Cooperation in enhancing urban resilience to natural disasters and climate change
A High-Level Dialogue, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT), took place in Tashkent today. The event was held as part of the UNDP’s two regional projects “Enhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risk and Climate Change in Central Asia” and “Strengthening the System for Region-Wide Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia,” financed by the Government of Japan.
The event brought together government officials, Japanese and Uzbekistani partners, and experts to explore strategic priorities for creating safer, more resilient cities by supporting countries in the region in integrating climate adaptation into urban planning and strengthening the partnership platform.
In his opening remarks, Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, emphasized the dialogue’s importance in advancing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan on disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and sustainable urban planning.
Mr. Hajime Sasaki, State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, noted that through its experience with repeated natural disasters, Japan has learned the importance of understanding risks and strengthening the resilience of cities and infrastructure before disasters occur. “We look forward to sharing Japan’s knowledge, technologies and public-private expertise in disaster risk reduction with Uzbekistan and contributing to the development of safe, sustainable cities that are resilient to climate change and disaster risks”, he said.
During the event, participants discussed best practices and innovative approaches in seismic safety, flood preparedness, and implementing risk-oriented urban development. Japanese experts shared their expertise in disaster response, while representatives from Uzbekistan presented national strategies and practical measures being implemented in cities such as Tashkent and Namangan.
Khurshid Sotiyev, Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan, said the Ministry is prepared to support initiatives in these fields and broaden cooperation to achieve practical outcomes.
Mr. Kenji Hirata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Uzbekistan, highlighted that “Through the ‘Central Asia plus Japan’ Dialogue, Japan and Uzbekistan have identified disaster risk reduction, urban resilience and climate action as important areas of cooperation. In partnership with UNDP, the Government of Japan is translating this cooperation into concrete action through two regional projects on urban resilience and region-wide disaster risk reduction. I hope today’s dialogue will bring together the knowledge and experience of our two countries and lead to further cooperation in building more resilient cities and communities”.
“Urbanization is a powerful engine of economic growth. Official estimates show that each percentage point of increased urbanization is associated with at least a one percent increase in regional GDP, while also stimulating investment, innovation, and commercial activity. However, the rapid growth of cities must be accompanied by equally significant investments in building resilience to protect people’s lives from future natural disasters”, noted Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan.
“In this context, our joint initiative is of strategic importance. In Uzbekistan, focusing on the city of Namangan, the first-ever Climate and Disaster Risk Profile has been developed. This directly contributes to Uzbekistan’s progress in achieving SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 13 (climate action)”, she added.
The dialogue concluded with joint recommendations to strengthen institutional capacity, improve early warning systems, and deepen regional cooperation to ensure a sustainable and safe future for all citizens of Central Asia.
UzA
