Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  At the ongoing COP29 Climate Summit, the United Nations held a special event highlighting sustainable development efforts in the Aral Sea region. The event showcased the outcomes of six years of work to address the aftermath of this ecological disaster. 

Key achievements of projects implemented by the Aral Sea Trust Fund were presented, benefiting over 293,000 people. These initiatives demonstrate positive progress in restoring the environment and enhancing the resilience of local communities. 

Partners such as the Global Green Growth Institute, Italy, the OPEC Fund, and UN agencies (UNDP, UNECE, UNFPA) reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development in the region, taking on new responsibilities to address climate challenges. 

The Aral Sea Trust Fund and its partners are focused on scaling innovative solutions to support health, livelihoods, and the resilience of local communities. 

The Aral Sea region serves as a global example of combating the effects of climate change. It demonstrates that collaborative efforts among the international community, the government of Uzbekistan, and local residents can yield tangible results. This experience offers a valuable model for other regions facing similar environmental challenges. 

“Together, we are building pathways to a sustainable future,” stated Ivana Živković, Assistant Administrator of UNDP and Regional Director. “The UN family and UNDP Country Office in Uzbekistan remain committed to the Aral Sea region, ensuring our interventions contribute to climate adaptation, health, and community resilience.” 

The event reaffirmed that addressing the consequences of the Aral Sea ecological catastrophe is a long-term endeavor requiring sustainable solutions and continuous support.