Strengthening Regional Partnership: CESDRR and UNHCR Discuss Cooperation in Emergency Preparedness and Response

ALMATY, 13 May 2026 – An official working meeting was held at the office of the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR) with the leadership of the Regional Representation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Central Asia.

The purpose of the UNHCR delegation’s visit was to gain insight into the activities of the Center and to exchange views on potential areas of cooperation in humanitarian response, preparedness for large-scale emergencies, and the protection of the most vulnerable population groups in the context of transboundary challenges.

The UNHCR delegation participating in the meeting included Mr. Mahir Safarli, UNHCR Regional Representative for Central Asia; Mr. Bekzat Zhakupov, Programme Officer; and Ms. Aiya Siyaz, External Relations Officer.

During the official part of the meeting, CESDRR Director Dzhergalbek Ukashev presented a comprehensive overview of the organization’s activities over the past decade, highlighting the Center’s unique role as a regional hub coordinating the efforts of Central Asian countries in the field of protecting populations and territories from natural and man-made disasters.

Key Discussion Topics: Particular attention was given to aligning the mandates of the two organizations. The participants noted that integrating the Center’s expertise in civil protection with UNHCR’s experience in international protection would help establish more effective mechanisms for responding to crisis situations.

Mr. Mahir Safarli emphasized UNHCR’s significant role in Central Asia in emergency preparedness and response related to forced displacement. In particular, he highlighted the importance of the UNHCR Global Stockpile in Termez (Republic of Uzbekistan) in responding to humanitarian crises both within the region and beyond. UNHCR also expressed its readiness for close cooperation with the Center, including the prospect of signing a Memorandum of Understanding on mutually beneficial cooperation in this field.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed practical aspects of operational information exchange, as well as possible areas for further cooperation, including the organization of joint activities such as training sessions and workshops on the implementation of international humanitarian assistance standards in emergency situations. In addition, the possibility of utilizing the Center’s expert capacity within selected UNHCR initiatives in Central Asian countries was addressed.

Outcomes and Prospects: At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed mutual interest in formalizing long-term cooperation. An agreement was reached to begin work on a joint Action Plan that will include specific measures aimed at strengthening the capacity of countries in the region in disaster risk reduction, taking into account the interests of displaced persons and other categories of population in need of protection.

“Cooperation with UNHCR opens a new chapter in expanding the humanitarian dimension of our work. By joining efforts, we will be able not only to respond effectively to threats, but also to ensure compliance with international standards of assistance to affected populations,” CESDRR Director Dzhergalbek Ukashev stated at the conclusion of the meeting.