As reported earlier, within the framework of the cooperation established with the Prime Minister's Office of the United Arab Emirates, several dozen local assessors drawn from various research institutes took part in the "Uzbekistan Government Quality Award" programme. In order to objectively assess the performance of government bodies, identify their strengths and weaknesses, widely disseminate best practices, and analyse the results of efforts to foster a healthy competitive environment, the performance of 41 national agencies — their quality of governance and the leadership capabilities of their senior officials — was studied by international experts and local specialists between January and April of this year.

At the awards ceremony held on 22 May at the International Congress Centre in the presence of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a number of government bodies were recognised under the programme. Emphasising the importance of effective governance, the Head of State stressed that, from now on, the principal criterion in the work of ministries and agencies will be "results".

A group of local assessors made up of representatives from research institutes was formed under the programme. They were trained and had their qualifications enhanced with the participation of experts from the UAE.

The local assessors were ceremonially presented with certificates at the Agency for Strategic Development and Reforms.

The programme will henceforth be held once every two years. From the next stage, local government authorities will also take part in it.

In the future, the programme is expected to become even more open and demanding. Working "for results" rather than "for process" will become the principal criterion in the activities of ministries and agencies.