Section 6. United Nations and Its Specialized Agencies
6.9. World Meteorological Organization
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It was established in 1950. It is the UN system’s authoritative voice on the state of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans.
WMO Activities in 2025
To mark the WMO 75th Anniversary under the moto “Science for Action”, the following events were organized in Geneva: (1) 79th session of the WMO Executive Council, which reviewed the progress of the “Early Warnings for All” initiative, discussed prospects for the use of AI to improve forecasting and enhanced resilience to extreme weather and climate events, and defined strategic priorities of WMO (June 16-20); (2) extraordinary session of the WMO, which presented the “Early Warnings for All in Focus: Hazard Monitoring and Forecasting” report, with case studies in countries that have achieved significant progress and successful cooperation models among developing countries; a resolution was adopted to advance the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch, a WMO initiative to deliver objective, science-based analysis of greenhouse gas concentrations and their sources and sinks (October 20-23).
WMO and UNESCO launched the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation to protect water towers providing freshwater to over 2 billion people. As part of this initiative, an international conference on glacier conservation was convened to highlight the urgency of halting glacial retreat and to raise it to the top of the global climate agenda (Dushanbe, May 29-June 1). The planned events are aimed at raising awareness about the key role of glaciers in maintaining ecosystems and the risks associated with their accelerated melting.
WMO, in partnership with the Global Climate Observing System, Group on Earth Observations, and European Commission, launched the iClimateAction project aimed at eliminating major shortcomings in gathering and availability of climate data. Through enhanced standardization of essential climate variables (ECV) and fostered greater compatibility among monitoring networks, the project seeks to offer more effective climate-related insights to researchers, policymakers, and communities globally.
The China Meteorological Administration inaugurated the WMO Measurement Lead Centre for Ground-Based Integrated Meteorological Observation (Changsha, China, November 15). The Center is designated to provide high-level expertise in the testing of surface-based remote-sensing and in situ instruments as well as in the standardization of instrument performance. A primary area of its activity is the testing and calibration of weather radars.
WMO publications. 74th WMO Bulletin (1st and 2nd); publication series on state of the climate in different parts of the world. For other publications, please, see library.wmo.int.
Source: WMO
6.10. International Fund for Agricultural Development
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a multilateral financial institution and a specialized UN agency established in 1977. The Fund mobilizes resources to support rural households in developing countries contributing to improved living standards, enhanced food security, and increased incomes. The IFAD provides financing through loans and grants and facilitates additional investments to implement its programs. The Fund is currently executing a number of significant projects in Central Asian countries.
IFAD Activities in 2025
Kyrgyzstan
The IFAD in Kyrgyzstan is guided by the new Country Strategic Opportunities Program for 2025-2030 outlining three main objectives: (1) to increase smallholder productivity and incomes from agriculture with a focus on livestock; (2) to support sustainable natural resource management and enhance smallholders’ resilience to climate change; (3) to improve rural livelihoods through value addition and income diversification.
In 2025, the Fund’s activities focused on three priority areas: launching new agricultural projects, expanding migrants’ access to financial services, and strengthening its institutional presence in the country. As of October, IFAD’s ongoing projects amount to $120 million.
Rural development. The IFAD launched a new “Livestock and Market Development, phase III” ($21 million) project aimed at further developing the livestock sector and increasing rural communities’ access to markets.
Adaptation to climate change. The Fund published a report highlighting the support to artificial glaciers - an innovative and low-cost response to growing water scarcity in high-mountain pastoral areas of Kyrgyzstan. The technology involves storing water during the winter and gradually releasing it in the spring, which enables pastoral communities to secure water for livestock and irrigation during dry periods.
Strengthening institutional partnership. IFAD and Kyrgyzstan discussed the possibility of opening official IFAD representative office in Bishkek. This step would significantly increase the effectiveness of on-site monitoring and interaction of projects (Rome, October).
Tajikistan
In 2025, IFAD significantly scaled up its efforts in Tajikistan, focusing on transforming the country's heavy reliance on remittances into a tool for sustainable development. Key initiatives centered on financial inclusion, climate resilience, and strategic partnerships with the government and private sector. The Fund’s ongoing projects amount to $57.6 million and include initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, enhancing ecosystem sustainability, and elevating living standards in various regions.
Strategic partnership. IFAD and the Tajik Ministry of Economic Development and Trade reviewed 15 years of cooperation, during which IFAD invested over US$115 million, benefiting more than 300,000 smallholder farms. They agreed to develop a new Country Strategic Opportunities Program aligned with Tajikistan's National Development Strategy to 2030 (April).
Expanding access to financial services. As part of the “REMIT PRIME Central Asia” program , the Bank Arvand signed a grant agreement in the amount of €445,000 to implement a new initiative aimed at supporting rural residents in investing migrant workers’ remittances in sustainable livelihoods.
Ongoing projects and prospects. Work progressed on the “Community-based agricultural support project 'plus'” (2021–2030; IFAD financing: $37.85M), which aims to strengthen ecosystem resilience and support climate change adaptation for rural households. The 2025 key results: climate resilience diagnostics were completed for 21 districts; 28 plans have been finalized out of 400 planned ones; 52 Forest Users Groups were established; preparatory steps were taken to launch capacity-building for forestry officers and begin piloting natural resource monitoring. Concurrently, the project’s progression to full-scale implementation hinges on resolving key priorities: bolstering human resources, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, and upholding environmental compliance.
The “Market access and adaptation for animal husbandry” project wraps up in 2025. The GEF approved a new grant project “Restoration of ecological systems and sustainability of agriculture in Tajikistan”.
Uzbekistan
Over the past decade, IFAD’s investments in Uzbekistan amounted to $480.36 million and covered more than 550,000 households. The IFAD in Uzbekistan is guided by the Country Strategic Opportunities Program for 2023-2027 aimed to sustainably increase rural prosperity and improve livelihoods of small-scale producers. Three strategic objectives underpin the program: (1) increased resilience and productivity of small-scale producers; (2) improved access for small-scale producers to viable food systems and agricultural markets; (3) enhanced enabling environment for inclusive rural transformation. In 2025, IFAD significantly deepened its partnership with Uzbekistan, focusing on launching a new project for the dairy sector and advancing discussions on rural development, financial inclusion, and sustainable agriculture.
Policy dialogue and partnership strengthening. Throughout 2025, IFAD engaged in high-level meetings with Uzbek officials to: (1) discuss attracting additional grant funds and increasing technical assistance for promoting sustainable rural development and introducing innovative and digital approaches in agriculture (February, October); (2) conclude a financial agreement for a new dairy project (April).
Expanding access to financial services. As part of the “REMIT PRIME Central Asia” program, the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan and IFAD convened the national remittance stakeholder meeting “Role of international remittances in advancing financial inclusion and socio-economic resilience”. The participants discussed how to leverage remittances for greater financial inclusion, support entrepreneurship in rural areas, and develop new financial products for migrant families (November 21).
Dairy industry development. The second phase of the project “Dairy value chain development in the Republic of Uzbekistan” ($47.4 million, 2025–2031) commenced. It is designed to provide support to individual and peasant farms, along with socially vulnerable populations – specifically women (40% of participants), youth (30%), persons with disabilities, and returning labor migrants. The project is expected to benefit some 31,000 households in five provinces of the country and is carried out in line with the Presidential Resolution No. PP-172 of May 14, 2025.
Source: IFAD
6.11. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNESCO is the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organization. Established in 1945, it includes 193 Member-States. UNESCO's programs contribute to the achievement of the SDGs defined in the 2030 Agenda. Key areas of activity include the following five program sectors: education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information.
UNESCO Activities in 2025
International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. UNESCO and WMO officially launched the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (January 22). The initiative provides for: (1) expanding global glacier monitoring systems to enhance data collection and analysis; (2) developing early warning systems for glacier-related hazards; (3) promoting sustainable water management in glacier-dependent regions; (4) preserving cultural heritage and traditional knowledge related to glacial environments; (5) engaging youth in glacier preservation efforts and climate action.
As part of the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, UNESCO organized a forum “From IYGP to Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034)”. The Forum brought together high-level representatives, scientists, educators, and representatives from civil society and international organizations. It focused on research and capacity building; socio-economic impacts and resilience; and policy, advocacy, and financing (Dushanbe, May 20).
Publications. The UN World Water Development Report “Mountains and glaciers: water towers” was published.
UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty
Projects. As part of the GEF-UNDP-UNESCO project “Strengthening the resilience of Central Asian countries by enabling regional cooperation to assess glacio-nival systems to develop integrated methods for sustainable development and adaptation to climate change”, a series of scientific and educational activities was implemented: (1) 3rd subregional workshop on the development of national and subregional action programs (Samarkand, April 2-3); (2) national workshops to advance national planning for cryosphere adaptation (Almaty, April 15-16; Hisor, April 30; Tashkent, April 29-30; Ashgabat, May 12-13; , June 10); (3) a series of summer schools focused on theoretical lectures, hands-on field training, and data processing (June-July); (4) a series of glacier expeditions across Tajikistan. Scientists from the Glacier Research Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and the University of Fribourg measured glacier ablation, snow accumulation, and runoff, while also gathering data from weather stations, smart stakes, and other monitoring equipment. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of glacier dynamics in Central Asia and support the development of regional adaptation strategies to climate change (July-August); (5) subregional workshop to develop a Subregional Joint Action Program (SJAP) based on the findings of a Diagnostic Analysis and four thematic studies prepared by national research institutions, the University of Fribourg, and regional experts (KR, August 6-8); (6) glacier lifelines virtual reality experience developed by the Zurich University of the Arts. The VR experience illustrates the role of glaciers for irrigation, hydropower, monitoring of natural processes and disaster risk reduction in Central Asia (November).
As part of the “Reducing vulnerabilities of populations in Central Asia from glacier lake outburst floods in a changing climate” (GLOFCA) project, the following events were held to reduce climate risks and increase the resilience of local communities: (1) a series of workshops focused on developing a roadmap to reduce the risk of glacier lake outburst floods (Dushanbe, January 13-16); (2) a tree-planting campaign in the Pskem Valley in Tashkent province to stabilize slopes and protect local communities from landslides (October); (3) new information boards were installed in Ala-Archa National Park to enhance the safety of tourists and local residents (Kyrgyzstan, November).
Events. The following events were held: (1) “Walk of Water” photo exhibition at the A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts (Almaty, June 5-25); (2) regional roundtable “Groundwater for sustainable development: strengthening cooperation and governance in Central Asia” for sharing national experiences, discussing priority aquifers for regional collaboration, and exploring ideas for collaborative projects to achieve more sustainable groundwater governance (Almaty, September 11).
Source: UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, UNESCO
6.12. United Nations Environment Program
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) shapes policy and coordinates activities of the UN system organizations, as well as external partners, in the field of environmental protection. UNEP is responsible for the environmental component of sustainable development and works closely with governments, academic circles, international professional communities, and civil society. The organization’s key goal is to inform all stakeholders about pressing environmental issues.
UNEP Activities in 2025
In 2025, UNEP significantly intensified its engagement in Central Asia, focusing on three interconnected priorities: tackling plastic pollution, strengthening regional cooperation on environmental governance, and building climate resilience through local, nature-based solutions.
As part of the “Capacity development and technology transfer to improve the generation and use of data and information in support of monitoring the environment in Central Asia” (UNEP in collaboration with the Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Lomonosov Moscow State University) project, the Atlas of Environmental Change was elaborated and published for Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. It is based on multi-time remote sensing data and GIS covering a 60-year observation period and focuses on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the context of the three Rio Conventions and Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 15.
As part of the EU–UNEP Partnership on Climate, Environment and Peace, SIC ICWC launched a regional initiative to support locally led climate actions with a focus on nature-based solutions in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Three organizations in Kyrgyzstan (Osh and Jalal-Abad) and two organizations in Uzbekistan were elected as grantees. In Ferghana, a tailored training for trainers of the selected grantees in the UNEP training package for community environmental action planning (September 6) and consultations with local communities of the Ferghana valley (Ferghana Valley, October-December) were organized. During the session “Coordinating efforts – regional initiatives for climate resilience” , lessons from the EU–UNEP Partnership were presented (Tashkent, November 21).
Kazakhstan
In 2025, UNEP activities in Kazakhstan were centered on three main pillars: tackling plastic pollution in mountain areas, strengthening regional cooperation on environmental governance, and advancing biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation across the country.
Ongoing projects. As part of the: (1) “Plastic waste in remote and mountainous areas” project, waste recycling facilities and a waste compressor were installed in the Ayusai mountain area near Almaty; a waste collection hub was established to receive up to 500 kg of plastic waste daily; (2) “Central Asian mammals and climate adaptation” project, cross-border ecological corridors were developed for such species as snow leopard and saiga; a major forum on regional issues of nature protection has been organized (Almaty, October 23); (3) “Blueing the Caspian Sea: building capacities for pollution management and biodiversity conservation” ($12 million) project, a meeting was held to approve national components of the project and discuss indicators and methods for evaluating the project outcomes (online, January 15).
Kyrgyzstan
In 2025, UNEP activities in Kyrgyzstan were focused on building climate resilience in vulnerable communities through nature-based solutions, conserving biodiversity with a massive new ecological corridor, and strengthening regional cooperation on environmental governance.
The UNEP supported the Kyrgyz Government in establishing a new ecological corridor (800,000 ha) by providing ecological modelling to help define the corridor’s borders. The area will connect the Khan-Tengri National Park and Naryn Nature Reserve, passing through several other conservation areas along the way.
Turkmenistan
In 2025, UNEP activities in Turkmenistan are centered around four main pillars: methane emissions reduction in the energy sector, strengthening regional cooperation on pollution control, climate reporting and transparency, and addressing Caspian Sea marine pollution.
UNEP organized: (1) national-level working meeting to discuss climate reporting under Turkmenistan’s commitments to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement (Ashgabat, March 19); (2) online inception workshop for the joint UNEP-UNDP project “Addressing marine litter and marine plastics – a systemic approach in the Caspian Sea” to discuss data collection strategy and key stages of implementation – from policy reform and improved waste management to public engagement. The project is focused on achieving long-term environmental sustainability of the region through a systematic approach to waste management and monitoring (online, April); (3) two-day training on methane emissions reduction dedicated to practical tools for monitoring, measuring, and reducing methane emissions, as well as international experience and advanced technologies (Ashgabat, July 29-30); (4) training workshop on the Global Methane Pledge (Ashgabat, October 27).
Uzbekistan
In 2025, UNEP activities in Uzbekistan were centered around 3 main areas: adapting rural communities to climate change based on an ecosystem approach, launching an Environmental Atlas to strengthen state policy, as well as boosting responsible production and introducing an ecolabeling system.
UNEP co-organized the annual general meeting of the Global Ecolabelling Network, where Uzbekistan officially launched the voluntary ecolabel “Yashil Belgi” (Green Mark) developed in accordance with the ISO 14024 standard (Tashkent, October).
Source: UNEP
6.13. Food and Agriculture Organization
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established in 1945. FAO’s work globally and in the Europe and Central Asia region is guided by the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031 reaffirming commitment to the 2030 Agenda and advancing the goal of a sustainable world where no one faces the threat of hunger.
FAO Activities in 2025
Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, FAO is implementing initiatives to digitalize agricultural sector, improve soil fertility, rationally use water resources, and adopt innovative technologies. The Organization provides technical assistance in the development of strategic documents, including the Concept of Agribusiness Development until 2030 and the National Agribusiness Development Project (2021-2025.
Conceptual approaches and priorities for the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Program were defined on sustainable water management and irrigation for further consideration and integration into the new Partnership Program (Astana, March 6).
Currently, FAO is implementing 55 technical assistance projects in Kazakhstan.
Ongoing projects: (1) Development of the Long-Term Dairy Sector Program ($55,000, 2024-2026); (2) Technical assistance to the National Agricultural Census ($50,000, 2024-2025): 2nd national agricultural census was implemented; (3) Preparation of the UTF project on plant breeding and seed production under FAO Kazakhstan Partnership Program ($100,000, 2024-2026); (4) Kazakhstan resilient agroforestry and rangeland ($1.9 million, 2023-2027).
New projects: (1) Support for developing Kazakhstan’s Nationally Determined Contributions in agriculture, forestry and other types of land use ($85,000, 2025-2026); (2) Technical support for enhanced surveillance and monitoring of locust outbreaks ($77,000, 2025-2026): a set of technical equipment and information materials was delivered to the Republican Methodological Center for Phytosanitary Diagnostics and Forecasts, a capacity-building training session was held on advanced locust monitoring, control, and information management; (3) Strengthening the capacity of Kazakhstan to comply with the ETF under the Paris Agreement (PPG) ($50,000, 2025-2026).
As part of the regional: (1) project “Lifecycle management of pesticides and disposal of POPs pesticides in Central Asian Countries and Türkiye”, an intensive farmer training was organized on integrated pest management (Baiseit, April); (2) Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program, Kazakhstani experts explored local integrated landscape management, pasture development, and value chain enhancement during the study tour to Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar, August 17-24).
Kyrgyzstan
FAO cooperates with Kyrgyzstan as part of the Partnership Program Framework, which defines key areas of interaction for the next five years. The Program is aimed at supporting the Cabinet of Ministers in transforming food systems, developing green economy, and adapting to climate change. The document is fully aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2023–2027.
Ongoing projects: (1) Enhancing the financial and investment awareness among farmers and national financial institutions ($90,000, 2024-2026): a specialized training was organized to strengthen financial literacy and investment awareness; (2) Supporting the capacity development of official controls and food producers on food control and food safety management systems ($40,000, 2024-2026); (3) Carbon Sequestration through climate investment in forests and rangelands ($30 million, 2022-2030): 4th meeting of the National Steering Committee was held to approve the 2024 performance report, 2025 joint work plan and project investment manual; Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans developed by the Community Landscape Management Groups were adopted; (4) Support the KR in implementation a national biosafety framework as per Cartagena Protocol ($1.5 million, 2022-2027): a two-day consultative workshop was organized; (5) Small Farmers as Agricultural Innovators for Sustainable Agrifood Ecosystems ($600,000, 2024-2025): a training on advanced plant breeding techniques, agronomic practices, and quality management methods (Bishkek, January 21-22); a meeting to discuss the project’s goals and innovations in agriculture (Sokuluk district, February 10); and a regional training on climate smart agriculture (Bishkek, June 10) were organized. The Kyrgyz Research Institute of Agriculture was provided with modern computer equipment, two advanced greenhouses, soil cultivation tools, and over 4,000 fruit seedlings.
New projects: (1) Support to development and implementation of a pilot agricultural products traceability system ($290,000, 2025-2027); (2) Improved capacity on the creation of artificial glaciers and a new Glacier-Reservoir-Farmer system ($50,000, 2025-2027); (3) Strengthening capacity in assessment of disaster impact on agriculture and its sub-sectors ($50,000, 2025-2026); (4) Greening Kyrgyzstan’s Economy: know more, act better, enhance results aimed at implementing a modern, evidence-based GIS for arable land monitoring; (5) Support in scaling up the application of digital damage and loss assessment in agriculture aimed at strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate and man-made risks. Digital solutions will significantly increase the speed and accuracy of damage assessment, accelerate the distribution of aid, and improve planning in emergency situations (December 10).
A final seminar was held for the “Introduction and promotion of innovative methods for applying best technologies in horticulture” project (January 29, Bishkek). Project results include: two fruit and berry nurseries were established (7 ha) at the Kyrgyz Research Institute of Agriculture, where improved varieties are grown; farmers and agronomists were trained on seedling production, grafting, and nursery management. The project laid a strong foundation for local seedling production adapted to Kyrgyzstan’s climate, reducing dependence on imported planting materials.
Events. On the occasion of FAO’s 80th Anniversary, the following activities were organized: (1) harvest festival (Talas, September 9); (2) photo exhibition “The Earth rewards the peasant’s toil” (Bishkek, October 16); (3) ascent of Lenin Peak (7,134 m) and the hoisting of the FAO flag at its summit by a group of climbers; (4) official ceremony at the T. Abdumomunov Kyrgyz National Academic Drama Theatre (Bishkek, October 18).
Tajikistan
The Government of Tajikistan adopted the Program for the digitalization of the agricultural sector for 2025–2030, developed with technical support from the FAO to transform Tajikistan’s agrifood sector. Key targets include: increased productivity, enhanced food security, digitalized public service delivery, and improved climate resilience.
Ongoing projects: (1) Formulation of a GCF project on afforestation, sustainable forest management and forest conservation for GHG reductions ($92,000, 2024-2026); (2) Strengthening the capacity of Committee of Food Security on development of a new Food security program for 2024-2028 ($85,000, 2024-2026); (3) Support in production and consumption of nutritious local agrobiodiversity species and herbs ($40,000, 2024-2026); (4) Strengthening resilience of the agriculture sector ($2.4 million, 2022-2026); (5) Strengthening the capacity of the Republic of Tajikistan to comply with the Enhanced Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement ($1.3 million, 2023-2026); (6) Facilitating agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainable use to promote food and nutritional resilience in Tajikistan ($1.8 million, 2022-2026).
New projects: (1) Developing training curricula for farmer field schools and training coordinators in the livestock sector ($80,000, 2025-2026); (2) Innovative Technology Center for Potato Seed Production: strengthening domestic potato seed production to enhance food security and resilience ($147,000, 2025-2026); (3) Strengthening national capacities of Tajikistan on locust and dryland beetle management ($35,000, 2025-2026); (4) Strengthening the capacity of the Center for Digitalization and Advanced Training of Agricultural Personnel ($108,000, 2025-2026); (5) Transforming food systems for better nutrition in Tajikistan ($691,000, 2025-2027); (6) Community-based Agricultural Support ‘plus’ ($1.2 million, 2026-2029).
Events. A high-level regional conference “Agriculture in a time of glacier loss: addressing droughts, flooding, and resilience in glacier-dependent regions” took place to discuss scalable solutions ranging from climate-smart agriculture and evidence-based policymaking to glacier conservation. Special emphasis was placed on adaptation strategies for water shortages and flooding, employing carbon sequestration techniques. The deliberations culminated in a call for the implementation of sustainable farming practices that strike a balance between community support and the protection of fragile ecosystems. The discussions concluded with an appeal to implement sustainable farming methods that reconcile the needs of local populations with the protection of fragile ecosystems (Dushanbe, May).
FAO recognized the Almosi Valley as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System . The Valley joins FAO’s Global Agricultural Heritage Network as a first addition from Central Asia. To date, only 12 sites in five countries (Andorra, Austria, Italy, Portugal, and Spain) have earned a spot on the FAO agricultural heritage list for Europe and Central Asia
Turkmenistan
Projects. The project “Support to the establishment of a Digital Land Cadastre”, which formed the basis for reforming land relations in Turkmenistan, was concluded. As part of the project, the 2025-2030 Development Concept for consolidating approaches to the digitalization of the industry was developed. An optimized database has been created that integrates information on property rights and land spatial characteristics. Implementation of ISO standards — in particular, the LADM model — ensures that the system aligns with international best practices while preserving national specifics. Digitalization is expected to address data fragmentation and foster interagency cooperation (April 9).
Ongoing projects: (1) Stimulating a positive transformation of the agricultural sector of Turkmenistan to increase resilience to climate change ($150,000, 2024-2026); (2) Improving the capacity of Turkmenistan to access climate finance through capacity building and strategic frameworks ($643,000, 2023-2026).
New projects: (1) Supporting national crop monitoring using remote sensing technologies ($200,000, 2025-2027) aimed at comprehensive optimization of data collection, forecasting and statistical accounting processes. At first, current regulatory framework will be examined. Then, a hybrid approach combining satellite-based observation with conventional sampling will be formulated. Particular emphasis is placed on building capacities of relevant agencies and mainstreaming remote sensing into university curricula; (2) Establishing a national strategy for the National Animal Identification and Traceability System ($100,000, 2025-2027); (3) Support for adaptation and promotion of sustainable soil management methods ($200,000, 2025-2027); (4) Strengthening technological innovation and research capacities for sustainable and climate-resilient cotton production ($130,000, 2025-2026); (5) Supporting capacity building for grain pest control ($130,000, 2025-2026).
Uzbekistan
For the first time in its history, the Republic of Uzbekistan was elected as a member of the FAO Council for 2028-29 (July 4, Rome). The Council, comprising 49 States, serves as the organization’s key executive body, responsible for budgeting, approving programs, and making strategic decisions.
Projects. The following projects were continued: (1) Sustainable management of forests in mountain and valley areas in Uzbekistan ($3.2 million, 2018-2025): a closing workshop was held and future priorities were outlined for sustainable forest management; (2) Implementation of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in Uzbekistan ($100,000, 2024-2025); (3) Food control system assessment to strengthen food safety and facilitate trade ($140,000, 2024-2026); (4) Technical assistance for sound management of hazardous chemicals ($4.3 million, 2023-2027): a national workshop to enhance Uzbekistan’s laboratory capabilities for pesticide quality control and residue analysis and a seminar-training for relevant personnel were held; (5) Capacity-building to establish an integrated and enhanced transparency framework in Uzbekistan to track the national climate actions and support measures received ($1.3 million, 2022-2025); (6) Sustainable forest and rangeland management in the dryland ecosystems of Uzbekistan ($3.7 million, 2022-2026): a project Steering Committee meeting was held and the operational partnership agreement was signed; a series of capacity-building trainings and field demonstrations were held under the Farmer Field School program on sustainable rangeland management in Navoiy and Bukhara provinces. The Bukhara Branch of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemical Research received a modern gas chromatograph; (7) Food systems, land use and restoration impact program in Uzbekistan ($6 million, 2022-2028): training seminars, trainings on “Innovative approaches to improving soil fertility and increasing crop productivity” and on strengthening the skills of rural women in food processing, dairy production, and value addition were held; (8) Building knowledge and skills of local partners and communities to address environmental insecurities through innovative air, land, and water management solutions in the Aral Sea Region (FAO/UNDP, 2024-2025, Republic of Karakalpakstan, Kungrad, Muynak and Takhtakupir): 6 advanced meteorological stations were installed to track temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, and provide real-time data; (9) Smart farming for the future generation (2021-2025). The final national workshop was held to showcase significant results in the development of protected cultivation (Tashkent, September): household incomes rose by as much as 159% and productivity by 76%. Digital monitoring, fertigation, and climate oriented practices have significantly reduced pest related losses. The project developed Uzbekistan’s National Strategy for the Development of Small-Scale Greenhouses – policy document prioritizing climate resilience and opportunities for women and youth in farming.
New projects: (1) Support to the revision of the Land Code ($125,000, 2025-2026): an inception workshop was organized and a delegation of international experts conducted extensive discussions on land use in Uzbekistan; (2) Support to сamel breeding and production ($140,000, 2025-2027); (3) Preparation of a project proposal to facilitate market access through enhancing phytosanitary capacity in Uzbekistan ($49,000, 2025-2026); (4) Integrated natural resources management for improved ecosystem conservation and biodiversity preservation ($4.9 million, 2025-2029); (5) Technical assistance to the first national agricultural census ($95,000, 2025-2027): an inception workshop was held to present the goals, structure and implementation arrangements of the project; (6) Food control system assessment to strengthen food safety and facilitate trade aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of the food safety control system through an evidence-based multilateral approach, strengthening knowledge of authorized personnel on food safety control and developing recommendations for the strategic development of this system in Uzbekistan.
In Samarkand, a regional “Central Asia Water and Land Nexus”/CAWLN program (GEF/FAO, jointly with the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change, $18.4 million) was launched to tackle shared environmental challenges in Central Asia. As part of the program encompassing seven major projects, Uzbekistan participates in four initiatives: (1) strengthening integrated water management in the Amu Darya, Zarafshon and Panj River basins ($5.84 million); (2) strengthening integrated water management in the Syr Darya and Naryn River basins ($5 million); (3) integrated natural resources management for improved ecosystem services and biodiversity preservation ($5.6 million); (4) Coordinated approach for land restoration in vulnerable ecosystems of Central Asia ($2 million).
Events. As part of the FAO regional “Transforming agrifood systems in Europe and Central Asia” project, a two-day national training workshop was held on making agrifood systems more sensitive to nutrition (Tashkent, September). The workshop formed part of FAO’s 80th Anniversary and the global “365 Days of Action” campaign, underscoring the Organization’s commitment to advancing sustainable and nutrition-sensitive agrifood systems worldwide.
Source: FAO
6.14. International Law Commission
The International Law Commission (ILC) is a subsidiary body of UNGA, consisting of thirty-four members of recognized competence in international law, who sit in their individual capacity and not as representatives of their governments. The task of ILC is encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification. It was established in 1947. The Commission has no representatives of the Central Asian states in its composition.
Due to the serious liquidity crisis facing the UN, the originally planned twelve-week 76th session of ILC was reduced to a single five-week period. The reports were presented on the following topics: immunity of State officials from foreign criminal jurisdiction, succession of States in respect of State responsibility, general principles of law, sea-level rise in relation to international law, settlement of disputes to which international organizations are parties, prevention and repression of piracy and armed robbery at sea, and other issues.
With respect to the topic “Sea-level rise in relation to international law”, the Commission resumed the work of a Study Group analyzing the legal consequences of global climate change. The Study Group was presented the final consolidated report (A/CN.4/783), prepared by the Co-Chairs, Ms. Patrícia Galvão Teles, Ms. Nilüfer Oral and Mr. Juan José Ruda Santolaria. The report synthesizes the Commission’s multi-year efforts and addresses three pivotal areas: law of the sea, statehood, and the protection of persons affected by sea-level rise. The document’s principal finding underscores the need for upholding legal stability in conjunction with adhering to justice principles.
Source: 2025 ILC Report
6.15. International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. It was established in 1945. The ICJ has two main functions: resolving disputes between states and issuing advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN organs or specialized agencies. No judges from Central Asia sit in the International Court. Cases submitted to the Court involve a wide variety of subject matters: territorial and maritime disputes; consular rights; human rights; environmental damage and conservation of living resources; international responsibility and compensation for harm; the immunities of States, their representatives and assets; interpretation and application of international treaties and conventions. As of July 31, the Court's list of cases included one case directly related to water disputes – the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros project (Hungary/Slovakia). For details, see the ICJ report.
Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of States in respect of climate change. By its resolution 77/276 of 29 March 2023, the General Assembly decided, in accordance with Article 96 of the Charter of the United Nations, to request the International Court of Justice, pursuant to Article 65 of the Statute of the Court, to render an advisory opinion on the following question:
Having particular regard to the UN Charter, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, UNFCC, Paris Agreement, UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the duty of due diligence, the rights recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the principle of prevention of significant harm to the environment and the duty to protect and preserve the marine environment,
a) What are the obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases for States and for present and future generations;
b) What are the legal consequences under these obligations for States where they, by their acts and omissions, have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment, with respect to:
- states, including, in particular, small island developing States, which due to their geographical circumstances and level of development, are injured or specially affected by or are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change?
- peoples and individuals of the present and future generations affected by the adverse effects of climate change?
On July 23, the Court delivered an advisory opinion regarding states’ obligations concerning climate change and responsibility for breaching them.
As regards question (a), the Court is of the opinion that the climate change treaties set forth binding obligations for States parties to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. These obligations include the following:
a) States parties to the UNFCC have an obligation to adopt measures with a view to contributing to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change;
b) States parties listed in Annex I to the UNFCC have additional obligations to take the lead in combating climate change by limiting their greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing their greenhouse gas sinks and reservoirs;
c) States parties to the UNFCC have a duty to co-operate with each other in order to achieve the underlying objective of the Convention;
d) States parties to the Kyoto Protocol must comply with applicable provisions of the Protocol;
e) States parties to the Paris Agreement have an obligation to act with due diligence in taking measures in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities capable of making an adequate contribution to achieving the temperature goal set out in the Agreement;
f) States parties to the Paris Agreement have an obligation to prepare, communicate and maintain successive and progressive nationally determined contributions which, inter alia, when taken together, are capable of achieving the temperature goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels;
g) States parties to the Paris Agreement have an obligation to pursue measures which are capable of achieving the objectives set out in their successive nationally determined contributions; and
h) States parties to the Paris Agreement have obligations of adaptation and co-operation, including through technology and financial transfers, which must be performed in good faith;
The Court is of the opinion that customary international law sets forth obligations for States to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. These obligations include the following:
a) States have a duty to prevent significant harm to the environment by acting with due diligence and to use all means at their disposal to prevent activities carried out within their jurisdiction or control from causing significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities;
b) States have a duty to co-operate with each other in good faith to prevent significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment, which requires sustained and continuous forms of co-operation by States when taking measures to prevent such harm;
The Court is of the opinion that States parties to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its Kigali Amendment, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa, have obligations under these treaties to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions;
The Court is of the opinion that States parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea have an obligation to adopt measures to protect and preserve the marine environment, including from the adverse effects of climate change and to co-operate in good faith;
The Court is of the opinion that States have obligations under international human rights law to respect and ensure the effective enjoyment of human rights by taking necessary measures to protect the climate system and other parts of the environment;
As regards question (b) put by the General Assembly, The Court is of the opinion that a breach by a State of any obligations identified in response to question (a) constitutes an internationally wrongful act entailing the responsibility of that State. The responsible State is under a continuing duty to perform the obligation breached. The legal consequences resulting from the commission of an internationally wrongful act may include the obligations of:
a) cessation of the wrongful actions or omissions, if they are continuing;
b) providing assurances and guarantees of non-repetition of wrongful actions or omissions, if circumstances so require; and
c) full reparation to injured States in the form of restitution, compensation and satisfaction, provided that the general conditions of the law of State responsibility are met, including that a sufficiently direct and certain causal nexus can be shown between the wrongful act and injury.
While the advisory opinion is not a mandatory court ruling in disputes between states, it carries significant legal weight and serves as an important interpretation of existing international law. The conclusion, reached after unprecedented hearings with the participation of 96 states and 11 international organizations, is viewed as a potential step towards enhancing global climate law.
Source: Report of the International Court of Justice to the UNGA 80th Session, 2025, ICJ Press releases, Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of States in respect of climate change
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