In October 2025, Uzbekistan introduced a series of significant legal reforms aimed at strengthening the mediation institute as a central mechanism for pre-trial dispute resolution. These reforms, codified in recent amendments to multiple legislative acts, are designed to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of dispute resolution, while also accommodating disputes involving foreign investors and encouraging amicable settlements at any stage of litigation.

Objectives and Scope of Mediation Reform

The 2025 reforms reflect a strategic effort by the Uzbek government to institutionalize mediation as an effective tool for alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Key objectives include:

Expanding the scope of mediation to cover disputes between individuals, business entities, and foreign investors, ensuring that conflicts are addressed before entering lengthy litigation processes.

Promoting amicable settlements at any stage of judicial proceedings, enabling parties to reach mutually acceptable resolutions even during ongoing litigation.

Reducing judicial workload by diverting suitable disputes to mediation, thereby allowing courts to focus on complex cases requiring formal adjudication.

Enhancing legal certainty and investor confidence by formalizing mediation as a recognized and enforceable mechanism within the Uzbek legal framework.

The legislation emphasizes that mediation is not limited to domestic disputes but can be effectively applied to commercial conflicts involving international parties, a move expected to strengthen Uzbekistan’s appeal as an investment-friendly jurisdiction.

Mediators’ Professional Standards and Ethics

The law introduces stringent requirements for mediators to ensure professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. These include:

Mandatory higher education for all professional mediators.

Periodic professional development, requiring mediators to undergo training and recertification at least once every three years.

Compliance with professional ethics, with explicit sanctions for violations, including disciplinary measures or suspension of mediation authority.

These standards aim to safeguard the quality of mediation, instill confidence among disputing parties, and ensure that mediators operate with impartiality, competence, and accountability.

Mediation Procedures and Voluntary Compliance

Mediation under the new framework operates as a voluntary and flexible process, emphasizing consensual dispute resolution:

Parties are encouraged to engage professional mediators at the earliest stage of dispute to prevent escalation.

Mediated agreements are formalized in writing and may be notarized, providing legal recognition and evidentiary weight.

Parties retain autonomy in negotiating settlement terms, promoting solutions that are mutually beneficial and contextually appropriate.

The reforms clarify that mediation can be applied at any stage, including before litigation, during proceedings, or even after initial court rulings, reinforcing its role as a versatile ADR mechanism.

Enforcement of Mediated Agreements

A cornerstone of the 2025 reforms is the recognition and enforceability of mediated agreements:

If parties fail to voluntarily comply with a mediated agreement, the law permits application to the court for an enforcement order (execution sheet).

Enforcement may be refused in the following circumstances:

This mechanism ensures that mediation outcomes carry real legal weight, balancing voluntary settlement with enforceability while maintaining judicial oversight.

Legislative Amendments

The reforms have introduced amendments to multiple key legislative acts to integrate mediation effectively:

Notary Law establishes procedures for notarizing mediated agreements, providing formal legal recognition.

Civil Procedure Code outlines procedures for applying for enforcement orders for mediated agreements.

Family Code integrates mediation in family law disputes, including divorce, child custody, and property division.

Law on Execution of Judicial and Other Acts codifies the process for executing mediated agreements.

These amendments collectively institutionalize mediation across civil, commercial, and family disputes, providing a comprehensive legal infrastructure for ADR in Uzbekistan.

Special Considerations for Foreign Investors

A key focus of the reforms is facilitating dispute resolution involving international parties:

The legal framework ensures that investor-related disputes can be resolved efficiently before resorting to litigation, promoting business continuity and reducing the risk of protracted legal battles.

Mediation agreements with foreign investors are enforceable under Uzbek law, offering predictable legal remedies in cross-border contexts.

This approach strengthens Uzbekistan’s investment climate, signaling commitment to transparent, professional, and enforceable dispute resolution mechanisms.

Practical Implications for Businesses and Individuals

The reforms provide clear guidance for practical implementation:

Engage professional mediators early to resolve disputes efficiently.

Formalize agreements in writing, and notarize if required to enhance enforceability.

If voluntary compliance fails, seek enforcement through the court system using the execution sheet mechanism.

Monitor mediator conduct, as violations of professional ethics or law can be challenged through legal procedures.

Businesses can leverage mediation to reduce litigation costs, accelerate dispute resolution, and maintain commercial relationships, while individuals can benefit from quicker, less adversarial resolutions.

Conclusion

These reforms mark a significant step forward in the development of Uzbekistan’s mediation and ADR framework. By broadening the scope of mediation, introducing stringent professional and ethical standards for mediators, and ensuring enforceability of mediated agreements, the legislation provides a modern, reliable, and investor-friendly alternative to traditional litigation.

These changes not only enhance the efficiency of dispute resolution and reduce the burden on courts but also foster a legal environment conducive to amicable settlements and sustained commercial relationships. Importantly, by integrating mediation across civil, commercial, and family law, Uzbekistan aligns its legal framework with international ADR standards, signaling transparency, predictability, and professionalism to both domestic and foreign stakeholders.

In practice, these reforms empower parties to resolve disputes effectively while maintaining control over outcomes, reinforcing mediation as a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s evolving legal and business landscape.