Members of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, December 19, unanimously approved the resolution proposed by Uzbekistan, co-authored by a number of countries, “Central Asia in the face of environmental problems: strengthening regional solidarity for the sake of sustainable development and prosperity.”
The document confirms that climate change is one of the most complex problems of our time and creates serious difficulties for the sustainable development of all countries.
The resolution especially notes the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to solve environmental problems in Central Asia, including the Aral Sea region, and promoting socio-economic development and taking measures to adapt to climate change.
The authors of the resolution recall that the heads of state of Central Asia previously adopted the regional program “Green Agenda for Central Asia”, aimed at promoting sustainable development.
The important role of new and innovative technologies and best practices in combating desertification, drought and sand and dust storms in Central Asia is also highlighted.
The resolution calls on the countries of Central Asia and around the world, as well as all interested parties, to intensify efforts to protect mountain ecosystems and preserve glaciers.
Speaking at the UN in September, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that over the past thirty years, air temperatures in the region have increased by one and a half degrees. “This is twice the global average warming,” he emphasized. “As a result, about a third of the total area of glaciers has disappeared.”
According to the head of Uzbekistan, if this trend continues, then in the next twenty years the flow of two large rivers in the region - the Amudarya and Syrdarya - may decrease by 15%. “Per capita water availability is expected to decline by 25% and crop yields by 40%,” he added at the time, calling on the international community to take action.
The document also proposes to strengthen the scientific and technological potential of the Central Asian countries to promote the development of sustainable agriculture, rational use of water resources, waste recycling, energy efficiency, the development of sustainable tourism, the creation of “smart cities” and sustainable transport.
The draft resolution was co-sponsored by 35 UN member states from all regions of the world. Among them are all countries of Central Asia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Venezuela, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Germany, Switzerland, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Singapore, Turkey, Paraguay and others.