On the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes
An international conference dedicated to the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes, which is being observed for the first time worldwide, was held in Tashkent.
The initiative was proposed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on March 16, 2023, at an extraordinary summit of the Organization of Turkic States. In a short period, it gained broad support, and on April 29, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the corresponding resolution. More than 100 specialists, international experts, and official delegations from nearly 30 countries participated in the event. They discussed measures to ensure seismic safety.
The First Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services, Jalol Arashov, noted that in the context of a rapidly developing construction sector, seismic safety and earthquake-resistant construction are of priority importance.
At the government’s direction, the technical condition of nearly 12,000 buildings has been assessed since 2025. This process is ongoing, and inspections of all multi-story buildings are planned to be completed by 2030.
To ensure transparency in the construction sector, the national information system “Shaffof Qurilish” (“Transparent Construction”), which rates organizations, has been introduced. The construction of complex facilities is entrusted only to highly rated organizations.
Construction is monitored at each stage, an important factor in ensuring building quality.
During the conference, international experience from countries such as the United States, Japan, and European states was shared. Representatives of international scientific organizations delivered reports and presentations.
Holding the event on the 60th anniversary of the devastating 1966 Tashkent earthquake gave it special symbolic significance. The participants honored the victims of the earthquake.
The conference was significant in addressing issues such as strengthening international cooperation in seismic safety, expanding scientific approaches, and developing the construction sector.
Sh. Mamaturopova, UzA
