Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan will contribute US$5 million to the second phase of the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea region, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan said.
The funding commitment was announced at an event held at the Uzbekistan Pavilion during the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31). Participants reviewed the results of the fund’s first phase and discussed prospects for attracting international partners to its next stage.
The fund was established in 2018 to coordinate efforts by the government, UN agencies and development partners to address environmental, social and economic challenges in the Aral Sea region.
During its first phase, the fund mobilised US$16.2 million. Nine joint programmes and one project implemented by an individual agency received funding through four calls for proposals. Eight UN system organisations took part in their implementation.
By the end of 2023, the projects had reached more than 293,000 direct beneficiaries across eight districts of Karakalpakstan.
The fund’s second phase will run until 2030. It aims to move beyond individual pilot initiatives towards comprehensive programmes with measurable results and broader coverage.
Uzbekistan’s US$5 million contribution is expected to provide a basis for attracting additional funding from international partners, developing blended financing mechanisms and expanding the range of participating organisations.
The next phase will prioritise strengthening climate resilience, improving water resource management, supporting healthcare and promoting sustainable sources of income. It will also include developing environmental and professional skills and attracting private investment.
Participants discussed the possibility of involving organisations outside the UN system in project implementation, subject to established legal and financial requirements.
They also focused on developing an investment portfolio that brings together the region’s climate, environmental and social priorities.
