On the sidelines of the Aral Culture Summit taking place in Nukus, Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation for sustainable development in Karakalpakstan.

The Aral Sea, once the fourth largest lake in the world, provided water for local agriculture, livelihoods, and a thriving fishing industry for many years. It began shrinking in the 1960s and largely dried up into a desert by the 2010s, destroying ecosystems and harming the communities.

The partnership between ACDF and UNDP amplifies community engagement and supports initiatives that tackle these issues by bringing innovation in sustainable development practices to support one of Uzbekistan’s most vulnerable regions.

The MOU sets the stage for collaboration, building on UNDP’s 25 years of local presence and strong commitment to the region’s development, focusing on human capital development by adapting to climate change and safeguarding the environment.

The signing ceremony reflects both organizations’ commitment to inclusive growth and resilience in the Aral Sea region.

Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, said: “Cultures shape people’s lives, relations between people and the world around us, including nature and environment. Investment in cultures, therefore, has a direct impact on people’s lives and human development. UNDP remains committed to continuing our support to the Aral Sea, which represents resilience and sustainable renewal”.

Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF, said: “This memorandum highlights the commitment of the Government of Uzbekistan to integrate culture into its sustainable development agenda. We view the Aral Sea region not merely as an area of ecological challenges, but as a place of significant cultural potential. Culture here is more than heritage – it is a powerful resource capable of inspiring communities, strengthening identity, and paving new pathways toward a sustainable future”.

The Aral Culture Summit revives the regional landscape and strengthens community identity. It is dedicated to the social and environmental transformation of the Aral Sea region through culture, art, science, and design.

UzA