Working Meeting of the Center with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the Development of Regional Cooperation in Disaster Risk Reduction

On 3 February 2026, the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction held a working meeting with representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Mitsuo Murayama and Ms. Uehara Makiko. The meeting focused on the Center’s participation and role in the implementation of the regional project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Office, “Strengthening the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction System in Central Asia,” funded by the Government of Japan.

During the meeting, the Center presented information on the work carried out over the past period, including the outcomes of the Regional Forum – Meeting of Heads of Emergency Authorities of Central Asian countries, as well as current and planned initiatives aimed at developing regional mechanisms for early warning, information exchange, and coordination of actions in transboundary emergency situations. Particular attention was given to the Center’s role as an intergovernmental platform with the appropriate mandate to coordinate joint actions of the countries of the region in the field of disaster risk reduction.

For their part, JICA representatives provided information on the Agency’s priority areas of activity in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Central Asia, noting the strategic importance of the region in the context of the global agenda on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. It was emphasized that Japan is ready to share advanced technologies, practical experience, and innovative solutions developed in the areas of natural hazard monitoring, early warning, seismic safety, public preparedness, and emergency response.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further developing cooperation, including within the framework of UNDP projects and possible future initiatives with JICA’s support. The readiness to consider the Center as a key regional partner for the implementation of donor-funded and technical programs in Central Asian countries aimed at enhancing the resilience of states and populations to disasters was also highlighted.