President launches National Reading Movement
At the International Congress Center, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the launch ceremony for a nationwide movement to promote a culture of reading in Uzbekistan.
The Head of State noted that the world is changing rapidly, with digital technologies, modern devices, and artificial intelligence increasingly integrated into everyday life. In such complex conditions, the most important advantage is a person’s ability to think independently.
“A person who reads is distinguished by deep and sound thinking. Such thinking enables a person to change society”, the President said.
It was noted that in New Uzbekistan, promoting a culture of reading and elevating the status of books have become matters of state policy. Love for books is regarded not only as an educational issue but also as an important factor shaping the nation’s future, the spiritual strength of the people, and the country’s competitiveness.
The Head of State emphasized that great ancestors, including Imam Bukhari, Muhammad Khwarizmi, Ahmad Fergani, Alisher Navoi, Mirzo Ulugbek, and other thinkers, made an immense contribution to the development of human civilization. The foundation of their remarkable achievements was the pursuit of knowledge and a deep commitment to reading.
For Uzbekistan to establish itself on the international stage as a strong state with great potential, it must rely on two solid foundations: its priceless scientific and spiritual heritage and modern knowledge and advanced technologies.
The Head of State noted that from the very first days of his presidency, he has prioritized encouraging young people to read and fostering in them a love of learning and knowledge. The “Young Book Lover” competition, held since 2017, has enabled millions of young people to engage with books, while the “Young Reading Family” competition promotes a culture of reading in households across the country.
Following a resolution adopted earlier this year, a new system was introduced to support the country’s most active readers. The latest national stage of the “Young Book Lover” competition recently concluded, bringing together 42 of the brightest young men and women from across Uzbekistan, who demonstrated their knowledge, talent, and intellectual potential. The three winners received modern cars as gifts from the President.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sincerely congratulated the winners, their mentors, and their parents, emphasizing that such talented, proactive, and knowledge-driven young people are the true pillar of New Uzbekistan.
During the ceremony, particular attention was paid to international experience in promoting a culture of reading. It was noted that the “Arab Reading Challenge”, launched in 2015 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the United Arab Emirates, has become one of the world’s largest educational movements, reaching more than 200 million readers in a short period.
As part of the close friendship and strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates, it was decided to elevate this noble initiative in Uzbekistan to a new level, drawing on the country’s rich spiritual heritage.
To this end, the “National Reading Movement” program is being launched. The Head of State noted that a separate resolution providing comprehensive state support for the program had been signed the previous day.
The final stage of the program will now be held annually at the Presidential level. Its total annual prize fund will be $240,000, and the grand prize winner will receive $50,000, the largest award in the history of reading promotion initiatives in Uzbekistan.
The movement will cover all regions of the country, with students in grades 1 through 11 at general education schools eligible to participate.
The President noted that this initiative will contribute to strengthening a culture of reading in schools, families, and society as a whole, and to fostering a new creative spirit among young people.
“I view this program not merely as a book-reading competition but as a strategic investment in the future of our Motherland. If today we place good books in children’s hands, tomorrow they will undoubtedly build the great future of New Uzbekistan”, the Head of State said.
The Head of State called on schoolchildren, teachers, parents, and the broader public to take an active part in the nationwide movement.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that a nation that reads, strives for knowledge, and is guided by high ideals can never be defeated. He also highlighted the importance of implementing on a nationwide scale the idea of our enlightened ancestors: “There is and can be no path to salvation other than knowledge”.
UzA
