LocationsCentral Asian Nations Unite for Disaster Resilience: Regional Forum of Emergency Agencies
August 16, 2024
Issyk-Kul, 16 August 2024 – Heads of emergency departments of Central Asian countries met in Bosteri village in Kyrgyzstan from August 14 to 15 to discuss regional cooperation the field of disaster risk reduction, prevention and elimination of emergency situations. This high-level event was held within the framework of a permanent consultative platform established in 2018.
The initiative incorporates the Global Goals for Sustainable Development 2030, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the priorities and principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It also seeks to recognize the efforts of the European Union, the United Nations, GIZ and other international organizations in disaster risk reduction and international emergency relief.
“In recent years, Central Asian governments have played a pivotal role in implementing disaster risk reduction measures and emergency response programmes. With the support of our international partners, disaster preparedness and rapid response mechanisms are being introduced at the national level. These actions are crucial, but we must not forget that disasters know no borders. There are real risks of large-scale, transboundary disasters, the consequences of which cannot be fully mitigated by any one country alone.” – emphasized by Boobek Azhikeev, the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Intending to continue the implementation of previously adopted outcome documents, during the forum participants discussed regional cooperation of Central Asian countries in disaster risk reduction and further steps to coordinate actions under the Sendai Program. One of the key topics was the establishment of a regional early warning system, which was particularly relevant in the context of the region's significant vulnerability.
The UNDP in Kyrgyzstan is actively fostering enhanced regional collaboration in Central Asia to reduce disaster risks and improve emergency preparedness. For many years, it has been a reliable partner to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, focusing on enhancing the nation's disaster risk management framework, with a particular focus on early warning and disaster risk monitoring and forecasting.
“The risk of diasters threatens the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and national development priorities. We need to work together to strengthen regional cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and build collective action for resilient and inclusive disaster risk reduction and early warning.UNDP will continue to facilitate dialogue and develop mechanisms that make Central Asian region safer and more resilient.” - noted Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.
The organization of the event was a joint initiative of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic (Chairing country), Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction in Almaty (Secretariat of the Regional Forum), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), GIZ (Technical and financial support).
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