LocationsThe new project, funded by Japan, will be implemented in five Central Asian cities by 2027.
UNDP and Japan Collaborate to Enhance Urban Resilience in Tajikistan's Dushanbe
July 9, 2025
From left to right: Lazima Onta-Bhatta, UNDP Tajikistan's Deputy Resident Representative, Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative, Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, Deputy Head of the Executive Body of the State Authority of the City of Dushanbe, Kenichiro Sasame, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan during the inception workshop.
UNDP Tajikistan
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Executive Body of the State Authority of the City of Dushanbe have officially launched a new regional project aimed at making Dushanbe safer, greener, and more resilient to climate and disaster risks.
The 'Enhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risk and Climate Change in Central Asia' project is funded by the Government of Japan and will be implemented in five Central Asian capitals and cities from 2024 to 2027.
The launch event gathered over 50 participants, including representatives from key ministries, the Dushanbe Municipality, district administrations, and international organizations engaged in climate change, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and urban resilience.
Kenichiro Sasame, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan to Tajikistan, speaking at the inception workshop, highlighted Japan’s enduring support for disaster risk reduction in the region.
UNDP Tajikistan
In his opening remarks, Kenichiro Sasame, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan to Tajikistan, highlighted Japan's long-standing commitment to DRR in the region.
“Drawing on its extensive experience, Japan has long supported disaster risk reduction in this region, including through the 'Central Asia + Japan' dialogue,” the Counsellor stated.
Japan remains one of UNDP’s key partners both globally and in Central Asia. Through this initiative, Japan not only continues its support in DRR and urban resilience but also shares best practices and lessons learned from its own national experiences. The project aims to foster regional coordination and improve disaster preparedness through technical assistance to the participating countries.
Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Resident Representative, speaking at the inception workshop, highlighted the project’s role in turning Dushanbe’s resilience goals into action.
UNDP Tajikistan
Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Tajikistan’s Resident Representative, welcomed participants and emphasised the project’s significance in helping Dushanbe translate its commitment to resilience into practical planning and implementation.
“This project presents an opportunity to support the development of Dushanbe’s new socio-economic development programme, ensuring that resilience is at the core of urban growth and service delivery,” he said.
UNDP Tajikistan’s Resident Representative also highlighted the importance of engaging the private sector, children, and youth groups that are often among the most affected yet hold immense potential to drive forward a more resilient and inclusive future.
Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, Deputy Head of Dushanbe’s Executive Body, stressed the importance of regional cooperation for a sustainable future in Dushanbe and Central Asia.
UNDP Tajikistan
Representing the Dushanbe Municipality, Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, Deputy Head of the Executive Body of the State Authority of the City of Dushanbe, emphasized the value of regional cooperation:
“Today's regional project is an important platform for us to further strengthen the sustainable future of Dushanbe and the Central Asian region by using each other's experience, knowledge, and existing opportunities, based on regional and international cooperation.”
The workshop served as a space for collaborative planning and discussion around Dushanbe’s new socio-economic development programme, with a strong focus on integrating climate and disaster risk elements into urban planning. Participants engaged in interactive sessions and technical presentations that explored practical solutions for ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the city’s future development.
A dedicated working session focused on outlining an action plan and methodology for mainstreaming climate and disaster risk reduction (CDRR) into the city’s development programme. Experts and stakeholders discussed ways to align local strategies with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Group photo with over 50 participants from key ministries, Dushanbe Municipality, district administrations, and international partners working on climate action, disaster risk reduction, and urban resilience.
UNDP Tajikistan
By the end of the workshop, participants agreed on a clear roadmap for incorporating CDRR into Dushanbe’s urban planning processes. They also established cooperation frameworks between municipal authorities and the project implementation team, laying the groundwork for ongoing technical support, peer learning, and knowledge exchange across Central Asian cities.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart urban future for Dushanbe — a future that will serve as a model for the wider region.
For media inquiries, contact: Nigora Fazliddin, Communication Analyst, UNDP Tajikistan, at nigorai.fazliddin@undp.org