DUSHANBE, 14.11.2023 (NIAT Khovar) – The issue of ensuring public access to early warning systems for various disasters was discussed at the next Regional Forum — the Meeting of the Heads of Emergency Departments of Central Asian Countries, in which a Tajik delegation led by the Chairman of the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense Rustam Nazarzoda took part.

The forum was also attended by delegations of emergency departments of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and representatives of UN agencies, donors, international and non-governmental organizations.

The forum was aimed at a constructive dialogue, exchange of information and experience, discussion of the situation in the region and identification of the main challenges during the period of increasing impact of climate change, frequent cases of extreme weather and climate events that pose a serious threat to the economic and social development of all countries, as well as the life and well-being of the population.

In his speech, Nazarzoda focused on the negative impact of climate change for the countries of Central Asia.

It was paid attention to issues of international cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction.

Additionally, the meeting focused on issues of further cooperation within the framework of the implementation of the Sendai Framework Program in the countries of the region.

Following the results of the Regional Forum, the Appeal of the Heads of Emergency Departments of the Central Asian countries to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the issue of creating a Regional Early Warning System and Mutual Information about the threat and occurrence of transboundary emergencies was discussed and approved.

It was also discussed and approved the Initiative to create a Digital Atlas of Transboundary Hazards in Central Asian Countries.