Deputy Minister of Public Education of Uzbekistan spoke on cooperation with UNODC in the framework of the Education for Justice initiative at COP10 event

The event named “Palermo+20: Building on the legacy of UNTOC using quality education on the rule of law to prevent transnational organized crime and help the next generation create positive change” was held online on October 15 at 14:00 Tashkent time. The purpose of the event was to demonstrate how education can empower youth and adults in the fight against transnational organized crime.

Examples of good practice in conceptualizing, developing and disseminating educational tools on transnational organized crime at primary, secondary and tertiary levels were presented, igniting fruitful discussions and exchanges of views on the importance of quality education to promote and uphold the rule of law, with a particular focus on organized crime. Thereby, the work completed by the Ministry of Public Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which became the first country to integrate the “Education for Justice” tools into the school curriculum, was also highly noted.

Mr. Dilshod Kenjaev, Deputy Minister of Public Education noted in his speech: “Obviously, the formation of social, cultural and spiritual skills in children and youth should begin with childhood. In this regard, it is important that children learn the basics of the rule of law and general knowledge about it at an early stage.

The implementation of the "Education for Justice" initiative for primary and secondary school students to promote the rule of law among young people includes tools on countering corruption, preventing violent extremism, developing skills for critical thinking, integrity, and supporting youth in addressing ethical and moral dilemmas.

The ideas put forward by the "Education for Justice" initiative played an important role in the process of development and introduction of the new subject "Education" into the curriculum of secondary schools of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The main goal of the subject is to develop personal qualities of students and young people, forming social and cultural life skills. This subject will cover students from 1st to 11th grade (7-18 years old)."

Mr. Kenjaev also noted that in view of the epidemiological situation caused by the COVID-19, as well as taking into account the relevance of the topic, the decision was made to broadcast the "Zorbs" animated series for elementary school students as part of the "Online School" project, as well as through the official Telegram Channel of the Ministry in three languages (Uzbek, Russian and English). With an audience of 6 million students, the animated film received a lot of positive feedback, which led to incorporation of all episodes of the animated series "Zorbs" into the textbook "Education" for grade 4.

At the end of his speech, Mr. Kenjaev expressed his gratitude to Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative to Central Asia, as well as all the partners, for many years of cooperation, friendly support and ideas, which that are ultimately highly appreciated among teachers, students and their parents.

 

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