At present, as Uzbekistan continues to pursue a consistent policy of openness and international cooperation, special attention is being paid to expanding practical dialogue with leading countries and regions around the world. Through the initiatives of our country’s leader, strategic partnership relations are acquiring new substance, opening new directions in the economic, investment and spiritual spheres.
One of the important steps in this direction was President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s reception of a business delegation that included Elder David A. Bednar, a distinguished leader and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Miles Hansen, chairman of the Stirling Foundation. The meeting was of great significance.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States has been developing steadily. In this context, the parties discussed prospects for expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation with the state of Utah, as well as implementing joint projects in the fields of digitalization, education and social protection.
It was also noted that there is significant potential for cooperation in such areas as innovation, the mining industry, women’s entrepreneurship, inclusive education, health care, water supply and sanitation. At the conclusion of the meeting, an agreement was reached to organize a visit of a delegation headed by the governor of Utah to Uzbekistan in order to further strengthen interregional cooperation.
These processes are creating opportunities not only for advancing economic and political spheres but also for studying best practices aimed at ensuring social stability and the harmony of the spiritual environment. This is because the state of Utah is recognized today as a region distinguished by dynamic economic growth, social stability, and a harmonious moral and cultural climate.
Utah’s strengths
This state is consistently mentioned in various international ratings and analytical center reports as one of the most stable and socially advanced regions in the United States.
According to data from the Utah Foundation, in 2021, Utah ranked among the top 10 U.S. states in the “Social Capital Index.” This indicator reflects levels of public trust, economic stability, strength of family relationships, social cohesion and civic engagement.
The state’s economic development has also been progressing in a steady and sustainable manner. Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Gardner Policy Institute, Utah’s economy has grown in recent years at rates exceeding the national average.
In 2024, the real growth of the GDP surpassed the nationwide indicators. Moreover, between 2010 and 2020, the population increased by 18%, making Utah one of the fastest-growing states in America. This demonstrates a high quality of life and continually improving living conditions for families in Utah.
The population of Utah has a high level of education: more than 60% of residents aged 25-64 hold higher or secondary specialized degrees. Accordingly, it can be said that the state’s economy has a large share of highly qualified personnel. Naturally, this has turned the state into a region that exports science and scholars.
From a demographic perspective, Utah holds a unique place in the United States. According to data presented in 2024, the average age of the population is 32.4, making it the youngest demographic indicator in the country (the national average age is 39.1). A large share of the young generation creates a foundation for economic dynamism, innovation potential and stable labor market development. According to research by the Utah Foundation, levels of social trust, family well-being and civic engagement among the population are notably high. These factors have made Utah one of the most exemplary states in America not only economically but also spiritually.
How religion in Utah affects public life
One of the key forces ensuring stability and cohesion in Utah’s social life is religion.
Here, religion is not merely worship or tradition. On the contrary, it has become an integral part of people’s lifestyles, interpersonal relations and the overall moral environment. Religious values, harmoniously blended with local customs and traditions, unite people and strengthen the sense of mutual assistance and responsibility.
In this regard, Utah’s experience attracts global interest: in a society where economic achievements coexist harmoniously with moral and ethical priorities, stability and prosperity become a natural state.
In many respects, Utah differs from other regions. The role of religion in public life, its influence on social relations, and its importance in strengthening the unity and cohesion of the population deserve particular recognition.
Religious organizations operating in the state serve not only as places of worship but also as important moral and social centers.
They actively participate in almost all spheres of public life. Their responsibilities include assisting families in need, preparing youth for education and employment, supporting the materially and spiritually vulnerable, and promoting volunteerism.
Thus, in the activities of religious organizations, the needs of society occupy a central place, and their mission is to alleviate people’s difficulties and help raise individuals to become independent and responsible members of society.
Social structure
In Utah’s social structure, the family holds special importance. Therefore, the state has established a systematic framework for organizing parental education courses, counseling programs on marriage and family relations, and educational and moral training activities for children and adolescents.
Through special programs for youth, their interest in work, community service, science and culture is strengthened. As a result, young people learn not only to assist others but also to develop a sense of responsibility and solidarity.
Utah’s social programs are aimed at providing comprehensive support to citizens, combating poverty aggressively, developing education and ensuring employment. At the heart of this approach lies the principle of “helping a person return to an independent life through work.”
Today, modern Utah stands as a model for the whole world by demonstrating through real, measurable results the idea of “prosperity through labor.” Here, assistance is not viewed merely as charity, but is delivered through a system designed to restore a person’s activity and responsibility.
As a result of such systematic and humane efforts, social equality, compassion and a strong sense of community have taken root in Utah’s society. This very experience of Utah can serve as an example not only for America but also for other countries, including Uzbekistan — nations with rich spiritual traditions. This is because Utah’s model vividly demonstrates that religion can function as a time-tested social force grounded in universal human values within a modern society.
The Utah experience also represents a refined example of balance and mutual respect in relations between the state and religion. In this state, although clear boundaries exist between governmental institutions and religious organizations, they do not interfere with one another’s functions. Instead, they cooperate toward a shared goal of human well-being and social stability.
Religion and the state
At the foundation of this cooperation lies an important truth: Religion and the state are not rivals, but two wings that together serve the human being. In Utah, the state does not prioritize or grant privileges to any religious organization, yet it values their positive contribution to society. For the government, religion is a matter of personal belief as well as an important social factor in fostering a healthy moral environment. Therefore, in policy, the state remains neutral, while in society, it supports the positive role of religion.
This is reflected in various spheres. For example, state institutions cooperate with religious organizations in implementing social programs: in the fields of poverty reduction, educational development, strengthening families and enhancing moral education among youth, religious organizations and government agencies work together in harmony.
In Utah, volunteerism is organized in a systematic manner, and its cooperation with state institutions in providing assistance to the population is particularly effective. The government provides material support to citizens, while religion strengthens their spiritual resilience. Thus, together they serve to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of individuals.
In Utah’s experience, religion remains separate from political processes. Churches do not support political parties or candidates, and they do not interfere in public administration. This ensures that religion is preserved as a purely moral, educational force and a social reality.
However, distancing itself from politics does not mean distancing itself from society. Religion plays an active role in the daily life of citizens. In particular, religious teachings play an important role in areas such as family relations, education, morality and social cohesion.
Understanding Uzbekistan
The experience of Utah and the recent trajectory of Uzbekistan — although emerging from two societies far apart geographically — affirm a common truth: Religion is not only worship but also a source of enlightenment, humanism and social stability.
Although both have developed within different historical and cultural contexts, they are united by a deep belief in the positive role of religion in social life.
Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has implemented large-scale reforms aimed at ensuring harmony between religion and society. At the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, while maintaining the principle of separation of religion and state, the role of religion in the country’s spiritual and educational life has been reevaluated.
During his meeting with religious leaders on June 19, 2018, President Mirziyoyev stated, “Religion must be a source of enlightenment and goodness.” These words defined the spiritual direction and historical foundation of this policy and became an important guiding principle for all religious organizations, academic institutions and members of society in the country.
As the president of Uzbekistan has profoundly emphasized, it is necessary to support religion “kept away from politics, yet close to the spiritual and moral education of society.” On this basis, a new stage began in the state policy toward the religious sphere, one aimed at ensuring harmony between religious education, science and culture.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has established the Center for Islamic Civilization, along with the Imam Bukhari, Imam Termiziy, Imam Maturidi and Bahauddin Naqshband scientific centers. These institutions not only promote religious knowledge but also serve to strengthen the nation’s spiritual identity.
Through these centers, religious knowledge is integrated with modern scientific approaches, with the aim of nurturing individuals who are intellectually and spiritually mature.
President Mirziyoyev stated, “Today we must instill in our youth the true humanistic essence of our religion, which is based on enlightenment, compassion, and kindness. This is the most important task for our future.” Thus, in Uzbekistan, religion is viewed not merely as a sphere of worship, but as an important component of the system of enlightenment and education.
As in Utah’s experience, in Uzbekistan, the state does not interfere in religious affairs, yet it supports the positive social role that religion plays. It is worth noting that this approach is in harmony with the ideas put forward by our great theologian ancestors such as Abu Mansur al-Maturidi and Abu Muin al-Nasafi. According to their teachings as well, any religion and religious doctrine must strictly and unwaveringly adhere to the existing legal framework.
As a result of Uzbekistan’s forward-looking policy, an environment of religious freedom and tolerance has strengthened throughout the country. Today, representatives of various confessions and denominations live in peace and harmony, and religious organizations contribute to different spheres of social life.
At the same time, state institutions are expanding cooperation with religious organizations in social fields. For example, youth upbringing, family relations and the formation of a culture of tolerance in society have become important aspects of this cooperation.
In Utah’s society, religion calls people not only to worship, but also to serve the community. Similar ideas are gaining strength in Uzbekistan as well. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized this by stating: “We must deeply understand and embody in our lives the true essence of Islam, our people’s centuries-old religion which is based on tolerance, peace, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge.”
When comparing the paths of Utah and Uzbekistan, a common feature emerges: In both cases, religion is understood as a unifying force that creates a morally healthy environment in society.
In Utah, religious organizations actively cooperate with the educational system. For example, fields such as religious studies, ethics and social philosophy are well developed at universities, and volunteerism has become an integral part of education.
In Uzbekistan, the system of religious and educational training has entered a new stage. At institutions such as the Uzbekistan International Islamic Academy and higher and secondary religious education institutions under the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, young people are not only mastering religious knowledge but also deeply engaging with modern sciences.
This process ensures the harmony of knowledge and religion while strengthening freedom of thought and belief in society.
In both Utah and Uzbekistan, religion places the human being at the center. Religion encourages people toward goodness, fosters social cohesion and helps the state maintain moral stability.
In Uzbekistan, this direction is closely linked with the grand ideals of the “New Uzbekistan” and the campaign for “Enlightenment against Ignorance.” As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized: “New Uzbekistan is, first and foremost, a society where goodness, tolerance, and compassion are paramount.”
This idea aligns with the core principle observed in Utah: ensuring moral stability through the harmony of religion and society.
A model for global societies
Although the world is home to diverse cultures and religions, there are universal values that unite them. The experiences of Utah and Uzbekistan demonstrate that when properly guided, religion becomes a source of enlightenment, humanism and social stability.
A similarity between the two societies is that religion has not been transformed into a political instrument; rather, it is valued as a source of morality. This principle remains relevant in today’s global world: religion is not a divisive force, but a unifying one, guiding individuals toward goodness and society toward stability. The experiences of Utah and Uzbekistan provide dual evidence of this truth.
In this model, religion not only strengthens personal faith but also encourages participation in community life, helping others and living responsibly — principles essential for any society.
First, religion enhances social responsibility. In Utah, the activities of religious organizations play an invaluable role in cultivating public consciousness. Such a system reinforces compassion, respect, and a sense of responsibility among people. In this way, religion motivates individuals not only to worship but also to act humanely and positively influence the lives of others.
Second, trust between religion and the state ensures social stability. In Utah, government and religious organizations operate on the basis of mutual respect and trust. The state does not interfere in religious affairs but fully understands their social significance. Religion, in turn, creates a positive moral environment without engaging in politics, guiding people to live justly and conscientiously.
Third, religion is not only worship but also love, enlightenment and service. In Utah, the core principle of religious life is caring for individuals and benefiting the community.
Through religion, both moral and social issues among people are addressed, demonstrating an effective way to direct religious activity toward societal development.
Consistent reforms in the social and religious-educational sphere contribute to the integration of religion with enlightenment.
Religion in society
From Utah’s experience, one can conclude that actively applying religion in society as a force for enlightenment and social cohesion can unite people while strengthening responsibility and compassion.
Therefore, religion must serve as a source of personal faith, societal service, spiritual purification and moral maturity, a principle that has historically proven true. In this sense, Uzbekistan is developing its national model of religion as a moral force that serves both individuals and society.
On this honorable path, Uzbekistan’s centuries-old rich heritage, the wisdom of its great ancestors, their unique works and foreign experiences tested through hardships undoubtedly serve as essential sources of guidance.