Uzbekistan launches 'Uzbek Reading Challenge' inspired by UAE

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has launched the Uzbek Reading Challenge, an extension of the Arab Reading Challenge that was introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The Uzbek challenge is a product of the close cooperation between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and the Uzbek Ministry of Education.

It was created under strategic partnership initiatives with the UAE in areas of knowledge exchange and government modernisation, and follows collaboration between the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and MBRGI.

"We have accumulated considerable experience in organising such initiatives, having carefully studied the world's best practices in this field," said Mirziyoyev.  "Foremost among these pioneering models is the UAE’s experience, which has become a global benchmark for fostering a culture of reading."

The initiative is inspired by the Arab Reading Challenge, launched in 2015 and considered the world’s largest knowledge and cultural project, reaching more than 200 million students worldwide in just ten years.

The Uzbek Reading Challenge includes a prize pool of  $240,000, with the grand prize winner to receive $50,000, the largest award in the history of reading promotion initiatives in Uzbekistan.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), emphasised that the UAE remains committed to strengthening cooperation with Uzbekistan.

Al Gergawi noted that this partnership "focuses on sharing the UAE’s successful government model and expertise to support Uzbekistan in launching and implementing landmark knowledge and cultural initiatives".