Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, alongside UN organizations, conducted a conference focused on enhancing climate resilience and disaster forecasting. With increasing mudflows and natural disasters due to climate change, the need for effective monitoring systems is critical. The conference resulted in a commitment to develop a National Strategy for Early Warning Systems, leveraging advanced technologies and international partnerships to improve community preparedness.
On April 11, 2025, the Kyrgyz Republic’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, in partnership with various UN agencies and development partners, hosted an International Scientific and Practical Conference. The focus was on enhancing the monitoring and forecasting of climate-related natural disasters, particularly as climate change continues to amplify their occurrence and impact in the region.
Kyrgyzstan has experienced a significant increase in mudflows and other natural disasters, setting unprecedented records in 2024 alone. These events pose grave risks to communities and infrastructure, making it imperative to implement robust systems for monitoring and early warning to mitigate these risks effectively.
The conference served as a platform for collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and industry representatives, emphasizing the need for a Comprehensive Monitoring and Forecasting System. “Today’s event highlights the growing climate vulnerabilities of mountain regions, where glacier melt, shifting precipitation patterns, and frequent mudflows demand urgent and coordinated action,” stated Boobek Ajikeev, the Minister of Emergency Situations.
Notable discussions revolved around integrating advanced technologies, including AI analytics and satellite systems, into disaster preparedness frameworks. Experts from several countries shared valuable experiences and techniques, advocating for greater cooperation in managing disaster risks across borders.
The conference concluded with a Resolution Document committing to the creation of a National Strategy for a Multi-Level Early Warning System. This includes integrating AI platforms and engaging International financial institutions for enhanced disaster resilience.
The UNDP plays a pivotal role in executing these initiatives by supporting the Kyrgyz Government’s National Development Programme-2026, which emphasizes disaster risk management. Their efforts include modernizing the hydrometeorological services, improving digital warning systems, and bolstering local capacities for risk-informed decision-making.
Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative, noted the essential collaborations with Japan, South Korea, and the EU, which strengthen community resilience efforts in Kyrgyzstan. The conference ultimately focused on localizing best practices to ensure that early warning systems effectively reach the most vulnerable populations.
The International Conference on Monitoring and Forecasting Climate-Related Natural Disasters in Kyrgyzstan marks a significant step toward enhancing climate resilience. The collaboration between the Kyrgyz government, UNDP, and international partners emphasizes the critical need for advanced forecasting systems and community preparedness. With the adoption of the Resolution Document for a robust early warning system, Kyrgyzstan is poised to improve disaster risk management significantly, benefiting vulnerable communities while fostering international cooperation.
Original Source: www.undp.org
