AKIPRESS.COM - Head of the Communications and Information Policy Branch of the Executive Office of the Presidential Administration and member of Uzbekistan's delegation Saida Mirziyoyeva addressed the UN Water conference on March 23. She delivered a speech about the consequences of the Aral tragedy, the large-scale work carried out by Uzbekistan to mitigate them, as well as the leadership of the country in uniting international efforts in this direction, UzA reported.

Mirziyoyeva noted that Muynak was once a prosperous port city with large production capacities, and after the balance was disturbed, a ship graveyard appeared on the dead seashores.

"The crisis of the Aral Sea is a devastating reminder of the consequences of human environmental neglect. However, thanks to the efforts of caring people, it is now becoming a symbol of hope and renewal", Saida Mirziyoyeva said.

It was emphasized that the initiatives put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received wide support at the international level, and in 2021 a UN Resolution was adopted declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of environmental innovations and technologies, and a little earlier, in 2018, the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea region was established.

Speaking about the measures implemented by the state, the speaker noted that more than $14 million were allocated for the implementation of projects aimed at reviving the region.

Following her speech, Saida Mirziyoyeva called on the international community to continue supporting Uzbekistan’s efforts to mitigate the consequences of the Aral Sea tragedy, which is inextricably linked to global water problems.

The presentation of the Aral Culture Summit project, initiated by the Art and Culture Development Foundation under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, took place on March 22 within the framework of the UN Water Conference. This is a new institution that will bring together the local and international community, leading scientists, architects, artists and designers.

As part of the Aral Culture Summit, educational and exchange programs, scholarships and internships will be created that will motivate the younger generation to develop skills that contribute to the improvement of the situation in the region.

As part of the summit, a biodesign farm laboratory will be created. Various technologies will be studied and developed to supply the region with water, create new types of crops, and reduce soil salinity in the region.