On 27 January 2023, the Aral Sea Trust Fund officially welcomed the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) as its eight participating UN organization (PUNO) to the Fund.

UNOPS, as a central source for infrastructure, procurement and project management for UN member states, international financial institutions, governments, and other partners around the world, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the PUNOs and the UNDP Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office.

Ms. Sara Noshadi, Resident Coordinator ad interim, expressed support and appreciation to UNOPS and stated that “UNOPS’ mandate and global expertise will add value to the past and ongoing work of the Fund in the Aral Sea Region.”

"Joining this partnership is an opportunity in itself, to reaffirm our steady support, but also to amplify our efforts in meeting the ecological and socio-economic needs of communities living in the Aral Sea region" declared Freya von Groote - Director, UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office, Europe & Central Asia Region.

In cooperation with the other seven PUNOs of the Aral Sea Trust Fund, namely the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNOPS will support the implementation of the Fund’s strategic outcomes for the Aral Sea region within the framework of Agenda 2030 by building on it's extensive climate and environment experience while ensuring that no one is left behind.  Accession to the Fund provides an opportunity for PUNOs and partners to apply for the Call for Proposals and receive funding from the Aral Sea Trust Fund in implementing development programmes and projects for the people of the Aral Sea, planet, and regional prosperity. In particular, UNOPS together with WHO, will support universal health coverage and security in Karakalpakstan through a joint programme.

Originally published on aral.mptf.uz