Aral Sea International Program Endorsed as a Program of UN International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development

On May 5, the International Program for Sustainable Development of Aral Sea Region (“Aral Sea International Program”), initiated by the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was endorsed by the UN International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). The Aral Sea International Program was also featured at an exhibition showcasing selected initiatives during the Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs (STI Forum), held at UN Headquarters in New York on May 7.

The Aral Sea International Program supports the Green Aral Sea Initiative by fostering regional collaboration in green technologies, aiming to advance sustainable development across the region. It focuses on four areas: research on ecosystem evolution and sustainable development in the Aral Sea region; piloting green and innovative technologies for ecological restoration; establishing a joint laboratory for green technology research and demonstration; and enhancing scientific and technological innovation capacities in Central Asia’s arid regions.

The International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033) was launched through a UN General Assembly resolution adopted in August 2023,with the goal of leveraging global scientific collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  In October 2023, UNESCO issued a global call for program proposals. Following a rigorous review process, the first batch of 25 initiatives including the Aral Sea International Program, were officially endorsed by IDSSD.

Confirmation letter signed by Lidia Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences. (Image by XIEG)

The Aral Sea International Program featured at the exhibition during the UN STI Forum in New York. (Image by XIEG)

Contact

LONG Huaping

Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography

E-mail: longhp@ms.xjb.ac.cn

Web: http://english.egi.cas.cn