Progress accelerates when leadership chooses people first.

In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, Bahrom Khidirbaev and Diydor Berdiklichev talk about how their nation reduced poverty from 35% to 6.6% in just seven years, a transformation driven by empathy, data, and decisive action.

Bahrom shares how Uzbekistan built an inclusive system where every community has a dedicated social worker and over 100 coordinated social programs under one agency. Diydor offers a data-driven look at the country's progress and how economic growth and social protection go hand in hand.

Together, they show that ending poverty is a matter of choosing to act with purpose and vision.

When governments commit to people-first policies, progress isn't just a dream. It's a decision. Tune in to the full episode of The Power of Political Will: How Uzbekistan Is Ending Poverty.

Diydor Berdiklichev is a Social Protection Specialist and Poverty Economist who leads program research at the Social Policy Lab. His work focuses on development economics, impact evaluations, and poverty‑reduction strategies that strengthen how governments design and deliver social assistance. Diydor's research has contributed to major policy shifts in Uzbekistan, showcasing how data‑driven decisions and political will can dramatically reduce poverty rates. His mission is to ensure social protection systems are fair, effective, and capable of transforming lives at a national scale.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-berdiklichev/?originalSubdomain=uz

Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto's first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all.

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Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale.

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