I welcoming remarks

Welcoming remarks by UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP
Permanent Representative in Uzbekistan Helena Fraser
Excellencies!
Dear Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors, ladies and
gentlemen!
I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an
important event on behalf of the United Nations country team in
Uzbekistan.
24 years ago, when I first visited Uzbekistan, the nation
was just starting its way to creating a lasting and prosperous
society as an independent, sovereign state.
I am very happy to return to Uzbekistan at this very
important moment when the country is experiencing a period of
dynamic and far-reaching reforms outlined in the five-year
Strategy of Actions.
The document is aimed at creating favorable conditions
for all people in the country to live a prosperous and healthy life,
realize their potential and their basic rights.
If successful, the Action Strategy will significantly
improve the level of human security and development in
Uzbekistan, especially the most vulnerable and susceptible
segments of the population.
The UN system appreciates the fact that the Action
Strategy reflects three fundamental pillars of development -
human rights, peace and security, in accordance with the Global
Agenda for Sustainable Development.
These three fundamental components of development are
interdependent and, as our Secretary General Antonio Guterres
often notes, “there can be no development without human rights,
there cannot be human rights without peace and security”.
That is why the UN system in Uzbekistan warmly
welcomes the desire of the Government of Uzbekistan to

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strengthen political, economic, cultural and social ties with its
neighbors.
History shows that good-neighborly relations are a
prerequisite for sustainable prosperity.
The UN system in Uzbekistan is determined to assist the
Government in the successful implementation of its priorities and
the identification of national targets and goals for sustainable
development.
We call on all those present at this event to also support
the Government in this important matter.
Thank you for your attention.

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