On 22 June 2026, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched a four-day training programme on laboratory quality management and risk assessment for specialists from Uzbekistan's National Center on Environmental Monitoring, as part of the EU-funded project "Technical Assistance for the Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals." The training, delivered by international laboratory specialist Mohammad Nazem Shirazi, is the first of four capacity development modules aimed at strengthening national laboratory capacities in chemical analysis and pesticide residue testing.
The training addresses risk identification and assessment in chemical analysis laboratories, as well as quality management systems and accreditation readiness in line with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the international standard for testing and calibration laboratory competence. Combining technical presentations with practical exercises and real-life examples, the programme supports participants in strengthening knowledge and skills in laboratory risk management, application of quality control tools, and preparation for accreditation processes. It also enhances awareness of occupational and operational hazards associated with chemicals, laboratory equipment, waste handling, ventilation systems and emergency situations.
The project, funded by the European Union with a budget of EUR 3.9 million and implemented by FAO, aims to reduce environmental degradation in Uzbekistan through improved pesticide management and promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. It is part of broader EU support to the Government of Uzbekistan to strengthen food safety, promote sustainable and efficient land and water use, and foster inclusive agricultural value chains.
The training impacts several stakeholders. National laboratories in Uzbekistan benefit from enhanced capacity and accreditation readiness, improving their ability to monitor pesticide residues and assess contamination risks. The Uzbek population gains better protection of human health and the environment through evidence-based decision-making. The European Union sees its investment in technical assistance yielding concrete capacity-building outcomes. FAO strengthens its role as an implementing partner in Central Asia. No negative impacts are identified in the document.