In this regard, in Uzbekistan, the contest for the best essay on the topic "Uzbekistan: the progress made in achieving the Millennium Development Goals" is being organized among the students of Uzbekistan universities during the period of 10 - 20 of October 2011. The initiator of the contest is UNDP "Local Governance Support Project: Participation and Partnership."

The main aim and objectives of the competition are to increase the students' knowledge about the UN activities, the efforts being made towards achieving Millennium Development Goals and results already achieved.

In order to participate in the contest, participants – the students of higher educational institutions of Uzbekistan, should just send their essays via e-mail essay@lgsp.uz till 18:00 of 20th of October 2011, indicating "Best Essay Competition" on the subject line.

A jury, composed of UNDP staff, will carefully examine the works submitted and later select the best three essays. The works submitted for the competition will be judged on the following criteria: creativity, perceptions and knowledge of the author about the theme, full analysis of the theme, accuracy and clarity of presentation.

The winner and runners-up will be awarded with the prizes during the ceremony organized by the United Nations Development Programme in Uzbekistan on International Day of United Nations – 24th of October, 2011.

The requirements for submission of essays:

1. On the title page please indicate your name, age, university title, faculty, the year at the university, home address, telephone number (with area code) and e-mail address.

2. Essays can be submitted in one of the following three languages - Uzbek, English or Russian.

3. The volume of essays should not exceed 1.500 words, typewritten A4 (font - Times New Roman, font size - 12, line spacing - single).

4. In the essay, it is welcomed if you provide a personal perception and opinion by answering to the question "What brought the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals to me, my family, mahalla, village, city, country."

5. Essays must be unpublished and comply with the copyright law. The appropriate references should be provided to all information from other sources, used in support of developing the essay.

Essays must be written by one person. Co-authored essays will not be accepted.