On December 22, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Uzbekistan signed the FAO–Uzbekistan Country Programming Framework 2026–2030, which is embedded in the United Nations’ strategic priorities in the country and the globally adopted Sustainable Development Goals.
The new agreement was signed by Viorel Gutu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, and Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan.
“Our partnership with Uzbekistan is built on a solid ground – on the strong commitment to make the food and agricultural sector more inclusive, resilient and sustainable,” Gutu said. “FAO offers its world-class expertise and experience for supporting the country. Together, we are working to improve the lives of families and individuals living in rural areas and contributing to local economies across Uzbekistan.”
The Country Programming Framework was designed to support the Government of Uzbekistan in achieving its national strategic priorities for transforming its food and agricultural sectors, focusing on sustainable agricultural growth, sustainable management and use of land, water resources, climate resilience, rural development, and inclusive economic opportunities.
It foresees stronger national capacities for improved territorial development strategies to reduce poverty and disparities in rural areas. Integrated food safety governance, nutrition policies and One Health surveillance must be made better if public health and nutrition are to improve. The two partners will emphasize the integrated and climate-resilient management of land, water and biodiversity within agrifood systems and will strive to better manage environmental risks and hazards in agrifood systems, especially in plant protection, chemicals, waste, air and water quality, and disaster risk reduction.
Uzbekistan joined FAO in 2001, and the FAO Representation in Tashkent was opened in 2014.
