Welcoming Remarks of Sabine Machl at International Conference: Ensuring Sustainable Solutions for the Future of Human Rights in a Changing World

Just over one weeks ago, I arrived in Uzbekistan to lead the UN system here. I am honored to begin my first visit by participating in this forum here in Samarkand. As many know, Samarkand is renowned as the heart of the Great Silk Road. 

This city has been a crossroads of cultures, trade, science, and education for over two and a half millennia.  Today, Samarkand, true to its historical legacy, once again connects people across the globe, as evidenced by this forum uniting experts from many countries and international organizations.

Dear Participants, All people have the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. As human rights and the environment are interdependent, a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is necessary for the full enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, such as the rights to life, health, food, water and sanitation, among others.

On 28 July 2022, the General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution recognizing the human right to a healthy environment.

The resolution on the right to a healthy environment was the result of States’ commitment on environmental issues, many years of advocacy and collaboration by national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, children and young people, and business actors, among others, and supported by UN entities.

Putting rights at the centre of addressing the triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution – is more important now than ever and an imperative for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Uzbekistan and Multilateralism

This year in September, the Summit of the Future will be held at the UN headquarters bringing together world leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to address emerging challenges and opportunities. This Summit should chart a path for inclusive and sustainable recovery, and strengthen multilateralism for the future. It will provide a platform for generating new ideas, mobilizing political will, and forging partnerships to address global issues collectively.

Recent years have demonstrated both the importance as well as the fragility of multilateral cooperation and global solidarity more than ever. We are delighted to acknowledge Uzbekistan’s commitments to the principles of multilateralism and active engagement as a UN member state promoting multilateralism. 

Uzbekistan plays an active role in furthering global and regional initiatives to strengthen regional and international cooperation, promote sustainable development and environmental security of the region, strengthen interethnic harmony and interfaith tolerance, tackling climate change and making the Aral Sea region as a zone of environmental innovations and technologies. 

20 December 2023 a resolution on "Central Asia Facing Environmental Challenges: Fostering Regional Solidarity for Sustainable Development and Prosperity" was adopted. It advances key issues for addressing environmental challenges including promoting glacier preservation, combatting land degradation and promoting sustainable water use and energy efficiency. 

On 18 May 2021, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovations and technologies. 

As many of you know, the situation of the Aral Sea serves as a stark warning about the consequences of unsustainable water management practices, exacerbated by climate change. In here, I wish to underscore that access to water is recognized by the United Nations as basic human right – fundamental to everyone's health, dignity and prosperity.

The story of the Aral Sea serves as a cautionary story about the interconnectedness of human actions and environmental health. It highlights the importance of understanding the delicate balance between ecosystems and the need for sustainable practices to prevent similar tragedies in the face of ongoing climate change.

The Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea, established under the auspices of the United Nations in 2018, provides an integrated platform for national and international cooperation to address the ecological and socio-economic needs of communities living in the Aral Sea region AND to accelerate joint efforts to achieve SDGs. Equipped with knowledge and information from our last five years of operations, implementing 7 Joint Programmes and reaching 300,000 people or over 15% of the population in Karakalpakstan.

Our approach is grounded in the principles of a people-centered development. We put on a human security lens—ensuring that no one is left behind and that the population is able to exercise their basic human rights. We aim to address the most urgent insecurities, develop solutions to complex climate change challenges, and support community leadership in projects.  As we say the Aral Sea has gone, people have not! 

Dear participants, Youth engagement is crucial for sustainable development. Approximately 60% of Uzbekistan's population is under the age of 30. This young and energetic demographic represents a powerful force for positive change across all facets of Uzbek society, including addressing climate related issues. 

Based on the recent youth poll results by U-Report (UNICEF) in May 2024, environmental concerns are significant for young people in Uzbekistan. A majority (64%) are deeply worried about the state of their environment, with key issues being air pollution (56%), waste collection and sorting problems (24%), and a lack of green spaces (22%). Nearly half (48%) wish to participate in eco-initiatives, though they are not currently involved, and 25% are already active. 

Major obstacles include public apathy (46%), a lack of knowledge and skills (13%), and ineffective policies and laws (11%). These findings underscore the need for better education, effective policies, and community engagement to address environmental challenges.

The UN plays a crucial role in supporting environmental human rights defenders and raising awareness of the role they play in realizing the right to a healthy environment, including women environmental rights defenders, media professionals and youth activists. 

As the UN Resident Coordinator, I would like to emphasize that UN country team in Uzbekistan looks forward to continuing our collaborative efforts towards a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for all in Uzbekistan.  Katta Rahmat!