LocationsInternational Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: Strengthening Uzbekistan’s Technological Capacity for Disaster Preparedness and Response
October 14, 2025
Tashkent, 13 October 2025 – Established by the United Nations, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is an important occasion to raise global awareness of the need to reduce disaster risks and build resilient communities. In Uzbekistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Emergency Situations, is commemorating this day with a series of events aimed at strengthening national disaster management systems and enhancing public preparedness and resilience.
Under the global theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” this year’s IDDRR 2025 calls for a decisive shift — to invest in resilience today so that we do not pay a far greater price for disasters tomorrow.
“Around the world, disasters are becoming more frequent, more costly, and more devastating. While direct disaster losses are estimated at around $202 billion annually, the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 suggests that the true global cost is nearly 11 times higher — close to $2.3 trillion each year. Despite this, investment in disaster risk reduction remains insufficient, both in national budgets and in international assistance,” highlighted UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Ms. Akiko Fujii.
Through close partnership with the Government of Uzbekistan, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the European Union (EU), UNDP is supporting the modernization and development of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) — a cornerstone of effective disaster risk reduction. Modernized hydrometeorological monitoring networks, advanced technological solutions for disseminating early warning messages, and upgraded equipment are enabling timely and life-saving alerts that reduce human, economic, and material losses.
With funding from the GCF and EU, UNDP has made significant contributions over the years to strengthen Uzbekistan’s disaster risk management and climate resilience. These efforts include enhancing Uzhydromet’s technical capacity through the provision of modern monitoring equipment, advanced IT infrastructure, and real-time data display systems. To strengthen last-mile communication, automated public alert systems in remote communities and digital information screens have been installed across regions, improving timely delivery of early warning messages to communities at risk. Together, we have established the Museum of the Tashkent Earthquake, and built the largest earthquake simulation center in the CIS.
Building on these achievements, a national workshop on disaster risk reduction and the development of Early Warning Systems in Uzbekistan launched the series of events dedicated to IDDRR 2025. The workshop brought together representatives of government agencies and key stakeholders to exchange knowledge, showcase innovative solutions, and discuss ways to further strengthen the country’s resilience to disasters.
As part of the event, UNDP and the European Union handed over unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the Ministry of Emergency Situations. This equipment will enhance Uzbekistan’s capacity to monitor flood-prone and hard-to-reach areas, assess disaster impacts, and coordinate effective emergency response operations.
UNDP is committed to supporting the Government of Uzbekistan in building a modern, efficient, and sustainable disaster risk management system. These efforts focus not only on response but also on prevention and preparedness — ensuring that innovative technologies, strong institutions, and informed communities contribute to a more resilient and safer future for all.
