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Joint Declaration of Intent between the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator and the Global Green Growth Institute in Uzbekistan

On 30 March 2022, a Joint Declaration of Intent (the Declaration) on Cooperation in Meeting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Uzbekistan was signed between the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Uzbekistan, the implementer of the “Green Rehabilitation Investment Project for Karakalpakstan Republic to Address Impacts of the Aral Sea Crisis (Aral Sea GRIP)” co-financed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Uzbekistan,  which provides oversight to the “Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region in Uzbekistan (MPHSTF)”.

Dr. Aaron Russell, GGGI Uzbekistan Country Representative (left), and Dr. Roli Asthana, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan (right).

The Declaration provides a general framework for cooperation and facilitates collaboration between GGGI and the UN RCO in Uzbekistan, supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Specifically, the Declaration states that the two organizations will strategically collaborate to support the achievement of the SDGs through proactive addressing of the human security issues, including social, economic, and environmental, in the Aral Sea Region promoted and advocated by the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region. Both GGGI and UN RCO will continue to make progress on recovery and resilience in the post COVID-19 era, specifically along with key cross-cutting areas of common interest.

Mr. Jusipbek Kazbekov, the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection (SCEEP) of Uzbekistan, and Mr. Jahongir Talipov, Head of the Department of International Relations and Projects, witnessed the signing ceremony. Mr. Kazbekov highlighted the interest of Uzbekistan’s President to support the Aral Sea Region with a comprehensive program for sustainable local development and the use of innovative financial mechanisms, including a green bond.

Mr. Jusipbek Kazbekov, the Deputy Chairman of SCEEP, delivered remarks.

Dr. Roli Asthana, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, emphasized that the UN can bring expertise to potentially support the development of green bonds. Ms. Ashthana pursues a close connection with GGGI to support this initiative.

Dr. Aaron Russell, GGGI Uzbekistan Country Representative, emphasized that the new partnership with UN RCO demonstrates the interest of both GGGI and the UN in promoting green growth in the Aral Sea region. He stated that there will be areas for potential collaboration under the GRIP Aral Sea project, focusing on key analytical assessments, capacity building for local people including women and youth, value chain development, and the establishment of a Business Development Platform. He also called attention to GGGI’s support for SCEEP in developing 5 years Aral Sea Strategy that can be financed by green bonds. Finally, he concluded that he looks forward to a constructive and productive partnership with UN RCO.