Round table discussions on development in the Aral Sea region

A series of round table discussions was arranged by the Fund on the recovery and the most critical priorities of the socio-economic development in the Aral Sea region. The overall goal of this initiative is harmonization and coordination of donor assistance in the region, synergy formulation of the main directions, measures and mechanisms, identification of the major partners and counterparts in achieving sustainable development of the Aral Sea region.

The round tables gathered representatives of the government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, international organizations, business as well as independent experts.

The discussions were held in an informal atmosphere so that the participants could exchange their opinions on the current situation in the region, propose specific measures for ensuring environmental and socio-economic security in the region and discuss separate proposals focusing on solution of the most urgent problems in the region.

The discussions allowed to formulate recommendations focusing on the most urgent development challenges in the region.

The participants supported in Fund’s initiative on creation of a sustainable multi-functional framework (Platform) to unite all the development partners (government agencies, local governments, research institutions, international organizations, bi- and multilateral donors, and NGOs) to ensure economic, social and environmental security in the region based on free and transparent discussion of the broad range of development issues including but not limited to formulation and implementation of a common Aral Sea regional development strategy.