Project summary:

Aral Sea was prioritized by UNDP’s SDG Integration offer/First mover - to support a transformation in the way UNDP organizes its work, designs and delivers solutions to address complex development challenges that defy traditional approach. This was triggered by Uzbekistan’s renewed interest to support the people of Karakalpakstan and strategize new investments in the region that can bring transformational change for its people and livelihoods. The process was given a much-needed boost on 18 May 2021 by a UN General Assembly’s unanimous Resolution declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovations and technologies. For operationalization of the UN resolution, UNDP has supported the Government in developing the Integrated Roadmap. Accordingly, current project will provide further technical assistance with the implementation of the Integrated Roadmap.

Main objectives:

To maintain the momentum created and positioning that UNDP Uzbekistan has achieved in leading systems thinking approach for the development of the Aral Sea Region within the SDGs integration initiative and to capitalize on current opportunities, the project has the following main objectives:

• Resource mobilization: engaging with development partners, IFIs, and explore alternative financing.
• Partnership coordination: ensure further substantive lead and contribution from UNDP to the MPTF Advisory Committee.
• Aral Sea portfolio development: technical/substantive support for proposal development, noting that fundraising is expected not only from the vertical funds (with preparatory grants), but also from IFIs and other partners.