President Mirziyoyev extended wishes to the nearly 800,000 boys and girls stepping through the school gates with big dreams, as well as to their parents and the wider teaching community.

The president expressed hope that the new academic year would mark a fresh chapter of educational progress across the country's entire school system — from schools and lyceums to technical colleges and universities.

He noted that thanks to the sweeping reforms carried out in education in recent years, schools in the "New Uzbekistan" are taking on a new face, with the quality of education steadily improving.

He pointed out that young people already achieving early success in academics, vocational training, IT, creative pursuits, sports and community work represent the nation's bright future and its most valuable asset.

"In these knowledgeable, sharp-minded, hardworking and ambitious children of ours — whose ranks grow larger every year — we see the saplings of the Third Renaissance," the president said.

Mirziyoyev reaffirmed that developing education would remain a top priority for the government going forward. He said conditions would be created so that young people finishing school and heading out into the world would graduate not only with solid academic knowledge but also with at least one modern trade or profession. To that end, "Vocational Training Hubs" will be established across the regions, bringing in modern expertise and leading specialists in various fields.

Addressing young people directly, the president stressed that knowledge is life's most valuable asset.

"Knowledge — and only knowledge — is the key that will open the doors to a happy and fulfilling life. It is the answer to every difficult question you will face on your journey, and the guarantee that you will overcome every trial and hardship that comes your way," Mirziyoyev said.

He urged young people to cherish every moment of their youth and to fully dedicate themselves to mastering new knowledge, ideas, innovations, trades and professions.

The president also emphasized the importance of deeply studying one's native language, national history and culture, world history, and foreign languages, and of constantly striving and pursuing self-improvement.

"Love this sacred land, inherited from our ancestors, with all your heart and soul, and live with boundless devotion to our people and our homeland!" the president said.

Mirziyoyev called on young people to regard their caring teachers and parents as their closest friends and advisers.

The president wished all students a successful start to the new academic year, marked by excellent grades, success in every term, good health, good fortune and achievement.