International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: Strengthening Uzbekistan’s Technological Capacity for Disaster Preparedness and Response

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: Strengthening Uzbekistan's Technological Capacity for Disaster Preparedness and Response

With the financial support from the European Union, UNDP is helping the Ministry of Emergency Situations strengthen its ability to prepare for and respond to disasters. Together, we've established the Institute of Civil Protection, opened the Museum of the Tashkent Earthquake, and built the largest earthquake simulation center in the CIS.

Each year on 13 October, the world marks the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the importance of reducing disaster risks and building resilient communities. The day serves as a reminder that only through collective action - harnessing science, technology, innovation, and civic engagement - can we effectively protect lives and livelihoods from the growing threats of natural and climate-induced hazards.

Under the global theme "Fund Resilience, Not Disasters," this year's International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR 2025) calls for a decisive shift - to invest in resilience now, so that we do not pay a far greater price for disasters later. In Uzbekistan, this day is commemorated with a series of events aimed at strengthening national disaster management systems and enhancing public preparedness and resilience.

Through close cooperation between the Government of Uzbekistan, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), several initiatives have been implemented to strengthen the country's capacity for disaster risk prevention, preparedness, and response.

With the financial support from the European Union, UNDP is helping the Ministry of Emergency Situations strengthen its ability to prepare for and respond to disasters. Together, we've established the Institute of Civil Protection, opened the Museum of the Tashkent Earthquake, and built the largest earthquake simulation center in the CIS.

These spaces help people learn, train, and stay prepared - bringing Uzbekistan closer to a safer and more resilient future.

"Building resilience today means saving lives and resources tomorrow. The European Union is proud to support Uzbekistan's efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and response through innovation, partnership, and technological advancement. By investing in resilience - from early warning systems to community awareness - we help ensure that people and institutions are better equipped to anticipate, withstand, and recover from disasters. Prevention and preparedness are the most effective forms of protection." - Christos Marazopoulos, Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan

As part of the joint EU-UNDP regional project "Climate Change and Resilience in Central Asia" funded by the European Union, modern technologies are being introduced to strengthen early warning and emergency response systems in Uzbekistan. In September 2024, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) were provided to the MES to enhance the country's ability to monitor flood-prone and hard-to-reach areas, assess disaster impacts, and coordinate emergency response operations.

The use of drones significantly improves the speed, safety, and accuracy of emergency operations, especially in the context of increasing climate-related hazards. This initiative complements other project activities aimed at advancing early warning systems, capacity-building for local communities of the Fergana Valley, and coordination among emergency and hydrometeorological services.

UNDP and the European Union remain 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 resilient and safer future for all.