A festive event dedicated to June 27 – Press and Mass Media Workers Day – was held at the Uzbekistan Palace of International Forums, along with the award ceremony for the winners and laureates of the international competition for the 19th “Oltin Qalam” (Golden Pencil) National Award.

The event was attended by representatives from the media industry, veteran journalists, creative professionals working in the media sector, publishers, printing specialists, professors and lecturers from relevant universities, as well as scholars and researchers.

Presidential Press Secretary Sherzod Asadov read out the congratulatory message from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, addressed to workers in the press and mass media.

On the eve of the professional holiday of media representatives, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a Decree “On awarding a group of media workers in connection with Press and Mass Media Workers Day”. In accordance with the decree, for their significant contribution to advancing democratic reforms in the country, ensuring citizens’ constitutional rights in the information sphere, promoting freedom of speech and the press, and upholding the principle of transparency, for their outstanding efforts in defending national interests in the global information space, widely promoting the exceptional achievements of the New Uzbekistan, productive work in training highly qualified modern journalists, fostering the younger generation in the spirit of love and devotion to the Motherland, and for their active participation in public life, a group of media workers has been awarded honorary titles, orders, and medals.

The state awards were ceremoniously presented by Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Honored Journalist of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Editor-in-Chief of the newspapers “Yangi O‘zbekiston” and “Pravda Vostoka” Salim Doniyorov, recipients of the “Shukhrat” medal – Editor-in-Chief of the online publication Gazeta.uz Elina Sakaeva, founder of the “Kamoliddin Rabbimov” Telegram channel, political analyst and blogger Kamoliddin Rabbimov expressed their gratitude to the President of the country for his attention to the development of the media sector.

At the official ceremony, Kholmurod Salimov, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the “Oltin Qalam” National Award and Acting Chairperson of the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, emphasized that under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, comprehensive reforms are being implemented in the country’s information sphere. He highlighted the special attention being given to increasing journalists’ engagement in public life, as well as to their support and encouragement. He also provided an overview of this year’s “Oltin Qalam” award.

A total of 499 journalists and media representatives participated in the international competition for the 19th “Oltin Qalam” National Award, submitting more than 3,250 creative works. This reflects the high level of journalist engagement in the transformation processes taking place within society.

In accordance with the Presidential Decree “On measures to support mass media and develop journalism” of June 27, 2022, the number of incentive categories in the competition has been increased from 5 to 12 starting from 2023. According to the decree, a one-time monetary award equivalent to 200 times the base calculation amount is granted for first place, 175 times the base amount for second place, and 150 times the base amount for third place. In addition, winners in each of the 12 incentive categories receive a one-time cash award equal to 100 times the base calculation amount.

To ensure that the international competition for the “Oltin Qalam” National Award is conducted based on democratic principles and in an even more open and transparent manner, distinguished journalists and prominent media figures are included in the jury each year. Submitted works are evaluated objectively according to a set of criteria, including the public relevance of the topic, the author’s civic stance, critical and analytical thinking, responsibility in expression, expressiveness, and originality of approach.

Winners of the “Oltin Qalam” National Award received cash prizes, diplomas, and special statuettes. The grand prize was awarded to the editorial team of the “Gulkhan” magazine (Editor-in-Chief – Zakhro Khasanova).

The event was attended by the Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Khayriddin Sultanov and the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Nuriddin Ismoilov.

The ceremony concluded with a concert program.

Nazokat Usmanova, UzA