Day: October 6, 2022

A three-day Regional Forum – Meeting of the Heads of Emergency Authorities in Central Asia concluded in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe on October 6.

 

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Tajikistan says this high-level annual meeting has brought together heads of emergency situations authorities and other government officials from all five Central Asian countries, as well as international development institutions, experts and representatives of academic and research institutions in the area of natural hazards and disaster risk management.

 

Participants reportedly discussed measures to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen the resilience of Central Asian countries, as well as prospects for a regional early warning system and implementation of information and communication technologies for disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the region.

 

In her opening remarks, Ms. Terhi Hakala, EU Special Representative for Central Asia underlined: “From the EU perspective, Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia cuts across many sectors, including water, agriculture, climate change, energy, security, health. Currently the EU finances nine major projects worth almost EUR 40 million that help strengthen DRR systems and build climate resilience. We value our cooperation in this area with our Central Asian partners, UN agencies, the OSCE, World Bank, EBRD and International Science and Technology Center, and the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction in Almaty.”

 

In her opening remarks, Ms. Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR, said: “This Forum is a chance to strengthen regional cooperation around disaster risk reduction, so climate and disaster risks no longer threaten Central Asia’s future. The region has an agreed Strategy and Roadmap, so we must now accelerate implementation to meet the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk.”

 

“The World Bank highly appreciates the role of this Regional Forum as an effective platform to enhance cooperation among the five countries in disaster risk preparedness. It has become a stage where heads of emergency situations agencies and international development institutions can collectively discuss measures to strengthen the region’s resilience to natural disasters”, said Ms. Chyi-Yun Huang, Senior Urban Development and Disaster Risk Management Specialist at the World Bank.

 

The meeting has been hosted by the Emergencies Committee under the Government of Tajikistan and supported by the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR), which acts as a secretariat of the Regional Forum. This event has been financially supported by the European Union (EU), with the technical support and coordination of the World Bank, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), and UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

 

Delegates jointly reviewed and made recommendations on the next steps for the Action Plan (Roadmap) to take forward the regional ‘Strategy of Cooperation in Central Asia for Disaster Risk Reduction for 2022 – 2030, which had been adopted at the last Regional Forum held in Tashkent in 2021.

 

The EU supports Central Asian countries in strengthening their disaster resilience and accelerating risk reduction through a two-tiered regional initiative, which started its implementation in 2019. The initiative has two results areas, whereby UNDRR supports strengthening regional, national and local coordination, governance systems and strategies in DRR, disaster data collection mechanisms, and monitoring progress in the achievement of the goals set in the Sendai Framework 2015-2030. The second result area is implemented by the World Bank under the management of GFDRR and focused on strengthening the evidence and capacity for financial resilience and risk reduction at national and regional levels in Central Asia. Both result areas are implemented in close collaboration with the Almaty-based CESDRR.

 

On October 4, an extended meeting of the Regional Scientific and Technical Council (RSTC) took place where the findings of the new regional risk assessment for Central Asia and selected country reports with a focus on strengthening resilience of the social protection systems were presented. Furthermore, roundtables were held where participants discussed prospects for emergency preparedness and response through disaster risk financing and the role of the RSTC in supporting disaster risk management agenda in the region. In addition, the participants learnt about additional models for disaster risk assessment in the region from other development partner initiatives (ADB).

 

On October 5, delegates reviewed the implementation of the Action Plan (Roadmap) for the Strategy for Development of Cooperation of Central Asian countries in DRR for 2022-2030 and analyzed cross-border cooperation on man-made risks such as industrial/technological accidents. In addition, participants were presented with the approach of disaster risk financing in the region based on the example of Tajikistan.

 

On the final day representatives of the emergency authorities of the Central Asian countries together with experts from the international development organizations and scientific institutions reviewed and approved several proposed programs and initiatives to further strengthen regional cooperation on DRR, climate change adaptation, and emergency situations. Also, delegates reviewed objectives and dedicated action plan for 2023-24 in the priority areas of the Action Plan (Roadmap) for the implementation of the Strategy for Development of Cooperation of Central Asian countries in DRR.

 

Source: Asia-Plus

 

Iran’s official news agency IRNA reports that co-chaired by Iran’s Minister of Culture Mohammad, Mr. Mehdi Esmaeili, and his Tajik counterpart, Ms. Zulfiya Davlatzoda, a meeting was held in Tehran on October 4 to discuss issues related to fostering bilateral ties, particularly cultural cooperation, “which is to develop after a 14-year pause.”

 

The two reportedly signed an agreement on cooperation and held talks on the expansion of cooperation in the areas of culture, art, and media.

 

Welcoming his Tajik counterpart, the Iranian minister expressed satisfaction over opening of Tajikistan’s cultural week in Tehran.

 

Esmaeili said such a cultural event is an ample opportunity for fostering cooperation.

 

Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Tehran Zohidi Nizomiddin and a number of Tajik and Iranian artists were present at the event.

 

According to IRNA, Tajikistan’s cultural week has started work in Tehran after a 14-year pause. The cultural week is reportedly also expected to open in Shiraz and Tabriz in the south and northwest of Iran respectively.

 

Source: Asia-Plus

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have approved 8 transport corridors.

 

Mikhail Myasnikovich, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EAEC) on October 2 said in an interview with Glavny Efir (Main Broadcast) of Belarusian TV Channel Belarus 1 that they have carried out studies to develop cooperation between EAEU and SCO member nations, especially in the transport and logistics sector, and stated that it would be appropriate for the EAEU member nations to include other friendly countries in the upcoming customs clearance agreement.

 

“We signed cooperation documents with the SCO Secretariat. And we see great prospects. Now I will not say how strong joint projects we have seen. I will say one thing: a translogistic megaproject,” said Myasnikovich. “The lands are huge transitional opportunities that must be exploited.”

 

He noted that this project has several components. “We have already approved eight transport corridors linked to the international North-South and West-East corridors and aligned with the One Belt, One Road initiative,” EAEC Board Chairman said.

 

He called the digitization of these corridors the second component of work within the framework of a large-scale transport project. Myasnikovich explained that the implementation of the task will allow carriers to receive operational information about the load, road conditions, location of gas stations and recreation points, as well as quick data on possible emergencies.

 

“The third component is the agreement we have prepared on customs clearance. I have suggested to my colleagues, they agree that this agreement should be “five plus”, not just for five nations, so that the third countries could join this agreement,” Myasnikovich said.

 

He also stated that the EAEU has reserves to minimize the impact of Western sanctions.

 

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an economic union of states located primarily in northern Eurasia. A treaty aiming for the establishment of the EAEU was signed on May 29, 2014 by the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia, and came into force on January 1, 2015. Treaties aiming for Armenia’s and Kyrgyzstan’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union were signed on October 9 and December 23, 2014, respectively. Armenia’s accession treaty came into force on January 2, 2015. Kyrgyzstan’s accession treaty came into effect on August 6, 2015.

 

The Eurasian Economic Union has an integrated single market of 183 million people and a gross domestic product of over 4 trillion U.S. dollars. The EEU introduces the free movement of goods, capital, services and people and provides for common transport, agriculture and energy policies, with provisions for a single currency and greater integration in the future.

 

The Union operates through supranational and intergovernmental institutions. The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council is the “Supreme Body” of the Union, consisting of the Heads of the Member States. The other supranational institutions are the Eurasian Commission (the executive body), the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council (consisting of the Prime Ministers of member states) and the Court of the EEU (the judicial body).

 

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization currently has eight full members — China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, India, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Belarus are acceding members.

 

Iran has been an observer state since 2005. On September 17, 2021, the SCO launched the procedures of Iran’s accession to the SCO, which are expected to take “a fair amount of time.” On September 15 this year, Iran signed a memorandum of obligations to join the SCO at the 2022 summit, and will join the organization subject to its parliament ratifying a number of agreements.

 

Belarus applied for partner status in the Organization in 2008. It was granted the dialogue partner status at the 2009 SCO Summit in Yekaterinburg. Belarus officially received the partner status on April 28, 2009. After applying in 2012 for the observer status, Belarus received it in 2015. On June 14 this year, Russia’s Special Presidential Representative on SCO Affairs Bakhtiyor Khakimov confirmed that Belarus had applied for membership.

 

In addition to Iran and Belarus, Afghanistan and Mongolia are currently observer states.

 

Afghanistan received observer status at the 2012 SCO summit in Beijing, China on June 7, 2012. No country has yet provided diplomatic recognition to the Taliban, and its representatives have not participated in SCO meetings so far. The Afghanistan head of state first attended the 2004 SCO summit as a guest attendee.

 

SCO’s dialogue partners include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Egypt, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

 

Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Myanmar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are upcoming dialogue partners.

 

ACEAN, CIS, Turkmenistan and the United Nations are guest attendances.

 

Initially focused on regional security, including border conflicts, terrorism and militant Islam, its activities have expanded to cover economics and trade, transport and law enforcement. Security and economic cooperation remain priorities. China and Russia are the dominant members. Russia regards Central Asia as its sphere of influence but Chinese economic sway is growing. At an informal level, the SCO is a diplomatic platform that helps address and contain potential friction.

 

Source: Asia-Plus

A workshop for young scientists was held in Dushanbe on October 4 on the topic of “Early Warning and Early Action for All” as part of activities to mark the upcoming International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), which is celebrated globally on October 13.

 

As part of the European Union-funded Strengthening Disaster Resilience and Accelerating Implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia initiative, the workshop was co-organized by the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of the Government of Tajikistan (CoESCD), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and the Government of Switzerland.

 

In 2016, the UN Secretary-General launched “The Sendai Seven Campaign” to promote each of the seven targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction over seven years. In 2022, the International Day focuses on Target G of the Sendai Framework: “Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to people by 2030.”

 

The National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction of Tajikistan, which was developed with the technical support from the UNDRR, stresses the importance of building an appropriate scientific base for disaster risk reduction, involving the capacities of research institutions and international organizations.

 

The workshop aimed to raise awareness of academia and the scientific community about disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and the importance of early warning systems in facilitating early actions for saving lives. A total number of 35 participants representing CoESCD, the National Academy of Science, the Expert Group of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, other research institutes, international partners, and the media took part in the workshop.

 

Mr. Hotamsho Latifzoda, the First Deputy Chairman of CoES, mentioned: ” I believe that the young scientists’ that gathered here today will support our initiatives aimed at reducing disaster risks and continue the work in this direction and you will contribute to the our National strategy on disaster risk reduction.”

 

Mr. Giuseppe Aristei, Program Manager, EU Delegation to Tajikistan, stressed: “This meeting with the young scientists present that they can mobilize such aspects as innovation, science, communication skills and interdisciplinary approach in their work. They will be the ones who will build better early warning systems and improve prediction models and create saver communities. The European Union has always supported the endeavors of young people and we look forward to see how the young scientists of Tajikistan contribute to the global agendas.”

 

Ms. Salome Steib, Director, the Swiss Cooperation Office highlighted: “Switzerland will undoubtedly continue to promote and contribute to sustainable development in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction in the country. Tajikistan’s future will heavily depend on young scientists, therefore Switzerland empowers Young Scientists, particularly women, and will make sure the respect for their rights, without leaving no one behind.”

 

Mr. Octavian Bivol, Chief, UNDRR Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, said: “The development of effective risk communication and early warning systems must entail engagement between scientists, policymakers and at-risk communities.” He further stressed: “Events like this workshop are critical for empowering the next generation of Scientists and strengthening the science-policy nexus.”

 

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 13 October as the IDDRR to promote a global culture of disaster risk reduction. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the progress being made toward reducing disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 adopted at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Japan in March 2015.

 

The Sendai Framework has seven global targets and 38 indicators for measuring progress on reducing disaster risk and losses. These indicators align the implementation of the Sendai Framework with the Paris Agreement on climate change towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

In 2016, the UN Secretary-General launched “The Sendai Seven Campaign” to promote each of the seven targets over seven years. In 2022, the International Day will focus on Target G of the Sendai Framework: “Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to people by 2030.”

 

To raise awareness and mobilize action around these calls, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is using the 2022 IDDRR, to call for greater investment in expanding early warning and early action for all.

 

People-centered early warning and preparedness systems can enable early action to minimize damage to people, property and livelihoods. Early warning systems should ensure that populations and sectors at risk can receive a warning, understand it and, most importantly, take action. Hence, early warning should initiate early action that is well prepared and tested.

 

The EU-funded project, Strengthening Disaster Resilience and Accelerating the Implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia, implemented by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), supports countries of the region in implementing the Sendai Framework priorities. The project supports strengthening regional coordination, development of regional DRR strategy, national disaster loss accounting systems, and community-level disaster risk reduction. On the local level, the project supports the development of disaster resilience strategies of capital cities. For this project, the EU committed EUR 3,750,000 for the three-year implementation.

 

This year the Swiss Cooperation Office in Tajikistan marks 30th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Tajikistan. Over the last 30 years, around 500 million USD have been allocated in the form of grants to the Government of Tajikistan and the Tajik population. Within its Cooperation program for Central Asia (2022-2025), Switzerland will focus on supporting economic, social and democratic development, promoting an integrated and regional approach in the complex field of transboundary water management, strengthening economic ties and promoting good governance.

 

Source: Asia-Plus