Did you know that
Uzbekistan is a multinational state with more than 130 nationalities?
Uzbekistan is one of only two double landlocked countries in the world?
Uzbekistan is home to a thousand religious shrines in the famous silk road cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara?
Samarkand was founded around the same time as Rome?
Maidanak Observatory is the most advanced observatory in the Eastern hemisphere?
Uzbekistan is the only country besides Egypt and Mexico with 2000 years old pyramids?
Uzbekistan has a 99,3% adult literacy rate?
Uzbekistan is home to the Muruntau gold mine, one of the largest open pit gold mines in the world?
Uzbekistan is the world’s 3rd largest exporter of cotton fibre?
Uzbekistan is the world’s 3rd largest exporter of Uranium?
Uzbekistan is among the top ten countries in the world for reserves and production of copper and tungsten?
all fruits, vegetables and berries are grown in full soil in Uzbekistan, giving them a very high content of natural sugars and a more intense taste and scent?
that the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was awarded the title ‘Asian of the Year’ in 2018 by the Asia Journalist Association (AJA)?
Uzbekistan was a key actor and driver in the Afghan peace process?
over the last 3 years, Uzbekistan has taken significant steps towards transforming its economy by liberalising its currency and lifting trade, tax and regulatory barriers?
FDI inflow into Uzbekistan has more than tripled since 2018?
as Uzbekistan identified corruption as one of the key factors blocking its growth the President decreed a State Anti-Corruption Program in 2019?
Uzbekistan is collaborating closely with the UN on topics such as the fight against modern threats and security challenges, stabilisation and reconstruction of Afghanistan, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, mitigation of the Aral Sea crisis, socio-economic development, protection and promotion of human rights, development of tourism and others?
the “Sharq Taronalari” International Music Festival, the “Maqom” International Forum, and the “Bakhshi” International Festival are held in Uzbekistan under the auspices of UNESCO?
Uzbekistan’s unique sites Itchan Kala (Khiva), the Samarkand Crossroads of Cultures, the Bukhara and Shakhrisabz historical centres as well as the Western Tien- Shan (natural heritage) are all included in UNESCO's World Heritage List?
Uzbekistan is actively participating in the New Silk Road also known as Belt and Road Initiative?
Uzbekistan applied for EU GSP+ Trading Status, doubling Duty Free Export Categories which will create a solid foundation for sustainable growth and diversification of exports?
Uzbekistan’s trade turnover in 2019 with EU countries increased by almost 12% in just one year?
Tashkent is among the 3 cheapest cities to visit in the world according to the annual Economist Intelligence Unit survey?
Uzbekistan Airways flights are getting cheaper every year, making Uzbekistan a more and more attractive destination to travel to?
Uzbekistan established during the last 5 years 135 bilateral student and academic partnerships and 984 mobilities under ERASMUS+, 690 student exchanges and 294 professor and university staff mobilities?
Uzbekistan produced more than 271.110 cars in 2019?
Uzbekistan was nominated the top country to visit in 2020 by Lonely Planet?
under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Uzbekistan has gained 13 places in the World Press Freedom Index ranking since 2017?
Briefing for Participating Journalists
Preamble
Individual freedoms such as respect for private life, freedom of thought, religion, assembly, expression and information are the most important European values protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. As part of its presidency of the International Association of Press Clubs and the European Federation of Press Clubs, the Press Club Brussels Europe is launching a Journalism Awards initiative celebrating the European Union's relations with various countries that have made a significant progress in the annual ranking of press freedom.
The context
Following a centuries-old tradition of relations with Europe, the Central Asia Countries have once again become important partners for the European Union since their independence thirty years ago.
Uzbekistan is a key actor in the EU’s new Central Asia Strategy « EU Connectivity Strategy – Connecting Europe with Asia », the bilateral relations between the European Union and the Republic of Uzbekistan have been developing steadily since the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement came into force in 1999. As a consequence of a constructive relations and a positive business climate, both sides are discussing since November 2018 a new enhanced Partnership.
Yet other than the historical Silk Road many Europeans have no or very little knowledge of Uzbekistan and its extensive links and heritage with Europe.
Who can participate
Journalists working for European news media (EU27, UK, CH & NOR) can participate. Entries may be submitted by either the journalists or their employer. Articles that have been published online, in newspapers or in magazines between 1 August and 15 October are eligible. They can be single articles or a series of related articles that will be judged as a unit. The award is specifically also open to broadcast media including broadcast TV and radio.
How to submit
Please submit a copy of your original published work and a good English translation (if your article is published in another language) via secretary@pressclub.be by 15 October 2020. If your original published article is not in English, you are responsible for the quality of its translation into English. We explicitly decline any responsibility for the quality of the translation. The jury will evaluate the submitted translation 'as is'.
Please note that we will confirm the receipt of all submitted articles. If you did not receive a confirmation after submitting your article please contact us as only articles that have been confirmed as received by the Press Club Brussels Europe will be evaluated by the jury members.
How will the winner be determined
The independent jury will use the basic principles of an objective reportage as criteria: fact- checking, precision in reporting quotes and figures, interest in human-based stories and of course its originality which should raise the reader’s curiosity and interest in Uzbekistan and its many facets and opportunities.
The winner of the award is scheduled to be announced during a ceremony in the first week of November 2020 at the Press Club Brussels Europe. The award will be handed over in the presence of EU and Uzbekistan dignitaries. The Press Club Brussels Europe will announce the winner of the award and publish the winning article on its website. The name of the winner and the article will be sent to all European Press Clubs and the Brussels based European press agencies.
The €2.000 price money will be transferred by the Press Club Brussels Europe to the personal account of the Award winner.