificial intelligence and innovative teaching methods. After all, the quality of tomorrow's schools depends on the quality of today's teacher education.
Ultimately, all the responsibilities entrusted to us are united by one fundamental principle—the responsibility of succession. Taking pride in the great legacy of our distinguished ancestors is indeed an honor. Yet preserving, enriching, and passing this legacy on to future generations through knowledge, education, and dedicated service is an even greater responsibility. As educators, it is our noble mission to prepare a generation that will carry this responsibility with dignity and contribute to the continued development and prosperity of New Uzbekistan.
However, as the President has emphasized, succession is not merely a matter of taking pride in our past. It is, above all, the responsibility to carry forward the scientific thought, spirit of creativity, and enlightenment initiated by our great ancestors.
It is the teacher who plays the most important role in instilling this sense of responsibility in the younger generation. After all, it is teachers who educate future engineers, doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and statesmen. Therefore, raising a generation capable of continuing the invaluable contributions of our ancestors to science and education depends, first and foremost, on a teacher’s moral integrity and deep understanding of the responsibility of succession.
Today, the reforms being implemented at Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute, comprehensive support for young people, their preparation for modern knowledge and professions, the development of leadership skills, and the training of educators who are devoted to national values and committed to the prosperity of their homeland are all practical manifestations of the priorities set by the President.
Indeed, the foundation of the Third Renaissance will not be built by buildings and infrastructure, but by people with enlightened minds, strong moral values, profound knowledge, and a deep sense of responsibility for carrying forward our national legacy. The teacher who nurtures such individuals is, therefore, one of the principal architects of the development and progress of the New Uzbekistan.
Shahzoda Negmatova
Rector, Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute
Deputy of the Samarkand City Council of People's Deputies