ТАSHKENT, May 22. /Dunyo IA/.   Today, at the International Congress Center, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the launch ceremony of a nationwide movement aimed at promoting a culture of reading in Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our State, Head of our State noted that the world is changing rapidly, with digital technologies, modern gadgets, and artificial intelligence becoming 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 issue of education, but also as an important factor shaping the future of the nation, the spiritual strength of the people, and the country’s competitiveness.

The Head of State emphasized that great ancestors such as Imam Bukhari, Muhammad Khorezmi, 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 for 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.

Based on 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 all regions of 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 parents, emphasizing that such talented, proactive, and knowledge-driven young people represent the true pillar of New Uzbekistan.

During the ceremony, particular attention was given to international experience in promoting a culture of reading. In particular, 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 to a new level in Uzbekistan, drawing on the country’s rich spiritual heritage.

To this end, the “National Reading Movement” programme is being launched. The Head of State noted that a separate resolution providing for comprehensive state support for the programme had been signed the previous day.

The final stage of the programme will now be held annually at the Presidential level. Its total annual prize fund will amount to $240,000, while 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 from grades 1 through 11 of general education schools eligible to participate.

President noted that this initiative will contribute to strengthening a culture of reading in schools, families, and society as a whole, as well as fostering a new creative spirit among young people.

“I view this programme 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 the hands of children, then 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 wider 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 the enlightened ancestors of our people: “There is and can be no path to salvation other than knowledge.”