The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), together with UNDP and the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS), held a high-level side event at Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 on 3 June 2026 titled “Strengthening Pesticide and Hazardous Chemicals Lifecycle Management in Uzbekistan: National Progress, Partnership and the Way Forward.” The event showcased Uzbekistan’s progress toward an integrated, lifecycle-based system for the sound management of pesticides and hazardous chemicals, supported by FAO’s technical leadership and funding from the European Union. The discussion was organized under the Expo’s Green-Tech & Recycling thematic area, focusing on hazardous waste, obsolete pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and contaminated sites.
The event brought together government institutions, UN agencies, donors, the private sector, research bodies, and civil society. A technical session presented concrete results in pesticide lifecycle management, monitoring and laboratory systems, risk reduction, sustainable practices, and sound management of POPs under the Stockholm Convention.
“FAO is proud to support Uzbekistan in advancing a coherent, lifecycle-based approach to pesticide and hazardous chemicals management,” said Mr. Sherzod Umarov, Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan. “This event shows how coordinated efforts across government, UN agencies, and development partners are reducing environmental and public health risks, promoting safer agriculture, and strengthening alignment with international standards. We are grateful to the European Union for making this work possible through the project ‘Technical Assistance for the Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals.’”
Highlighting UNDP's global and national commitment to chemicals management, Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, added: “UNDP supports 84 countries around the world in implementing the Stockholm Convention and advancing safer alternatives to harmful substances used in industries. In Uzbekistan, together with partners and with support from the GEF, we are preparing a new programme focused on remediation of contaminated sites and reducing the legacy of persistent pollution. We are ready to bring our expertise to support this important work that requires strong partnerships, long-term commitment and coordinated action to succeed.”
Discussions focused on three priority areas: environmentally sound disposal of obsolete pesticides and reduction of risks from highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs); strengthening of monitoring, laboratory, and regulatory data systems; and advancement of sustainable plant pest and disease management approaches that reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals. The event underscored the importance of continued support from development partners and the Government of Uzbekistan in building a resilient, sustainable, and integrated system for chemicals and waste management.
The EU-funded FAO project “Technical Assistance for Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals” (GCP/UZB/017) is a EUR 3.9 million initiative aiming to reduce environmental degradation in Uzbekistan by improving pesticide management and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Stakeholder impacts
For the Government of Uzbekistan, the project supports alignment with international standards under the Stockholm, Rotterdam, and Basel Conventions, reducing environmental and public health risks from obsolete pesticides and POPs. For the EU, the initiative advances its global environmental and health objectives through targeted development aid. For the agricultural sector in Uzbekistan, the shift toward sustainable pest management may reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals, potentially lowering health risks for farmers and consumers, but could also require adjustments in farming practices and costs. For local communities and civil society, improved monitoring and disposal of hazardous waste directly reduces exposure to toxic substances, benefiting public health and the environment.
Expected follow-up
The event served as a platform to share results and strengthen partnerships. Continued implementation of the EU-funded project is expected, with further technical assistance from FAO and potential new programmes supported by UNDP and the GEF focusing on remediation of contaminated sites.