Shavkat Mirziyoyev launches National Reading Movement

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended a ceremony today, May 22, at the International Congress Center to launch a nationwide movement aimed at developing reading culture in Uzbekistan. The presidential press service reported this.

The head of state noted that the world is changing rapidly, while digital technologies, modern gadgets and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life. In such complex conditions, a person’s ability to think independently is the greatest advantage, he said.

The President emphasized that, from the first days of his presidency, he has paid priority attention to encouraging young people to read books and fostering their love and interest in knowledge. The Young Reader competition, held since 2017, has brought millions of young people closer to books. The Young Reader Family competition, meanwhile, is helping bring a culture of reading into every household.

A new system to support the most active readers was introduced based on a resolution adopted at the beginning of this year. The latest national stage of the Young Reader competition was recently completed. Forty-two of the most knowledgeable and talented young people from all regions of the country demonstrated their abilities and potential. Three winners of the competition were awarded modern cars as presidential gifts.

The head of state sincerely congratulated the winners, their teachers and parents, stressing that such talented, inquisitive and knowledge-seeking young people are the true foundation of New Uzbekistan.

The ceremony also highlighted international experience in developing reading culture. In particular, it was noted that the Arab Reading Challenge, launched in the United Arab Emirates in 2015 at the initiative of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has become one of the largest educational movements in the world. In a short period, the initiative has covered more than 200 million students.

Within the framework of close friendship and strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates, it was decided to take this noble idea to a new level in Uzbekistan based on the country’s national spiritual heritage.

For this purpose, the National Reading Movement program is being launched. The head of state noted that he recently signed a separate order to actively support the program at the state level.

From now on, the final stage of the event will be held annually at the presidential level. The program’s total annual prize fund will amount to $240,000. The grand prize winner will receive $50,000. This will be the largest reading-related award in the country’s history.

The movement will cover all regions of Uzbekistan. Students from grades 1 to 11 of general education schools will be able to take part.

The President said the initiative will help strengthen the reading environment in schools, families and society as a whole, while awakening a new creative spirit in the hearts of young people.

“I see this program not simply as a book-reading competition, but as a strategic investment in the future of our beloved homeland. If we put good books into the hands of our children today, tomorrow they will certainly be able to build the great future of New Uzbekistan,” the President said.

At the ceremony, the President called on all students, teachers, parents and the wider public to actively participate in this nationwide movement.