Section 6
United Nations and its specialized agencies

6.2. Security Council

The Security Council (Security Council) has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security; all UN members are obliged to follow its decisions. It has 15 members, including 5 permanent members with veto power (Great Britain, China, Russia, USA, France) and 10 non-permanent, elected by UNGA for two-year terms for five countries each year.

Arria Formula Meeting on Climate and Security Risks: the Latest Data

On 22 April, an Arria formula meeting on the theme of “Climate and Security Risks: the Latest Data. What Can the United Nations Do to Prevent Climate-Related Conflicts and How Can We Climate-Proof United Nations In-Country Activities?” was virtually held. The objectives of the Arria formula meeting were to: provide a better understanding of the challenges, opportunities and interlinkages between instability, conflict and climate risks; propose the best tools and policies for a comprehensive approach to climate-related conflict prevention; and empower the whole United Nations system to encourage its institutions to integrate climate fragility risks into their policies and operations.

Even with decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the pace and intensity of climate change is going to increase in the future. This will have direct and indirect negative consequences in many fields, including political stability, peace and security. Addressing the security impacts of the effects of climate change should also be part of the conflict prevention agenda. The countries welcomed the creation of the climate security mechanism, consisting of six staff from the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UNDP and UNEP. Member-States also pointed out that the different agencies of the United Nations system could be better coordinated, notably by the appointment of a special envoy on climate and security. These substantial discussions indicate to converging views among a large majority of those participating and demonstrate the progress the Security Council is making on the issue, while some delegations still saw the need for further discussion.

Source: undocs.org

Climate and security: ministerial-level open debate

On 24 July, Security Council members held a ministerial-level open debate on “Climate and Security” in an open videoconference (VTC) format. The debate was co-sponsored by ten Council members: Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Niger, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia, the UK, and Vietnam. The debate was focused on how climate change effects can exacerbate, prolong and contribute to conflict and instability around the world. Miroslav Jenca, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the America, highlighted the diverse impact of climate-related security risks across different regions and stressed the importance of climate-sensitive conflict prevention and peacebuilding interventions. Colonel Mahamadou Magagi, director of the Centre National d’Etudes Strategiques et de Securite of Niger, described how climate change contributed to food insecurity and climate-induced migration in the Sahel. Coral Pasisi, director of the Sustainable Pacific Consultancy, Niue, explained the impact of climate change on exclusive economic zones, highlighting risks to the national identity and even existence of many Pacific Small Island Developing States.

Debate and Recommendations. Most delegations underscored the direct and indirect risks to peace and stability emanating from climate change impacts, a message underlined by speakers from the most vulnerable Member-States, and focused on concrete next steps to take. A few Member-States emphasized that they continue to see climate change effects primarily as a question of sustainable development, and that a general focus on the link between climate change and security threatened to divert resources and attention from the Council’s core mandate, while infringing on the mandates of other UN entities. Many speakers made proposals for enabling a more comprehensive response by the Security Council and the UN system to manage climate-related security risks more systematically. They emphasized in particular that the Security Council needs more thorough and authoritative information on climate-related security risks as a decision-making basis. For this purpose, many delegations requested context-specific reporting on climate-related security risks in relevant situations on the Council’s agenda as well as regular, comprehensive and enhanced reporting on climate-related security risks by the Secretary-General to the Security Council.

Moreover, speakers called for further strengthening of UN in-country resources, including in UN peace operations to enable a better response to requests for information and assessment of climate-related security risks. The important work of the UN Climate Security Mechanism was stressed in this respect. Finally, many speakers highlighted the important role data and forecasting could play in assessing risks early on. In this regard, Germany drew attention to the Global Risk and Foresight Assessment launched during the Berlin Climate and Security Conference 2020, which will provide a basis for evidence-based action on climate and security.

Many delegations also called on the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Representative on Climate and Security, to ensure relevant information reaches the attention of decision-makers across the UN system and to co-ordinate the UN response to these challenges. Moreover, they emphasized the need for better training and expertise on climate change within UN missions and mediation teams so that climate-related security risks would be systematically mainstreamed into prevention, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, mediation, and diplomatic efforts. In the context of the debate, the ten co-conveners and three incoming Council members – Ireland, Kenya and Norway – announced the convening of an Informal Group of Experts of the Security Council to support it in achieving a more comprehensive and systematic approach.

Conclusion: Climate-Related Security Risks in the UN Security Council. The Security Council members and UN Member-States expect the Security Council to address the security dimension of climate change effects more comprehensively and systematically, in order to safeguard international peace and security in a changing climate. The widespread support for the climate security agenda – encapsulated in an ambitious joint statement by the 51 member-states of the Group of Friends on Climate and Security delivered by Nauru – and the formation of the Informal Expert Group testify to the determination of a vast majority of Council and UN Member States to enhance the Council’s response to climate-related security risks.

Source: securitycouncilreport.org, climate-diplomacy.org

6.3. Secretariat

The Secretariat is one of the main organs of UN. At the head of the United Nations Secretariat is the Secretary-General, appointed by GA upon recommendation of UNSC for a 5-year term. Since January 1, 2017, Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General (Portugal).

Each year, the Secretary-General reports on the work of the Organization, including priority areas of the UN’s activity and future plans. 2020 Report highlights the work in the following areas: promotion of sustained economic growth and sustainable development; maintenance of international peace and security; development of Africa; promotion and protection of human rights; effective coordination of humanitarian assistance efforts; promotion of justice and international law; disarmament; drug control, crime prevention and combating terrorism. The Report presents critical results achieved to date and key transformations of the United to Reform Program, as well as key priorities for the Secretary General's work for 2019-2020: (1) 2030 Agenda and the decade of action (supported Governments and key stakeholders at all levels to kick-start the decade of action to accelerate implementation of SDGs by 2030); (2) climate action (ambitious action to combat climate change and its impacts, including through the 2019 Climate Action Summit initiatives, is vital to achieving the 2030 Agenda and the goals of the Paris Agreement, and to recovering better, together, from the COVID-19 pandemic); (3) gender equality (placed the spotlight on dismantling gender inequality and ensuring that equal participation and women’s leadership are at the heart of UN efforts to respond to global challenges).

Source: www.un.org/annualreport/ru/

6.4. United Nations Development Program

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is the UN's global development network that promotes positive change and gives countries access to the knowledge, experience and resources that help improve people's lives. It operates in 177 countries and territories.

UNDP Activity in the Central Asian States in 2020

UNDP in Kazakhstan

UNDP in Kazakhstan focuses its activities on SDGs implementation, water and land management, environmental protection, climate change, energy and other relevant development issues. In 2020, UNDP project portfolio in Kazakhstan included 36 projects.

SDGs. The following projects were initiated: “Support of the Government with SDG Financing Strategy” (2020-2021) in aligning policy and financing with SDGs towards adopting the Integrated National Financing Framework; (2) “SDG Finance Accelerator Joint Proposal Development” (2020-2021) aimed at identifying, testing, and scaling up financial mechanisms to support and leverage investment in projects that advance the SDGs in Kazakhstan. Since 2018, the “Partnering for Building a National SDG Platform” project is being implemented (2018-2019) to support the Government to nationalize, implement and monitor SDGs. The 2020 results: the Committee on Statistics was supported in organizing a series of workshops to finalize a nationalized set of SDG indicators; targets and indicators will be mainstreamed in national plans by the result of the SDG Coordination council meeting to be held in 2021; capacity of Com Stat was enhanced in providing trainings on methodologies to calculate SDG indicators with a focus on environmental and gender-related indicators; MFA is finalized with involvement of the national think tank JSC Economic Research Institute. The report will be validated by the Government of RK.

Water Management. The “Irrigation and Drainage in Kazakhstan, Capacity Building and Awareness Raising” project was continued (2017-2021) to develop the capacities of RSE “Kazvodkhoz” and its branches in Almaty and Turkestan regions by changing institutional management and improving irrigation water management. The 2020 results: the following documents were developed (1) New State Water Management Program 2020-2030 endorsed by the Government of Kazakhstan; (2) one concept on private public partnership in irrigation water sector and three master plans endorsed by the Chairman of the Committee for Water Resources; (3) 3 tariff methodologies submitted to RSE “Kazvodkhoz”; two water extension centers were established in Almaty and Turkestan regions; 750 farmers were trained through 36 on-line training and workshop programs in all six project target regions.

Land Resources and Ecosystem Management. In 2020, the following projects were continued: (1) “Sustainable Forest Management” (2017-2021) for conservation and sustainable management of key globally important ecosystems for multiple benefits; (2) Sixth Operational Phase of the GEF Small Grants Program (2017- 2021) focusing on resilient rural and peri-urban landscapes of steppe and desert ecosystems for sustainable development and global environmental protection; (3) “Sustainable Food Systems and Improved Ecosystems Services” (2019-2020) for restoration and sustainable management of cropland and grasslands in Kazakhstan in line with LDN concept for multiple lands, climate and biodiversity and economic benefits; (4) “Supporting Sustainable Land Management” (2015-2020) to transform land use practices in critical, productive, steppe, arid and semi-arid landscapes of Kazakhstan.

The following projects were launched: (1) “Mapping Nature for People and Planet” to map the Kazakhstan’s areas which are essential for human life and biodiversity and ecosystems conservation, for their further protection, management and restoration; (2) “Ecological Education in Kazakhstan” (2020-2025). The key outcome of the project is training of over 6 thousand teachers and creating a network of educational and model sites, preparation of educational and methodological packages in the field of environment protection, natural resource management, and environment and economic security.

Energy and Climate Change: (1) “Low-Carbon Urban Development” (2014-2019); (2) “Energy Efficient Standards and Labelling” (2017-2021) to transform Kazakhstan’s markets to energy efficient appliances and equipment, thereby reducing electricity consumption and GHG emissions; (3) “De-Risking Renewable Energy Investment” (2017-2021); (4) Development of Kazakhstan’s Eighth National Communication and Preparation of Two (Fourth and Fifth) Biennial Reports (2019-2022) to the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC in accordance with the commitment to the UNFCCC (grid emission factor for Kazakhstan is under development, national and international experts are working with Statistic data; on 27 October-5 November, trainings were held on “Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment”); (5) “Forest Carbon Offset Mechanisms” (2019-2021) to assist the Republic of Kazakhstan in fulfilling international obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the carbon footprint of electricity suppliers; (6) “National Determined Contributions Program in Kazakhstan” (2020-2022).

Capacity Building. First cohort of 30 participants under the “Supporting the Economic Empowerment of Afghan Women” project were enrolled in academic programs at the Kazakh-British Technical University, Agrarian and Satbayev Universities (Satbayev University).

Sources: kz.undp.org и open.undp.org/projects

UNDP in Kyrgyzstan

UNDP interventions in Kyrgyzstan are guided by the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for the Kyrgyz Republic 2018-2022, which outlines four priorities: (1) sustainable and inclusive economic growth, industrial, rural and agricultural development, food security and nutrition; (2) good governance, rule of law, human rights and gender equality; (3) environment, climate change, and disaster risk management; (4) social protection, health and education.

In 2020, UNDP project portfolio in Kyrgyzstan included 28 projects totaling US $24.54 million.

SDGs. Since 2018, UNDP in Kyrgyzstan is establishing a “National SDG Support Platform” (2018-2023) – an anchor point for advancing SDG integrated approaches. Since 2020, the United Nations Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund is implementing the project to create the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF).

Environment Protection: (1) “Conservation of Globally Important Biodiversity and Associated Land and Forest Resources of Western Tian Shan Mountain Forest Ecosystems to Support Sustainable Livelihoods” (2017-2021); (2) “Climate Resilience of the Batken Province” (2019-2020) through introduction of climate smart irrigation and mudflow protection measures under the UNDP and Russia Trust Fund for Development’s Climate Change Window. Repair works at 8 intra-farm irrigation facilities in the pilot Aiyl Aimaks of Batken province were completed, work was initiated to expand the network of agrometeorological observation; practical classes were held for farmers); (3) “Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate” (2016-2021) to strengthen integrated risk governance capacities and regional cooperation in Central Asia; (4) “Strengthening Capacities for Sustainable Development Finance in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Region” (2018-2020), which transferred an automated weather station and office рн иequipment worth US $56,786; (5) “Transboundary Cooperation for Snow Leopard and High Mountain Ecosystem Conservation” (2016-2020) to ensure stability of global snow leopard population; (6) “Capacity Building Towards Securing the Resilience of Communities and Institutions to Climate and Disaster Risks and Sustainable and Inclusive Natural Resource Management” (2018-2022); (7) “UN Support for Strengthening Disaster Preparedness” (2012-2020) to support activities of the Disaster Response Coordination Unit Secretariat; (8) “HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) – Stage 2” (2015-2020); (9) Advancing “Development of a National Adaptation Plan” process (2020-2023) for medium and long-term adaptation planning and implementation in the Kyrgyz Republic.

A project on climate diplomacy and security in Central Asia was presented. It is being implemented by UNDP in cooperation with relevant government agencies in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan with the support of the UK Government (17 December). The project will foster regional cooperation on climate policy and effective climate diplomacy, positioning by countries of their climate agendas based on science-based commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sources: kg.undp.org и open.undp.org/projects

UNDP in Tajikistanе

In 2020, UNDP project portfolio in Tajikistan included 49 projects with overall budget of US $28.83 million.

SDGs. The 2020 ongoing projects: (1) “Financing SDGs in Tajikistan” (2020) to support the Government of Tajikistan in achieving its national SDG targets through an integrated resource mobilization framework; (2) “Monitoring SDGs in Tajikistan” (2020-2021) to explore the needs for and expand support to strengthening national system for monitoring of SDG national indicators in close partnership with the Agency of Statistics under the President of Tajikistan.

Land and Water Resources: (1) “Building Climate Resilience in Agriculture and Water Sectors of Rural Tajikistan” (2019-2022), as a result of which: 4 project sites and 4 practices have been selected; сapacity needs assessment conducted in 5 jamoats (13 villages); 803 farmers (319 - 39.7% - women) have got trained in CCA agriculture and effective irrigation methods; field days conducted for farmers of Ayni and Penjikent districts; (2) “Support to Water Initiatives of Tajikistan” (2020-2021), with the overall objective to provide support in organization of the International Water Conference 2020 and to develop a project proposal in support of the implementation of IWRM-based water sector policy reforms; (3) “Tajikistan Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Phase III” (2018-2021) to strengthen policy development and reform at the national level. The 2020 results: Decree on tariff setting developed and approved by the Government; 2 meetings of Inter-ministerial working group on Drinking water and sanitation organized; 4 policy documents on tariff setting, taxation, construction norms and standards of rural WS systems and sanitation reform developed and published; (4) “Strengthening Communities in Khatlon Region and Rasht Valley” (2020-2022) to ensure that residents of pilot rural areas in Khatlon region and Rasht valley are equipped with skills for employment, self-employment and innovations in farming and agribusiness spheres. The Project Steering Committee meeting was held on 31 January.

Energy. The 2020 ongoing project: “Green Energy SME Development3472u6mhj37y jtr ny8 hu9y8nt” (2018-2023) to facilitate the transformation of Tajikistan’s energy sector, in particular the emergence of independent energy entrepreneurs.

Climate Change and Ecosystems: (1) “Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pamir Alay and Tian Shan Ecosystems for Snow Leopard Protection and Sustainable Community Livelihoods” (2016-2021); (2) “First Biennial Update Report and Fourth National Communication under the UNFCCC” (2016-2021) to enhance the implementation of disaster and climate risk management measures at national and sub-national levels. The 2020 results: the project collected and analyzed data on climatic conditions and socio-economic characteristics of the country over the past 10 years, the forecast of greenhouse gas emissions in Tajikistan until 2030 has been completed, and a tool for forecasting has been developed; (3) “Policy Action For Climate Security In Central Asia” (2020-2022); (4) “Conservation and Sustainable Management of High-Value Arid Ecosystems in the Lower Amu Darya Basin” (2020-2021); (5) “Facilitating Climate Resilience in Tajikistan” (2017-2021) is expected to contribute to building climate resilient communities across Tajikistan and address specific threats to lives and social infrastructure posed by climate-induced natural hazards. The Steering Committee meeting was held on 25 December; (6) “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance in Tajikistan” (2016-2020) to reduce the human and material impact of disasters on Tajikistan by improving the risk governance; (7) “An Integrated Landscape Approach to Enhancing the Climate Resilience of Small-Scale Farmers and Pastoralists in Tajikistan” (2019-2025); (8) “Climate Promise: Support to NDC Revision in Tajikistan” (2020-2021); (9) “Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Response Capacities in Tajikistan” (2016-2021) supports the Government of Tajikistan to undertake a nation-wide risk assessment, establish and implement risk reduction measures and improve early warning. The Project Steering Committee meeting was held on 18 February.

Sourcestj.undp.org и open.undp.org/projects

UNDP in Turkmenistan

In 2020, UNDP project portfolio in Turkmenistan included 20 projects.

SDGs. The “Partnering for SDG Acceleration” project was continued (2018-2021). In 2020, the following events were held: (1) online workshop on digital economy; (2) international seminar on financing for development, with adoption of a final statement; (3) a webinar “Review and Guidance on Global, International and Regional Funds to Finance the SDGs in Turkmenistan”.

Water Management. The “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Sustainable Water Management in Turkmenistan” project was continued (2015-2022). The 2020 results: seedlings of orchards and vineyards planted together with the “Turkmensuwylymtaslama” design research institute on a research area of 145 hectares in Gokdepe; 1st edition of a methodology for the development of on-farm and inter-farm water use plans prepared and demonstrated to national water specialists; comments received from the State Committee for Water Management; the regulatory documents in the field of integrated management and protection of water resources developed, agreed with the concerned ministries and institutions, and submitted for approval with a total of 9 documents; three small demonstration projects on solar-based water supply implemented in desert areas. The following events were held: for representatives of the water, agricultural and agribusiness spheres the online training on water saving irrigation organized by the joint project of UNDP and the State Committee for Water Management (17 September); practical classes for students of the Turkmen State Agricultural University (2 July, “Turkmensuwylymtaslama”).

Land Management.The “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits” was launched (2020-2021).

Climate Change and Environment Protection: (1) “Supporting Climate Resilient Livelihoods in Agricultural Communities in Drought-Prone Areas of Turkmenistan” (2016-2022). Project results: four gender sensitive local adaptation plans prepared and adopted by three farmers associations; 529 targeted agricultural farmers and pastoralists reported on improved crop production and livelihoods; 59% participating households from 3 farmers’ associations (Watan, Parahat and Yagtylyk) and 1 livestock farm (Garagum) reported 10-15% additional income earned. The following events were held: a webinar “Establishing Agricultural Advisory Services and Knowledge Dissemination Services in Turkmenistan” (16 October); online working meeting to discuss the draft instruction describing collection and processing procedures and the use of gender-disaggregated data in sectoral planning and budgeting for climate change adaptation (26-27 November); (2) the “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated Green Urban Development in Ashgabat and Awaza” (2017-2023) project, which held the first working meeting to discuss the development of the draft National Strategy in the field of waste management on 28 February; special equipment purchased and installed to monitor atmospheric air for the Environmental Monitoring Service and regional laboratories of the Nature Protection Departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection. After the conference “Preservation of the Unique Nature and Ecological System of Turkmenistan is the Key to Sustainable Development”, the following documents have been signed: MoU between UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection on cooperation in the field of environment protection; MoU between UNDP and the State Committee for Water Management on cooperation in the field of water management, protection and use; Annual Work Plans for 2021 of the joint projects (1) between UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated Green Urban Development in Ashgabat and Avaza”; (2) between UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection “Supporting climate resilient livelihoods in agricultural communities in drought-prone areas of Turkmenistan” (2 December).

Sources: tm.undp.org и open.undp.org/projects

UNDP in Uzbekistan

The Country Program Document guides UNDP interventions at country level for the period of 2016-2020, which includes four outcome areas: (1) inclusive economic development, with focus on employment and social protection; (2) environmental protection to ensure sustainable development; (3) effective governance to enhance public service delivery; and (4) protection of rights.

In 2020, UNDP project portfolio in Uzbekistan included 35 projects with overall budget of US $22.35 million.

SDGs. The “Financing for Sustainable Development” project (2020-2023) was launched to ensure that the attainment of SDGs in Uzbekistan will be accelerated thanks to more efficient, transparent and results-oriented use of public finance resources.

Water Management. UNDP continued to implement the “Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Rural Areas in Uzbekistan: Technical Capacity Building” project in 6 pilot provinces (2016-2020). 2020 results: water supply to 13 000 ha of irrigated land improved and led to a 30-50% reduction in water losses through repair and reconstruction of water canals and gates; drip irrigation systems installed in 35 household plots and 1 farm; 14 international standards for metrology and standardization approved by UzStandard and implemented in Uzbekistan; National Unified Capacity Building Program, including 8 training modules for water professionals developed; 3,718 water specialists got new knowledge and improved their practical skills in water management, hydrometry and metrology, large structures and water reservoirs, irrigation and land reclamation, water pumping and energy saving; 6 BISAs, TIIAME and Research Institute of Irrigation and Water Problems equipped with modern digital water meters. Regulations governing contractual relations between water users and water consumers have been developed and approved; normative documents have been developed for adapting irrigation canals to drip irrigation systems and on drip irrigation of agricultural crops. Future interventions: ensuring the irrigation infrastructure development; automation of large engineering structure operations; improving the monitoring system, water and energy saving technology application in 6 pilot regions; creation of centers for water saving technologies.

Land Resources and Ecosystem Management. The 2020 ongoing projects: (1) “Sustainable Natural Resource and Forest Management in Key Mountainous Areas Important for Globally Significant Biodiversity” (2017-2022), within the framework of which training in handling the Biodiversity Information Management System and the Biodiversity Information Center of Uzbekistan was held (from 26 February to 3 March); the Resource Center has got modern IT equipment; (2) “Sustainable Rural Housing and Settlements in Uzbekistan” to transform the rapidly growing rural housing sector in Uzbekistan towards a more sustainable and low-carbon development pathway by designing, piloting and scaling-up a green mortgage market mechanism (2015- 2023); (3) “Complete HCFC Phase-out in Uzbekistan” through promotion of zero ozone-depleting substances low GWP Energy Efficient Technologies (2018-2024); (4) “Sustainable Development of Mountain Ecosystems” (2017-2022), within the framework of which in 2020 camera traps were installed in snow leopard habitat for detailed data analysis and research on snow leopard species; the project conducted a series of training workshops; a contract was concluded between UNDP and State Cadaster Committee for establishment of a buffer zone of Chatkal State Biosphere Reserve and establish an ecological corridor between the Ugam Chatkal State Biosphere Reserve and Chatkal State Biosphere Reserve; pasture management plans were developed this year for 8 pilot forest enterprises; forest restoration activities were carried out in 2,730 ha of forest land, and there was natural regeneration of forest in 300 ha in Akhangaran state forest enterprise.

Climate-related activities. Development of the National Adaptation Plan (2020-2022) began to advance medium and long-term climate change adaptation planning in Uzbekistan. The 2020 ongoing projects: (1) “Resilience of Farming to Climate Change Risks in Fergana” aims to institutionalize integrated services to agricultural producers in the pilot region that enhance their adaptation to the impacts of climate change (2019-2021). The project successfully completed installation of a network of 9 agrometeorological stations; the recommendations on improvement of soil and water management, and use of biological pest control methods have been included to respective sections of the Concept of Namangan region development for 2020-2030; 7 business projects have been selected through competitive process for technical and financial support by the project; 8 thematic seminars and 2 webinars were held on certification and standardization of fruits and vegetables, business planning and marketing, climate change and adaptation measures in target areas of the Fergana Valley; (2) “Developing Climate Resilience” project to develop climate resilience of farming and pastoral communities in the drought prone parts of Uzbekistan, specifically Karakalpakstan (2014-2021); (3) “Promoting Green Urban Development in Tashkent” to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the City of Tashkent that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector and improve urban environmental quality (2019-2020).

Activities in the Aral Sea: (1) “Sustainable Management of Lakes and Wetlands” (2020-2021) as pillars of a resilient and land degradation neutral Aral basin landscape supporting sustainable livelihoods; (2) “Building the Resilience of Local Communities Against Health, Environmental and Economic Insecurities in the Aral Sea Region” (2020-2021); (3) “Building the Resilience of Communities Affected by the Aral Sea Disaster” (2016-2019) through a Multi-Partner Human Security Fund for the Aral Sea; (4) “Addressing the Urgent Human Insecurities in the Aral Sea” (2019-2021) to address the environmental, social and economic insecurities in the most vulnerable communities of the Aral Sea (see Results of Expeditions on the Exposed Bed of the Aral Sea in 2019-2020).

UNDP in Uzbekistan launched the Green Aral Sea crowdfunding campaign (11 March); commenced to host the series of trainings to assist national experts and specialists in fine-tuning the Concept Note on “The Aral Sea Region – an Area of Ecological Innovation and Technologies” and developing a Roadmap for its operationalization (from 8 June); with the Ministry of Innovative Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan co-hosted a virtual training on the practical application of the Systems Innovations Approach in support of the process of transforming the Aral Sea region into an Area of Ecological Innovation and Technologies (7-8 October).

Sources: uz.undp.org и open.undp.org/projects