Samarkand Hosts Talks on Pesticide and Chemical Safety

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A high-level event dedicated to strengthening Uzbekistan’s lifecycle management system for pesticides and hazardous chemicals was held as part of the Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 international exhibition in Samarkand. The event was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.

The meeting served as a platform to discuss progress in building a comprehensive national system for chemical management based on a lifecycle approach, covering production, use and the safe disposal of waste.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has consistently implemented reforms to improve mechanisms for handling hazardous chemicals and waste in line with international environmental obligations. Particular attention has been paid to eliminating environmental risks associated with obsolete pesticides, persistent organic pollutants and contaminated sites, as well as introducing preventive measures to avoid similar problems in the future.

Opening remarks were delivered by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Adviser to the President of Uzbekistan on environmental issues; Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions; Sherzod Umarov, Deputy FAO Representative in Uzbekistan; Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan; and representatives of the Global Environment Facility.

Speakers emphasized that effective chemical management is a key condition for ensuring environmental safety, sustainable agricultural development and the protection of public health.

According to Sherzod Umarov, Deputy FAO Representative in Uzbekistan, the organization continues to support the country in developing a modern pesticide and hazardous chemical management system based on international standards and principles of sustainable development.

Rolph Payet noted that rational chemical management not only reduces environmental and climate risks, but also contributes to strengthening food security, protecting livelihoods and increasing the resilience of national economies.

During the technical session, participants presented progress in developing monitoring and laboratory control systems, improving the regulatory framework, reducing risks associated with highly hazardous pesticides, and introducing sustainable pest and disease control methods in agriculture.

Particular attention was given to environmentally safe disposal of obsolete pesticides, strengthening national monitoring and control systems, and developing modern agricultural technologies that reduce dependence on hazardous chemicals.

Experts stressed that building an effective chemical management system requires a comprehensive approach and close cooperation between government bodies, international organizations, the scientific community, the private sector and civil society.

The event brought together representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, UN system organizations, international financial institutions, donor organizations, research institutions and civil society groups.

Participants concluded by reaffirming the importance of further strengthening international cooperation and mobilizing resources to develop a sustainable, integrated and effective chemical and waste management system in Uzbekistan.

They emphasized that consistent implementation of such initiatives will not only help address accumulated environmental risks but also lay the foundation for long-term environmentally safe and sustainable development.