Muloqot.gov.uz

Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abduhakimov met with Sarah Minkara, Special Advisor to the U.S. President on International Disability Rights, at the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change.

During the meeting, the Uzbek side noted that the effects of climate change are particularly tangible in the Central Asian region, where the problems of climate migration, dust storms, as well as health issues related to the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly complex. It was emphasized that measures are being taken to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change in all sectors where the rights of people with disabilities are at stake.

The issues of disproportionate impact of climate change on people with disabilities were also discussed at the meeting. In this regard, Mr. Abduhakimov noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved without taking into account the contribution of people with disabilities, who are an important part of our society.

During the meeting, the parties noted that people with disabilities may not be able to travel while trying to avoid harmful environments. In this direction, the Minister noted that on the initiative of Uzbekistan, a UNWTO resolution on inclusive tourism was adopted.

In her turn, S. Minkara noted the importance of ensuring inclusiveness and accessibility of tourism for people with disabilities and the need to create appropriate conditions throughout the country. The Special Advisor to the U.S. President expressed readiness to provide all technical assistance in this matter, including holding various events, seminars, trainings and forums, as well as to widely inform the public about the problems of people with disabilities.

As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to establish cooperation between higher educational institutions of the USA, Central Asian University of Environmental Studies and Climate Change (Green University) in Tashkent and International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage "Silk Road" in Samarkand for joint activities in this direction.