Tashkent, 30 March 2022- the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Uzbekistan and the United Nations (UN) represented by the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Uzbekistan signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to promote the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

The common intent of the two parties is to strategically collaborate to support the achievement of the SDGs through proactively addressing the human security issues in the Aral Sea Region related to social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Through the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region in Uzbekistan (MPHSTF), a convening platform for development intervention coordination in the Aral Sea, the UN RCO and GGGI seek to make progress on recovery and climate resilience in the post-COVID-19 era, specifically along with the key cross-cutting areas of common interest.  GGGI and the UN RCO support to bring together governments, development partners, NGOs, CSOs, and academia to promote integrated solutions to tackle existing challenges in the Aral Sea Region.  

Dr. Aaron Russel, Country Representative of the GGGI Office in Uzbekistan underlined, “the new collaboration with the United Nations will enable to enhance the effectiveness of program delivery and its coordination with partners, share data and knowledge, and expand partnerships for the sustainable development of the Aral Sea region”.

In her remarks, Ms. Roli Asthana, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan warmly welcomed the new development partner, GGGI, and underscored the statement of the UN Secretary-General that, “we cannot go back to the old normal of inequality, injustice and heedless dominion over the Earth. For the Aral Sea region, we must step towards a safer, more sustainable, and equitable path. Therefore, I urge the development partners in Uzbekistan to act with urgency and hope”.

Originally published on aral.mptf.uz