LocationsBuilding a Toxic-Free Future: High-Level Side Event at Eco Expo 2026 Tackles Pesticide Lifecycle Management in Uzbekistan
June 3, 2026
Samarkand, 3 June 2026 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS), held a high-level side event at Eco Expo Central Asia 2026. The event showcased Uzbekistan’s progress toward an integrated, lifecycle-based system for the sound management of pesticides and hazardous chemicals.
Titled “Strengthening Pesticide and Hazardous Chemicals Lifecycle Management in Uzbekistan: National Progress, Partnership and the Way Forward,” the side event took place on 03 June 2026 from 09:00 to 11:00 at the Expo Center in the Silk Road Samarkand Touristic Complex in Samarkand. The discussion is organized under the Expo’s Green-Tech & Recycling thematic area, focusing on hazardous waste, obsolete pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and contaminated sites.
Uzbekistan is advancing key reforms to align its national chemicals and waste management system with the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. Thanks to valuable support from the European Union and other development partners, the country is addressing legacy risks, such as obsolete pesticides and contaminated sites.
These actions are complemented by the development of robust preventive measures, which aim to safeguard against the future accumulation of hazardous chemicals. With these initiatives, Uzbekistan is not only addressing past challenges, but is also laying the groundwork for a safer, more sustainable future.
Delivering remarks during the high-level opening session were Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues; Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the BRS Conventions; Mr. Sherzod Umarov, Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan; and Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan. A representative of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) also addressed the gathering.
FAO’s role in building preventive systems
“FAO is proud to support Uzbekistan in advancing a coherent, lifecycle-based approach to pesticide and hazardous chemicals management,” said Mr. Sherzod Umarov, Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan. “This event shows how coordinated efforts across government, UN agencies, and development partners are reducing environmental and public health risks, promoting safer agriculture, and strengthening alignment with international standards. We are grateful to the European Union for making this work possible through the project ‘Technical Assistance for the Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals.’”
Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the BRS Conventions, underscored the broader significance of this work. "Strong partnerships among countries and UN organizations are the motor that turns global commitments into real, measurable change. By investing in sound pesticide management, Uzbekistan is strengthening long-term food security, addressing farm economic resilience and sustainable development. Addressing the entire lifecycle of the products we use and depend on, we address economic, health and climate risks, we build resilience, safeguard livelihoods, and create a future where healthy ecosystems and healthy communities go hand in hand," he said.
Building a sound chemicals management system requires action across the entire pesticide lifecycle. “Creating a sound chemicals management system demands a comprehensive approach spanning every stage of the pesticide lifecycle,” said Mr. Artur Shamilov, FAO Agricultural Officer and Lead Technical Officer for the EU-funded project in Uzbekistan. “From strengthening regulatory frameworks and enhancing monitoring systems, to championing safer agricultural practices and advancing farmer education, FAO collaborates closely with national partners to make sure Uzbekistan’s system is not only effective today but built to adapt and thrive in the future. This side event demonstrates how coordinated, lifecycle-based strategies can transform international commitments and collaboration into tangible action at the local level.”
Highlighting UNDP's global and national commitment to chemicals management, Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, added: "UNDP supports 84 countries around the world in implementing the Stockholm Convention and advancing safer alternatives to harmful substances used in industries. In Uzbekistan, together with partners and with support from the GEF, we are preparing a new programme focused on remediation of contaminated sites and reducing the legacy of persistent pollution. We are ready to bring our expertise to support this important work that requires strong partnerships, long-term commitment and coordinated action to succeed."
The event brought together government institutions, UN agencies, donors, the private sector, research bodies, and civil society. A technical session presented concrete results in pesticide lifecycle management, monitoring and laboratory systems, risk reduction, sustainable practices, and sound management of POPs under the Stockholm Convention.
Discussions focused on three priority areas: environmentally sound disposal of obsolete pesticides and reduction of risks from highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs); strengthening of monitoring, laboratory, and regulatory data systems; and advancement of sustainable plant pest and disease management approaches that reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals. The event underscored the importance of continued support from development partners and the Government of Uzbekistan in building a resilient, sustainable, and integrated system for chemicals and waste management.
