Karachi: UN General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution initiated by Uzbekistan ‘Central Asia in face of environmental challenges: strengthening regional solidarity for sake of sustainable development and prosperity”.

According to press release received here intergovernmental negotiation process to develop and agree on text of resolution took place over two months, namely in October-November at UN headquarters in New York. Experts from countries from all continents of world, including USA, Russia, China, France, Great Britain, Germany, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and others, actively participated in consultations. As result, representatives of more than 100 countries made numerous proposals to fill text with specific content and achieve universal consensus.

Next specifically mentions several initiatives of President of Uzbekistan, including ‘Green Agenda for Central Asia’ and its role in promoting sustainable development in region. In resolution, member states welcome initiative of Uzbekistan to hold International Climate Forum in Samarkand in 2024. Particular attention is paid to efforts to mitigate consequences of drying up of Aral Sea, with special emphasis on activities of UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security for Aral Sea region, created on initiative of head of Uzbekistan. An appeal was made to international community to continue to support this fund. Document notes importance of introducing innovative methods and new technologies in fight against desertification and land degradation. Contains greetings to successful holding for first time in Central Asia of 21st session of Committee to Review Implementation of UN Convention to Combat Desertification and high-level meeting on combating sand and dust storms on November 13-17 in Samarkand.

Resolution contains specific tasks to effectively counter climate and environmental threats in Central Asia, including through 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.

General Assembly recommended that UN system, international and financial institutions, private sector, investors and donors continue to mobilise resources, build capacity and provide assistance to address environmental problems in Central Asia.

Resolution also sets out initiatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan in field of environmental protection.

Document was presented on behalf of all Central Asian countries. Co-sponsors of resolution also included countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, China, Singapore, Hungary, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan and Paraguay (covering representatives of all UN regional groups).

Following adoption of resolution, UN News Service published an article entitled “UN General Assembly adopted resolution to combat environmental problems in Central Asia.” It notes that climate change is one of most complex problems of our time and creates serious difficulties for sustainable development of all countries. As stated in publication, speaking at UN in September, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that over past thirty years, air temperature in region has increased by one and half degrees. “This is twice global average warming,” portal quotes head of Uzbekistan. “As result, about third of total area of glaciers has disappeared.” Article also quotes words of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev that if this trend continues, then in next twenty years flow of two large rivers in region-Amu Darya and Syrdarya-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 time, calling on international community to take action.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 30 2023

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