Central Asia is one of the world’s most seismically active regions, where major earthquakes can trigger cross-border consequences - from infrastructure damage and population displacement to humanitarian needs that exceed the capacity of any single country. Historically, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have managed these risks largely independently.

To address this challenge, UNDP, with funding from the Government of Japan, launched in 2026 the regional project “Strengthening the System for Region-Wide Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia.” The initiative brings together all five countries under a shared premise: large-scale disasters do not respect national borders, and effective preparedness and response require coordinated institutions, joint protocols, and collaborative operational capacities. Implemented as part of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, the project draws on Japan’s expertise in earthquake preparedness and innovative risk reduction. It complements UNDP’s ongoing urban resilience portfolio, aiming to build safer, more resilient cities and communities across the region.

Goals:

• Strengthen regional cooperation and coordination for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. 
• Enhance national and local disaster management systems through technical assistance, training, and knowledge exchange. 
• Promote inclusive community preparedness, public awareness, and early warning systems, with attention to vulnerable groups, including women and persons with disabilities. 
• Introduce innovative, technology-driven approaches for risk monitoring, early warning, and resilience of critical infrastructure. 

Aligned with global frameworks including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Paris Agreement, this project represents a regional effort to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to disasters — protecting lives, livelihoods, and sustainable development for generations to come.