The government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have agreed on a $4.9mn initiative, “Enhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risk and Climate Change in Central Asia,” aimed at bolstering urban resilience across the region. The signing ceremony, held in Astana, marks a step towards addressing climate-related risks in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Central Asia faces severe climate risks, including frequent natural hazards, high environmental degradation, and escalating pollution. Rapid urbanization exacerbates these challenges, outpacing current risk reduction and adaptation strategies. The new project seeks to leverage regional collaboration and national strategies to foster sustainable urban futures.
Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, underscored the urgency of climate action.
“Central Asia’s vulnerability to climate change demands immediate and comprehensive measures. This initiative will harness regional collaboration and transformative strategies to address escalating natural hazards and strengthen urban resilience across the region,” Katarzyna Wawiernia voiced.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report, Central Asia is experiencing temperature increases that exceed the global average, with projections suggesting a rise of 2.0 to 5.7 degrees Celsius by 2085. This rise is expected to lead to more frequent extreme weather events, heatwaves, and droughts, further challenging the region’s resilience.
The project aims to enhance regional cooperation through established coordination platforms and incorporate innovative urban planning practices modeled on successful approaches from Japan. By integrating advanced methods for climate and disaster risk assessment, the initiative seeks to reform urban planning to effectively address future climate challenges. It will also focus on institutionalizing knowledge and capacity-building efforts to ensure the sustainability of its outcomes beyond the project's duration.
“Building resilient cities is crucial for Central Asia’s future,” said Steliana Nedera, Manager of the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub. “This project will use a comprehensive urban resilience approach to integrate climate and disaster risk reduction into urban development, ensuring that cities are better prepared for future challenges.”
UNDP is committed to advancing urban resilience in Central Asia through a people-centered, gender-sensitive, and climate risk-informed approach. By fostering a holistic and inclusive strategy, the initiative aims to develop urban communities that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
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