The real difference will be if people, everyday citizens, start saying "We need MDGs to happen!"

Mass media is a powerful tool in spreading a message across. It provides an important source of information and analysis that shapes people's perspectives and views on the MDGs. This communication strategy makes an impact across the spectrum from modifying individuals own behavior to generating popular support and pressure for political change.
To ensure wide national coverage of MDGs in Uzbekistan , UN Country Team will focus its efforts on:

Trainings for journalists are aimed at: raising awareness about global MDGs, nationalized MDGs in Uzbekistan and UN Agencies' work in respective areas; improve the quality of media coverage of MDGs-related issues and projects assisting in achieving MDGs; establishing/improving contacts with media representatives, stimulating further cooperation; maintaining constant dialogue with journalists on how UN can improve the media/outreach part of their work to achieve better understanding of the MDGs by general public. In addition, the training will provide a good opportunity to announce the forthcoming contest for journalists , thus provoking additional interest and stimulating coverage of MDGs in Uzbekistan.

Creation of a series of MDG TV spots to be broadcasted on National TV channels. The aim of this initiative is to channel a strong message on each MDG that would show the realities of living conditions both in urban and rural areas, and give a promising picture of where we can be in 2015. The messages are meant to provoke feedback from public and make people think of what we, as individuals, organizations, local and national authorities, can do to contribute to the achievement of MDGs in Uzbekistan.

Production of MDG radio programs . The main message "Our goals - our future" should reach homes and communities in different parts of the country. Through storylines we aim at addressing the everyday lifestyles that people in Uzbekistan live with and experience. By doing so, we introduce the national goals and new Government commitments in achieving the goals that will address living standards, quality of education, gender issues, maternal and child health, spread of diseases and environment issues. The storylines are also aimed at enhanced understanding of communities of the Millennium Development Goals. We aim to bring MDGs into daily discourse in schools and families, in makhallas and local administrative offices to enhance national ownership of MDGs.

The nationwide MDG photo contest was open from June to August 2005. It was designed to generate Uzbek photographers' interest to the Millennium Development Goals so that they contribute to raising MDG awareness among general public. The competition received some 200 photographs both black and white and in color. Taken by both professional and amateurs, they illustrate various dimensions of the MDGs and reveal their direct relevance to our daily lives. The jury selected the best photographs for each MDG. The awarding ceremony and the MDG photo exhibition took place in December 2006.