The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Civil Defence and Rescue Operations Directorate under the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan, has launched the national component of the regional project Strengthening the System for Region-wide Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia. Funded by the Government of Japan, the initiative is being implemented across all five Central Asian countries to strengthen regional cooperation and national capacities for disaster preparedness and response, according to UNDP Turkmenistan.
The project promotes stronger cross-border collaboration on disaster risk reduction through close cooperation with the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It supports the establishment of a regional coordination mechanism that will enhance information sharing, joint preparedness and coordinated response to disasters affecting multiple countries.
The launch was marked by an inception roundtable in Ashgabat, bringing together representatives of 16 government ministries and agencies, civil society organizations and international partners to discuss project priorities and implementation arrangements.
“Disasters do not stop at national borders, which is why regional cooperation is critical to protecting people’s lives, livelihoods and sustainable development. In partnership with the Government of Japan and national institutions, UNDP is supporting stronger disaster preparedness systems, enhanced regional coordination mechanisms and practical solutions that enable communities to better withstand future risks,” said Ms. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan.
“This project is highly important because it strengthens early warning systems, disaster preparedness, institutional capacity, and information sharing among countries. These efforts will help protect lives of people and communities across Central Asia,” said Mr. Sasaki Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to Turkmenistan. “Japan is proud to support this initiative through a financial contribution of approximately USD 4.9 million. We are pleased that this support will help strengthen regional cooperation and enhance disaster preparedness across Central Asia.”
The regional project Strengthening the System for Region-wide Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia is implemented from January 2026 to January 2028 with financial support from the Government of Japan.
