Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, on 10 May, the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan celebrates the launch of Europe Day in Uzbekistan, an annual event marking the values of peace and unity. In 2022, Europe Day is also celebrated as part of the European Year of Youth and is dedicated to the vital role played by young people – both in Europe and in Uzbekistan – in strengthening these values.

“Half of the population of Uzbekistan is under 30 years old and is an extremely important part of society, making a huge contribution with their creativity, innovation, resources and enthusiasm. Young people are the key to our future, beacons of hope for order and a better world. However, they need more access to education, skills and opportunities. I am pleased to note that young people play a key role in participation in all sectors of cooperation between the EU and Uzbekistan, be it environmental issues, human rights or economic development. It is equally important that young people become participants in the decision-making process, as well as in all social processes in the country,” said Charlotte Adrian, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, in her video message.

Today, on 10 May, during a press conference organized by the Delegation of the European Union in Uzbekistan, the Ambassador of the EU Delegation also noted the following: “Over the past 30 years, both in Europe and in Uzbekistan, youth have played a key role in the development of society. Young people will continue to play a leading role in the development of Uzbekistan and the EU in the future. This year's celebration of Europe Day is an opportunity to celebrate the transformative impact that youth can have on our communities and economies through local and global challenges. It is also a chance to celebrate the strengthening of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union.”

Throughout May 2022, the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan is organizing a series of events as part of Europe Day, inviting young people in Uzbekistan to learn more about the values and opportunities of the EU.

The Erasmus+ Week, running from 10 to 14 May, highlights cooperation in the field of higher education, as well as exchange opportunities offered by the European Union in Uzbekistan. A series of educational and exchange events has been launched at various universities across the country. Students will be provided with detailed information about opportunities for cooperation with European universities, grants for individual short-term mobility, as well as scholarships for studying in a master's or doctoral program. The calendar of Erasmus+ Week events can be found here.

On 10 May, Oriat Dono Radio starts the Europe Day Quiz "Discover the World of the European Union", which will last until May 27, and invites young people to test their knowledge of all 27 EU member states. The quiz is held on weekdays and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:00. The winners will receive a T-shirt, a cap, a shopper bag and an external battery (power bank) with the Europe Day logo. More information about the quiz can be found on the EU Delegation's Facebook page, as well as on the Oriat Dono radio channel on Telegram.

On 17 May, the EU Delegation invites music lovers to the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan. World-renowned Polish pianist Wojciech Walechek, together with the State Orchestra of Uzbekistan under the direction of Kamoliddin Urinbaev, will perform a classical music concert: "Europe's Day for Peace and Solidarity".

The photo exhibition “Empowering youth: EU-Uzbekistan cooperation in person” will be held from 19 to 26 May at the Tashkent House of Photography. The exhibition will feature photographs and statements by young citizens of Uzbekistan on the topic of cooperation with the EU. Visitors will be able to learn how EU-funded projects help strengthen the skills base, engagement, well-being or rights of young people in the country.