Central Asia Strengthens Coordination on Disaster Risk Reduction

Tashkent, 29 April 2026 — A high-level event was held in Tashkent to mark the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Earthquakes, during which the countries of Central Asia signed a Joint Statement on cooperation to enhance the region’s seismic resilience.

The event brought together more than 300 participants from 22 countries, including representatives of governments, international organizations, the scientific community, as well as experts in seismology and disaster risk management.

As part of the event, the Director of the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction, D. Ukashev, delivered welcoming remarks. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of systematically strengthening regional cooperation in disaster risk reduction and presented the role and position of the Center in enhancing and deepening cooperation among the countries of the region.

During the event, a new regional UNDP project, “Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction Systems in Central Asia,” was presented. The project is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented in partnership with the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction, which serves as the implementing partner.

The project aims to strengthen regional coordination, improve joint response mechanisms, introduce modern earthquake monitoring and early warning systems, and enhance preparedness for transboundary emergencies.

A key outcome of the event was the signing of the Joint Statement by the heads of emergency authorities of the five Central Asian countries, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening seismic resilience, improving response preparedness, and ensuring effective recovery after emergencies. The document provides for the development of data exchange, enhancement of early warning mechanisms, strengthening of institutional capacity, and expansion of regional partnerships.