Uzbekistan Unveils National Reading Initiative Modelled on UAE's Approach

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has launched the Uzbek Reading Initiative, a nationwide effort aimed at enhancing reading and education among the youth of Uzbekistan. This programme is part of the expanding collaboration between the UAE and Uzbekistan in the realms of knowledge transfer and governmental modernization.

The initiative came to fruition through a partnership involving the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office under the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).

The Uzbek Reading Initiative takes cues from the Arab Reading Challenge, which was initiated in 2015 by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This project has grown into one of the world's largest literacy campaigns, impacting over 200 million students worldwide in the last decade.

In his remarks, President Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan studied several renowned global reading initiatives prior to this launch, emphasizing that the UAE's reading program stands out as a model for cultivating a robust reading culture among the younger generation.

According to him, the new initiative is not merely a competition; it is a substantial investment in the future of Uzbekistan. By promoting reading among children today, he believes, the country will lay the groundwork for a prosperous tomorrow.

Mirziyoyev also expressed gratitude to the UAE government and Mohammad Al Gergawi for their support in this initiative, enhancing the bilateral ties between the two nations.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, who serves as the Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of MBRGI, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to advancing collaboration with Uzbekistan under the leadership of Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

He remarked that the launch of the Uzbek Reading Initiative showcases the strong partnership between the UAE and Uzbekistan, united by a common goal of cultural, educational, and knowledge advancement.

Developed alongside Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Education, the initiative aims to inspire students to cultivate reading habits, expand their knowledge, and engage in intellectual activities that support their future ambitions.

Additionally, the programme celebrates Uzbekistan's rich heritage as a historical hub of Islamic learning, paying tribute to distinguished scholars such as Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, and Al-Khwarizmi.

Drawing inspiration from historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, the initiative endeavors to reconnect young people with Uzbekistan’s enduring educational legacy.

In recent years, the UAE-Uzbekistan partnership in governmental experience sharing has grown significantly. In total, over 2.8 million individuals in Uzbekistan have benefited from more than 380 workshops, encompassing approximately 16.7 million hours of training in various sectors including governance, innovation, leadership, and public services.

Experts and officials from both nations have also conducted workshops, site visits, and knowledge exchanges to promote development initiatives and reinforce collaboration between the two countries.