The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This document establishes long-term cooperation to enhance climate change resilience for children, youth, and local communities across the country, as well as to strengthen disaster preparedness systems.
The memorandum provides a systematic platform for developing child-focused cooperation in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness planning, and resilience building. It expands opportunities for joint efforts by partner organizations to create a safer environment for children and communities throughout Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan's Minister of Emergency Situations, Azizbek Ikromov, stated: "This memorandum marks a new stage of cooperation between the Ministry of Emergency Situations and UNICEF. It reflects our commitment to strengthening disaster risk reduction systems and ensuring the safety and well-being of children across Uzbekistan."
The agreement envisions cooperation to strengthen institutional capacity at national and local levels, expand training programs for children and communities on the basics of emergency preparedness, support inclusive approaches for children with disabilities, promote evidence-based planning, and develop innovative educational tools for emergency preparedness.
Additionally, it supports the implementation of Uzbekistan's priority directions within the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Regina Castillo, Head of UNICEF's Office in Uzbekistan, noted: "Strengthening preparedness systems to protect children and families from growing risks associated with natural disasters and climate change is crucial. Through this cooperation, UNICEF continues to support national partners in creating stronger and more resilient systems to protect every child."
As part of the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Emergency Situations and UNICEF, approaches are being advanced to conduct comprehensive school safety assessments across the country covering approximately 1,100 educational institutions, strengthen social protection mechanisms responsive to emergencies, and develop public engagement to support child-oriented emergency preparedness systems throughout Uzbekistan.
Source: www.gazeta.uz