The United Nations Organization, together with the government of Uzbekistan and key development partners, organized the COP29 support event in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, focusing on sustainable development in the Aral Sea region. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change.
In the event organized in collaboration with the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea region in Uzbekistan, six-year achievements in addressing the ecological and social consequences of the Aral Sea crisis, environmental restoration, and enhancing the resilience of the society were showcased. Additionally, it created a platform for new commitments by regional and international partners in the fight against climate change.
“The Aral Sea region represents the challenges and resilience in combating climate change. The United Nations supports the people of Karakalpakstan through initiatives that are both climate-resilient and people-oriented,” said the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of UNECE, Tatyana Molchan.
Uzbekistan's Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Qudratov, confirmed the country's commitment to resolving the crisis.
“The government of Uzbekistan is fully committed to the restoration of the Aral Sea region. Our efforts in developing sustainable agriculture, green energy, and healthcare infrastructure represent significant steps forward, highlighting that collaboration is key to overcoming this ecological disaster,” he said.
The Global Green Growth Institute, Italy, the OPEC Fund, and UN agencies (UNDP, UNECE, UNFPA) reaffirmed their commitment to supporting transformative changes for sustainable development in the Aral Sea region. The dialogue emphasized the need to strengthen resilience in healthcare, agriculture, and lifestyle against growing climate challenges. A video presented showed that the projects of the Aral Sea trust fund over six years benefited over 293,000 people.
“Together, we are building a path towards a sustainable future,” said the Assistant Administrator and Regional Director of UNDP, Ivana Zivkovic. “The UN family and the UNDP office in Uzbekistan are committed to the Aral Sea region, ensuring that our initiatives support climate adaptation, public health, and resilience.”
The Deputy Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, Obidjon Qudratov, highlighted the ambitious plans for revitalizing the Aral Sea region.
“Our views go beyond environmental restoration. We are proponents of creating new economic opportunities,” he said.
TheUNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Florence Bauer, highly appraised the transformative impact of the projects implemented over the last six years.
“UNFPA strives to support the health and well-being of the population in the Aral Sea region, focusing on maternal health and expanding opportunities for women as keys to sustainable development,” she said.
The event concluded with new commitments by stakeholders to address pressing climate-related issues in the Aral Sea region. Based on six years of impactful projects, the Aral Sea trust fund and its partners focused on expanding innovative, climate-resilient solutions to support health, living conditions, and resilience. The goal is to make the Aral Sea region a model of resilience and a beacon of hope for others worldwide facing similar climate impacts.
