NAMANGAN, Uzbekistan

The SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA Mr. Kaha Imnadze, representing UN Secretary-General António Guterres, participated at the III International Forum on Poverty Reduction, held in Namangan, Uzbekistan, under the theme “From Poverty to Prosperity.”

The high-level Forum, opened by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, brought together government officials, development partners, experts, and civil society representatives from across Central Asia and beyond to explore integrated approaches to poverty reduction.

In his remarks, Mr. Imnadze emphasized the urgent need to address poverty through prevention, cooperation, and inclusive development. He underscored the close link between poverty and instability, and stressed that sustainable peace is the foundation for long-term prosperity.

He welcomed growing regional cooperation in Central Asia, particularly efforts to expand connectivity, food security, and social protection, and acknowledged Uzbekistan’s notable progress in reducing poverty in recent years.

“Across Central Asia, we are seeing that cooperation — both within and among countries — can translate into concrete gains for people and communities,” said Mr. Imnadze.

The SRSG reaffirmed the UN’s full support for national and regional efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and highlighted UNRCCA’s role in promoting dialogue, trust, and preventive diplomacy in the region.

While in Namangan, the SRSG met with beneficiaries of FAO- and UNFPA-implemented, Peacebuilding Fund-supported projects in Uzbekistan that promoted transboundary socio-economic cooperation between Uzbek and Kyrgyz border communities, foster trust between local authorities, communities and civil society, and empower women and youth.