The "Strengthening Financial Resilience and Accelerating Risk Reduction in Central Asia" program, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the World Bank, held its final regional forum in Almaty on October 14-15, 2024. The event marked the conclusion of a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing resilience to climate change and natural hazards across Central Asia. The forum was organized with UNICEF's collaboration and supported by the Almaty-based Centre for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR).
Central Asia is susceptible to various natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, droughts, and extreme weather events. Over three decades, more than 150 significant disasters have affected approximately 11 million people in the region, causing over $4 billion in direct losses.
Launched in 2019, the SFRARR program was a collaborative effort involving the EU, GFDRR, World Bank, and CESDRR. It focused on enhancing social protection systems, financial resilience, and risk-informed investment planning to build disaster resilience.
"A major outcome of the EU-funded Strengthening Financial Resilience and Accelerating Risk Reduction in Central Asia Program has been the development of a regional database on natural hazards," said Ms. Indu John Abraham from the World Bank.
The program engaged Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan through activities that established a Regional Scientific and Technical Council for Emergency Situations. This led to improved collaboration among countries. A multi-hazard disaster risk assessment was developed with over 70 datasets providing critical information for governments to make informed decisions regarding disaster preparedness.
"European Union participates in this regional forum to manifest our shared commitment to strengthening disaster risk management," stated H.E. Ms. Aleška Simkić from the European Union.
The high-level event brought together government representatives responsible for national disaster management alongside research institutions and international organizations to discuss sustaining results through increased regional cooperation.
"The CESDRR is a regional platform that addresses pressing challenges jointly," remarked Mr. Serik Aubakirov from CESDRR.