Regional forum-Meeting of Heads of Emergency Authorities of Central Asian Countries in Bishkek

Bishkek, July 12, 2019. /Kabar/. Regional Forum - Meeting of Heads of Emergency Authorities of Central Asian countries within the framework of the Dialogue "Central Asia plus Japan" is taking place in Bishkek, which is a subsidiary mechanism for strengthening and developing regional cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction and functions as a permanent consultative platform, the press service of the Kyrgyz Emergency Ministry reported.
Heads of emergency ministries of Central Asian countries, diplomatic corps, public and international organizations of Central Asian countries and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are taking part in the work of the Regional Forum.
The agenda includes issues, aimed at further improving cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction and response to potential large-scale and cross-border emergencies.
Regional cooperation is increasingly needed to address the growing number of cross-border challenges in Central Asia. The countries of the region are currently facing the challenges of increasing the scale of the negative consequences of natural disasters, accidents and catastrophes, increasing people's vulnerability to natural and technological hazards, which are increasing due to the emergence of new challenges, including climate change and resilience to natural disasters, and require more coordinated action in Central Asia in addressing the issues of emergency prevention and response, in particular on a large scale and/or across borders.
At the opening of the forum, Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Nurbolot Mirzakhmedov stressed the importance of the event in the field of disaster risk reduction.
"Today, the problems of prevention and elimination of natural and man-made disasters are becoming increasingly acute. And this shows the importance of regional cooperation in this area. Central Asian states need more effective coordination in emergency situations," he said.
Acting UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic Aliona Niculita stated the need to further develop cooperation to reduce disaster risk and create conditions for sustainable development of the region.
Following the results of the event, it is planned to sign the final protocol.
The Regional Forum is organized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction in Almaty (CESDRR), with the support of the UNDP Project funded by the Government of Japan.