Elder David A. Bednar, a leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and member of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was welcomed today by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized the continuous need for economic growth, particularly for the younger generation. He also shared the progress being made to reduce poverty and provide economic opportunities for the benefit of the Uzbek people.
“When people of faith and goodwill work together to bless others, hearts are softened and lives are changed,” said Elder Bednar, emphasising Jesus’ invitation to care for individuals. “We are deeply grateful for the warm friendship of the people and leaders of Uzbekistan.”
Leaders in Uzbekistan expressed appreciation for the humanitarian efforts of Latter-day Saint Charities, the charitable arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They emphasized that partnerships between charitable initiatives and national institutions can help accelerate improvements in schools and strengthen communities.
Image credits: Photo 1 (0:21) – Saida Mirziyoyeva via Instagram
The visit with the President was preceded by several meetings with key organisations in the government including Mrs. Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration, the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (the National Assembly), National Agency of Social Protection and Advisor to the President.
Mrs. Saida Mirziyoyeva, focused her meeting with Elder Bednar on English teaching, health, and women empowerment as priorities. Ideas were shared as to ways to collaborate including with the Relief Society, the Church's worldwide women's organization.
During a meeting with H.E. Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Elder Bednar expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s strong cultural emphasis on family and motherhood. Their conversation highlighted the harmony between those traditions and the Church’s commitment to strengthening women, children, and families worldwide.
Presidential Advisor Ruslan Davletov focused on strengthening and guiding Uzbekistan’s youth, who make up sixty percent of the country’s population, through principles of faith, education, and moral leadership. Their conversation emphasized the shared responsibility of governments, families, and faith communities to help young people develop character, purpose, and hope for the future.
“We refer to the young people in our church as the rising generation,” said Elder Bednar, “and we are very focused on helping the youth learn the values that will help them to become very productive citizens. We teach them good principles and let them govern themselves.”
Elder Bednar also met with Mr. Mansurbek Olloyorov, Director of Uzbekistan’s National Agency of Social Protection, where they discussed shared efforts to care for the most vulnerable. Their conversation centered on how genuine social protection is, at its heart, an expression of love for people, a principle deeply valued by both the agency and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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One key topic of the visit was continued collaboration between the government of Uzbekistan and Latter-day Saint Charities, the charitable organization made possible by donations from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In coordination with the Strategic Reforms Agency, Latter-day Saint Charities is supporting a pilot water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) project across several districts. The initiative provides reliable restroom facilities, hand-washing stations, and clean water storage in three schools.
Each school site is equipped with drain-field (septic) toilet systems built by local contractors. The design ensures durability, easy maintenance, and community ownership. Training is also provided for custodial staff and teachers to maintain facilities and promote hygiene education among students.
“The new facilities have made a world of difference,” said Elder Gerard, a member of the church’s Area Presidency in Central Europe. “Children now attend school more regularly, and parents feel confident sending their daughters to class.”
Latter-day Saint Charities has supported clean-water and sanitation projects in more than 191 countries since 1985, providing both infrastructure and education that foster long-term self-reliance.
Elder Bednar’s visit follows previous meetings between senior Church leaders and Uzbek officials in Salt Lake City. The continuing dialogue reflects a growing relationship based on mutual respect and a desire to strengthen families and communities.
Uzbekistan has launched a national effort to modernize schools and expand access to clean water and sanitation, particularly for children. The Church’s humanitarian initiatives complement these priorities, providing technical support and sustainable designs suited to local conditions.
Elder Bednar added, “The Church is established in more than 150 different nations. We reach out, everywhere we go, to see if we can serve and bless and help other people. That is the essence of our religion.”
Read the article in Uzbek here.