SELF-DEVELOPMENT - YOUTH OF THE XXI CENTURY MAIN TASK

Аннотация

This article explores the specific aspects of self-development among the youth of the 21st century in the context of a rapidly changing world. It examines the key factors influencing personal and professional growth, including digital transformation, the rise of soft skills, educational trends, and the role of social media. Special attention is given to issues of motivation, self-identification, and critical thinking in the age of information overload. The author emphasizes the importance of a conscious approach to self-development as a foundation for the successful integration of young people into modern society. Keywords: self-development, 21st-century youth, digital era, soft skills, motivation, personal growth, education, self-identification, critical thinking Self-development is the process of improving a person's knowledge, skills, psychological and social independence, which is becoming the main requirement for young people in the 21st century. In today's conditions of globalization, digital transformation, and the knowledge economy, young people should be inclined to constant learning, adaptation, and the assimilation of innovations. In Uzbekistan, youth are the strategic potential of society, the foundation of development and prospects[1]. Young people are at the heart of the reforms being implemented in our country. The "Year of Youth" concept adopted by our President, the Law "On Youth Policy," as well as the activities of organizations such as the "Youth Affairs Agency" demonstrate the systematic and comprehensive nature of efforts in this direction. In our country, the population under the age of 30 exceeds 18 million, accounting for half of society. This means that a significant portion of the country's economic, cultural, scientific, and social potential is directly linked to young people. For this reason, one of the priorities of state policy is to provide comprehensive support to the younger generation, creating conditions for their personal development and full realization of their potential. In recent years, numerous projects have been implemented to increase youth participation in education, science, culture, sports, IT, entrepreneurship, and other fields. Specifically, socially vulnerable youth are being supported through the "Youth Notebook" initiative, while "Youth Technoparks" and "Youth Innovation Centers" https://scientific-jl.com 2 6 0 49-son_1-to’plam_Iyul -2025 ISSN:3030-3621 Ta'lim innovatsiyasi va integratsiyasi have been established. Thousands of young people have received grants and preferential loans. Furthermore, programs such as "Youth Centers," "Youth Reading," and "Youth Entrepreneurship," organized in each region, are creating opportunities for young people to express themselves and develop their personal potential. Notably, the changes being implemented in the education system - including the introduction of the credit-module system, the opening of branches of foreign universities, and the official recognition of international language certificates - are bringing young people closer to global educational standards. Among youth, fields such as information technology, startup projects, innovative solutions, and freelancing are becoming increasingly popular. Additionally, for the first time in the country, a "Youth Parliament" has been established, which serves to enhance the socio-political engagement of young people and involve them in decision-making processes. Serious attention is also being paid to matters of spiritual and moral education in our country. The study of national traditions, spiritual heritage, and the scientific legacy of great scholars has become the main focus of youth education. For example, the scientific works of thinkers such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, Alisher Navoi, Abu Rayhan Beruni, and Mirzo Ulugbek are being widely incorporated into the education system. This plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of national pride, self- awareness, and spiritual growth among young people. In conclusion, the attention given to young people and the opportunities created in Uzbekistan serve as a solid foundation for their self-development, broadening their worldview, and preparing them for global competition. Most importantly, state policy and society's general approach are aimed at viewing young people not only as recipients of education but also as active social participants[2]. Critical thinking, the SMART goal system, reflection, and the use of digital technologies are among the most crucial factors in the self-development process. For instance, independently and actively learning educational and professional skills (lifelong learning) has become a new norm in the 21st century: this process involves willingly and actively acquiring knowledge for personal or professional reasons. Time invested in this is not wasted; it ensures the competitiveness and social engagement of young people. Digital technologies play a vital role in self- development. Stude