UNDP and Japan Partner to Strengthen Urban Resilience in Central Asia with $4.9M Project
The UN Development Program (UNDP) and the Japanese government have recently signed a $4.9 million project aimed at strengthening urban resilience against climate-driven risks in Central Asia. This important initiative was officially announced on September 11 in Astana, as reported by the UNDP’s press service.
The project will be implemented as part of the regional cooperation under the Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue. Central Asia is considered one of the most climate-vulnerable regions, facing frequent natural hazards that often escalate into disasters, high environmental degradation, and pollution. The challenges are further intensified by rapid urbanization. With regional temperatures projected to rise significantly by 2085, the threat of extreme weather events, heat waves, and droughts becomes even more serious.
UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, Katarzyna Wawiernia emphasized the urgent need for action to address Central Asia’s vulnerability to climate change. She stated that the initiative will utilize collaborative mechanisms and transformational strategies to tackle escalating natural hazards and enhance urban resilience in the region.
The project aims to enhance regional cooperation and introduce innovative urban planning strategies. By integrating new methods for climate and disaster risk assessment, it seeks to reshape urban planning to effectively address future climate challenges. Director of UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, Steliana Nedera, highlighted the project’s goal of integrating climate and disaster risk reduction into urban planning, ensuring that cities in Central Asia are better prepared for future climate risks.
This initiative marks a significant step towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for urban centers in Central Asia, addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
