The technical national consultation marked the start of the regional project in Osh and provided a platform to align priorities, strengthen partnerships, and identify practical actions that will help cities better anticipate, prepare for and respond to disasters. 

Central Asia is among the world's most disaster-prone regions, facing frequent earthquakes, floods, mudflows, landslides, and increasing climate-related hazards. Rapid urbanization is further increasing exposure to disaster risks, making resilient urban planning and risk-informed investments more important than ever. 

As one of Kyrgyzstan's largest cities, Osh has an important role to play in demonstrating how local governments can integrate disaster risk reduction into development planning while serving as a model for municipalities across the region. 

The regional project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Centre for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction, supports practical measures to strengthen resilience, including improving earthquake preparedness, enhancing earthquake alert systems, strengthening institutional and technical capacities, supporting risk-informed planning, promoting innovative pilot solutions and fostering regional cooperation and knowledge exchange. The project also promotes an inclusive and gender-responsive approach to disaster risk reduction. 

"Through this project, we aim to support practical and forward-looking solutions that strengthen resilience at multiple levels. This includes enhancing earthquake preparedness, improving earthquake alert systems, strengthening institutional capacities, and piloting innovative approaches that can be scaled up across the region," said Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

 "At its core, this initiative is about delivering tangible results. It is about strengthening institutions, improving preparedness, advancing innovation, and ensuring that resilience becomes an integral part of development planning and decision-making. It is equally about placing local knowledge, local priorities, and local leadership at the centre of our collective efforts." 

The Government of Japan reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to supporting disaster resilience in Central Asia and sharing its extensive expertise in disaster risk reduction. 

"Japan is pleased to support this new regional UNDP project aimed at strengthening disaster risk reduction systems across Central Asia. The initiative will enhance regional coordination, strengthen earthquake alert systems, reinforce the institutions responsible for disaster risk management, and promote knowledge exchange among the five Central Asian countries through the Centre for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction," said Ryuichi Hirano, Ambassador of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic. 

 "Building on our successful cooperation with the City of Osh, this project will further strengthen the city's earthquake preparedness and help ensure that its future development is safer, more resilient and better prepared for future disasters. We also hope that the experience and good practices developed in Osh will be shared across Central Asia, strengthening regional cooperation and inspiring other cities." 

The consultation also highlighted the importance of local leadership in building resilient communities and full involvement in decision-making process  

"For Osh, resilience is not only about responding to emergencies, but also about planning our city's future. By integrating disaster risk reduction into urban development, infrastructure, public services and community engagement, we are investing in the safety and well-being of our residents. We welcome this partnership with the Government of Japan, UNDP and CESDRR, which will strengthen our capacities and help Osh become a model of urban resilience for Kyrgyzstan and the wider Central Asian region," said Myktybek Osmonaliev, Chief of Staff of the Osh City Mayor's Office.  

 During the consultation, participants discussed implementation priorities for 2026–2027, identified opportunities for technical collaboration, and agreed on the next steps to strengthen coordination among municipal authorities, national institutions, and regional partners. 

It was also emphasized that disaster risk management can only be truly effective if it is inclusive. During the upcoming field visits and the selection of the pilot school, particular attention will be given to gender equality and social inclusion. The specific needs of women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups will be fully integrated into all safety plans and infrastructure improvements. Building true resilience means ensuring that no one is left behind. 

The meeting reaffirmed that disaster risk reduction is not solely an emergency management function but a fundamental investment in sustainable development. Building resilience before disasters occur helps protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, preserve development gains, and create stronger foundations for inclusive economic growth.