OIC Calls for Stronger Global Action to Prevent and Address Disasters
On the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on 13 October, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joins the international community in expressing solidarity with all victims of natural and human-made disasters around the world.
This year’s theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” highlights the urgent need to invest in resilience-building and preventive measures rather than in post-disaster recovery.
The OIC underscores that disasters continue to impose heavy human and economic costs, severely affecting socio-economic development and posing existential threats to vulnerable communities across many of its Member States.
With several Member States frequently impacted by floods, epidemics, earthquakes, landslides, storms, and droughts, the OIC places high priority on disaster prevention and management, as emphasized in its Ten-Year Program of Action 2025.
Reaffirming its commitment, the OIC calls for stronger partnerships among Member States, international organizations, and local communities to develop effective strategies that enhance preparedness, reduce vulnerabilities, and improve recovery capacities.
“As disasters become more frequent and intense due to climate change and other global challenges, we must act collectively and decisively to build resilience and protect lives,” said H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the OIC. “Investing in prevention today will save countless lives and resources tomorrow.”
The OIC also stresses the need to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, in line with national disaster management strategies and priorities.
“National Geographic”: Uzbekistan Combines Silk Road Heritage with Modern Tourism Infrastructure
The renowned American magazine “National Geographic” has published an article on Uzbekistan in both its print and digital editions, titled “The Amazing Turn of the Silk Road – The World’s First Great Trade Route,” reports a Dunyo IA.
The author highlights Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, presenting them as key cities along the historic Silk Road and as modern tourist destinations.
Particular attention is given to the country’s tourism development, the growing number of international visitors, the construction of new facilities, and the expansion of high-speed rail connections between cities.
Tashkent’s Chorsu Bazaar is presented as a place where the trading traditions of the Silk Road continue to thrive, while Samarkand is described as a historic center of scholarship and Islamic culture, featuring Registan Square and Mirzo Ulughbek ancient observatory.
Bukhara is portrayed as a city undergoing an active tourism transformation, while Khiva is described as a destination where the atmosphere of the past is particularly palpable. The article also highlights new tourism projects inspired by Silk Road architecture, while noting discussions surrounding the preservation of the historic urban environment.
Overall, the article presents Uzbekistan as a country once again opening itself to the world while preserving its historical heritage and simultaneously developing modern tourism infrastructure.
