Building a Toxic-Free Future: High-Level Side Event at Eco Expo 2026 Tackles Pesticide Lifecycle Management in Uzbekistan
03 June 2026 – 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 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 is 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.
Background:
The EU-funded FAO project "Technical Assistance for Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals" (GCP/UZB/017) is a EUR 3.9 million aiming to reduce environmental degradation initiative in Uzbekistan by improving pesticide management and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.