Statement of Roli Asthana, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Delivered verbally at press conference in Bern, Switzerland on 16 August 2022

Today’s signing marks a historic day for the people of Uzbekistan. Something that was taken away from them in the past is now being returned. This process is the result of close cooperation and leadership from President Cassis and the Swiss government, and Uzbek President Mirziyoyev and his administration, represented by Minister Davletov.

 

These funds belong to the people of Uzbekistan, and the UN Trust Fund that was established today is a key vehicle to support the implementation of development priority programmes, providing tangible and sustainable benefits and improvements to the lives of ordinary people in Uzbekistan.

The Fund comes at a critical time when there are increased vulnerabilities, with increased fuel and food prices, particularly with winter around the corner. The Fund will be used to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on the social sector, including good governance and anticorruption.

I invite all of you to come and tell the story of how this people-centered Fund will help Uzbekistan to accelerate its journey towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to the creation of a just, equal, and resilient society. This new Trust Fund will play a pivotal role in enlarging people’s choices and increasing their participation, delivering tangible, meaningful impacts for even more people.

The UN is committed to full transparency, accountability and inclusive dialogue with Uzbek civil society and the governments of Uzbekistan and Switzerland on the implementation and activities supported by the Trust Fund.

Thank you very much. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have, together with my colleague Ms. Topping.