The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution initiated by Uzbekistan on environmental challenges in Central AsiaPublished on EGF: 29.12.2023 by EGF Editor
The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution on "Central Asia in the face of environmental challenges: strengthening regional solidarity for the sake of sustainable development and prosperity". The resolution initiated and proposed by Uzbekistan and unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly highlights the pressing environmental challenges faced in Central Asia. This region, known for its diverse ecosystems and natural resources, has been grappling with various environmental issues that require immediate attention and joint collaborative efforts. The resolution serves as a significant step towards addressing these challenges and fostering sustainable development in the region. Central Asia, comprising countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, faces a range of environmental issues. These include water scarcity, desertification, deforestation, air pollution, and the impact of climate change. These challenges not only pose risks to the region's ecosystems but also have far-reaching consequences for the livelihoods and well-being of its population. The resolution recognizes the need for comprehensive strategies and cooperation among Central Asian countries to tackle these environmental challenges effectively. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable resource management, conservation efforts, and the adoption of eco-friendly practices. Additionally, the resolution encourages the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and technological advancements to address these issues collectively. The intergovernmental negotiation process to develop and agree on the text of the resolution took place over two months, namely in October-November 2023 at the UN headquarters in New York. Experts from different countries, including the USA, Russia, China, France, Great Britain, Germany, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and others, actively participated in the consultations. As a result, representatives of more than 100 countries made numerous proposals to fill the text with specific content and achieve universal consensus. The text specifically mentions a number of initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan, including the "Green Agenda for Central Asia" and its role in promoting sustainable development in the region. In the resolution, member states welcome the initiative of Uzbekistan to hold the International Climate Forum in Samarkand in 2024. Particular attention is paid to efforts to mitigate the consequences of the drying up of the Aral Sea, with special emphasis on the activities of the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security for the Aral Sea region, created on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan. An appeal was made to the international community to continue to support this fund. The document notes the importance of introducing innovative methods and new technologies in the fight against desertification and land degradation, contains greetings to the successful holding for the first time in Central Asia of the 21st session of the Committee to Review the Implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and a high-level meeting on combating sand and dust storms on November 13-17, 2023 in Samarkand. The resolution contains specific tasks to effectively counter climate and environmental threats in Central Asia, including through the development of sustainable agriculture, landscaping, rational use of water resources, energy efficiency, waste recycling, development of sustainable tourism, creation of "smart cities" and sustainable transport. The General Assembly recommended that the UN system, international and financial institutions, the private sector, investors and donors continue to mobilize resources, build capacity and provide assistance to address environmental problems in Central Asia. The resolution also sets out the initiatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan in the field of environmental protection. The document was presented on behalf of all Central Asian countries. The co-authors of the resolution also included countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, China, Singapore, Hungary, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, Paraguay (covering representatives of all UN regional groups). Following the adoption of the resolution, the UN News Service published an article entitled "The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to combat environmental problems in Central Asia." It notes that climate change is one of the most complex problems of our time and creates serious difficulties for the sustainable development of all countries. As stated in the publication, speaking at the UN in September, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that over the past thirty years the air temperature in the region has increased by one and a half degrees. "This is twice the global average warming," the portal quotes the leader of Uzbekistan. "As a result, about a third of the total area of glaciers has disappeared." The article also quotes the words of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev that if this trend continues, then in the next twenty years the flow of two large rivers in the region - the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya - may decrease by 15 percent. "Per capita water availability is expected to decline by 25 percent and crop yields by 40 percent," he added at the time, calling on the international community to take action. The international community has recognized Uzbekistan's proactive policy and measures in addressing environmental and climate challenges. Uzbekistan has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation, which has received high appreciation and support from the global community. The Government of Uzbekistan has implemented various initiatives to tackle environmental issues effectively. These include the promotion of renewable energy sources, the establishment of protected areas and national parks, and the implementation of water management strategies. Uzbekistan's efforts in afforestation and reforestation have also been acknowledged as crucial steps towards mitigating the impact of climate change and preserving biodiversity. Furthermore, Uzbekistan has actively participated in international forums and collaborations focused on environmental sustainability. The country's engagement in multilateral agreements and partnerships demonstrates its dedication to finding collective solutions to global environmental challenges. The international community recognizes Uzbekistan's role as a responsible stakeholder in addressing climate change and environmental issues in Central Asia. The recognition of Uzbekistan's policy and measures by the international community serves as an encouragement for the government to continue its efforts in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection. It also highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among nations to effectively combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all. | Security | The Caspian and Central Asia |
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Qodir Djuraev, MP, Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan