June 1, 2022, Bishkek-Tashkent, Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan - On June 1, 2022, an inception workshop was held in Andijan and Bishkek in the format of teleconference, marking the official launch of the peacebuilding project “Shared prosperity through cooperation in border regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan”, which aims to develop cross-border environmental and socio-economic cooperation between two neighbouring countries.
The project is funded by the UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund and implemented as a Joint UN Program between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The main national partners in Uzbekistan are the Ministry of Agriculture and the Committee for Women and Family Affairs. The inception workshop held in a hybrid format provided a platform for UN agencies, international experts, representatives of relevant ministries and departments of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, local administrations of border areas and civil society institutions for discussing the goals and objectives of the project.
«The UN Joint Programme “Shared prosperity through cooperation in border regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan” aims at complimenting reforms in bringing these countries closer. The main goal of the Programme is enhancing cross-border environmental and socio-economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan», - said UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Roli Astkhana.
As noted at the event, the biggest part of the border between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan passes through the Ferghana Valley. The region is of crucial importance for the economies of both countries, not only in terms of the size and composition of the population, but also in terms of the productive capacity of the agricultural sector. In this regard, the project aims to develop cross-border cooperation in local trade, in the development of climate-smart agriculture, innovative approaches, employment and economy, which will contribute to achieving more sustainable results in peacebuilding.
«I am pleased to see how, in these uncertain times, together we are launching a joint project that will contribute to the development of cooperation and prosperity of two countries, bring stability, development and innovation to them. We see the great potential of young people and women who are full of enthusiasm, energy, and new ideas», - stressed FAO Subregional Coordinator for Central Asia Viorel Gutu.
During the event it was emphasized that special attention in the implementation of the project is paid to the empowerment of the rural population, especially women and youth as a key driving force in peacebuilding processes.
“I firmly believe that this project will contribute immensely to improving the dialogue and relationships between local communities which advances peace, gender equality and security. Women and youth are the backbone of the peacebuilding process, and they must not be ignored. We will support women’s meaningful participation in the process to enable an environment that facilitates their active contributions. Moreover, opportunities created for youth will enable them to become change-makers and peacebuilders in their communities and wider societies. UNFPA will also support communities, which are essential in the process of cross-border peacebuilding.” – said Yu Yu, UNFPA Representative in Uzbekistan
During the inception workshop Philip Priestly, Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer at FAO Headquarters, made a presentation on the aims and objectives of the project, and discussed with participants the key findings and recommendations for integrating conflict-sensitive strategies for project implementation. The event included presentations on the activities of the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the role of youth in peacebuilding processes.
Further inception workshop participants discussed the planned activities within the framework of the project and thus laying the foundation for future joint efforts to strengthen peace and mutually beneficial cooperation.
