Today the United Nations Office in Uzbekistan announced a poster contest on the theme "UN Contribution to Human Development through the Language of Contemporary Design". It is organized jointly with the UN Development Programme in Uzbekistan, the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia and the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan.

The competition will be held from October to December 2007. It aims to promote, through the artworks of contemporary design, the UN contributions to human development and its work towards making the world a better place for all.

Over the past six decades of its existence, the UN has greatly contributed to advancing economic and social development and promoting a truly people-centred approach to development. The UN family of programmes and agencies made a positive and lasting impact in many countries, by helping them to achieve higher living standards, better health and education and to gain greater access to safe water and sanitation. At the same time, the UN’s leading role in development thinking and practice attracts less media attention and often is not evident to the general public.

Both professional and amateur artists and designers from Uzbekistan are invited to design social and public campaign posters that would promote UN contributions to setting and implementing such global goals, as improving welfare and achieving higher living standards; improving health and education; ensuring greater gender equality and respect for human rights; preserving cultural diversity and heritage; combating HIV/AIDS and drug abuse; and protecting the environment.

Art is a powerful medium of expression; its universal language knows no boundaries and can be understood by people anywhere. The organizers hope that the posters will capture the essence of the UN’s work in these areas and reveal Uzbek artists’ creativity and openness to various cultures and traditions.

The contest results will be announced in January 2007. A jury composed of well-known graphic designers and experts recognized in the field of art and visual communication will be set up to make the selection. The best entry as well as second- and third-prize winning posters will receive certificates and commemorative prizes, such as a laptop computer; digital video and photo cameras.