The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan (GoU) continues to support the communities of the Aral Sea region by making another significant contribution of USD 1.5 million to the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund (the Fund/MPHSTF) for the Aral region in Uzbekistan (MPHSTF), which is the fourth time that Uzbekistan is making such financial support.  

The Government along with the United Nations in Uzbekistan being the Co-chairs of the Fund, became the first donor of the MPHSTF back in 2018. Due to the unprecedented Government support, over 20,000 people in Karakalpakstan have benefited from the programmes and projects of the Fund including 3,500 people who gained access to clean drinking water in five rural communities of Tazakonis, Beltau, Mulk, Marjankol and Janadarya. Further, more than 12,000 mothers and newborns have received improved medical services in the three perinatal centers in Nukus city, Kungrad, and Beruniy districts in 2021. Thirteen small business projects have been supported through capacity building and equipment procurement, as a result of which more than 60 jobs were created. 

In strong cooperation with the Participating UN Organizations, national and local development partners, NGOs, CSOs, the MPHSTF adheres to its commitment to making a change in the lives of the Aral Sea communities through its development programmes. Its prospects are in enhancing the social infrastructure, improving health services and facilities, and strengthening human capital, focusing on the “leave no one behind” concept as an overarching principle.

As stated by Mr. Sardor Umurzakov, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “to achieve the sustainability of the Aral Sea region it is imperative to join our efforts to utilize an inclusive, transparent, and effective mechanism that will enable better coordination.” 

The United Nations acknowledges the continuous support of the Government of Uzbekistan towards sustainable development in the Aral Sea Region. The GoU’s commitments multiply the joint efforts and contributions from the Governments of Norway, Finland, the Republic of Korea, the European Union, and the Alwaleed Philanthropies. Through the generous support of these development partners, the MPHSTF through its programmes and projects is able to respond more to the needs of the people of the Aral Sea region reaching the vulnerable groups including children, youth, women, and the elderly.

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The MPHSTF, established under the auspices of the United Nations in late 2018, provides an integrated platform for national and international cooperation to address the ecological and socio-economic needs of communities living in the Aral Sea region, as well as to accelerate joint efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

On 27 November 2018, the Government of Uzbekistan and the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) Office in New York signed a Standard Administrative Agreement (SAA) on a contribution of USD 6.5 million to the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral region in Uzbekistan (MPHSTF) to be transferred in four tranches from 2019 to 2022.

Originally published on aral.mptf.uz