Uzbekistan’s Initiative to Establish an International Day of Remembrance for Earthquake Victims: A Timely Call for Global Solidarity
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: We live in an era where natural disasters are no longer rare anomalies, they are persistent global threats. Earthquakes, in particular, continue to claim thousands of lives each year, destroy infrastructure, and displace millions. Yet behind the headlines and statistics lie personal tragedies: stories of loss, resilience, and survival that often go unnoticed.
To bring these human experiences to the forefront and to foster a culture of preparedness and solidarity, Uzbekistan has spearheaded a landmark initiative: the establishment of the International Day of Remembrance for Earthquake Victims, now officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly.
Remembrance is not only a form of respect for those lost, it is a powerful tool for prevention. When remembrance is institutionalized through global days of observance, it shapes public consciousness, motivates preparedness efforts, and transforms local tragedies into shared international responsibility.
From the devastating quakes in Turkey, Syria, Nepal, and Haiti, to the tragic 1966 Tashkent earthquake, such events serve as somber reminders of the need for global coordination in the face of natural calamities.
Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan proposed the creation of an international day to honor earthquake victims at the Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of Turkic States on March 16, 2023. His call resonated deeply with the global community, and through proactive diplomatic engagement, the initiative was overwhelmingly supported by UN member states.
As a result, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution to mark April 29 as the International Day of Remembrance for Earthquake Victims. The date is deeply symbolic: it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the 1966 earthquake in Tashkent, one of the most catastrophic events in Uzbekistan’s history, which profoundly shaped national memory and disaster preparedness strategies.
This new international observance is not merely a date on the calendar – it is a catalyst for collective action. The UN resolution emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, promoting risk reduction, fostering international cooperation, and supporting affected populations. It urges governments, international organizations, civil society, and communities to come together in the pursuit of resilience.
In Uzbekistan, the formal recognition of this date underscores a broader national commitment to disaster preparedness and humanitarian values. President Mirziyoyev has consistently highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach, combining historical awareness, modern technology, and international collaboration, to mitigate the impact of future disasters.
Uzbekistan’s initiative reflects its rising international profile and its dedication to universal human values. By transforming national experience into a global cause, Uzbekistan has demonstrated that even one country can drive meaningful change on the world stage.
The International Day of Remembrance for Earthquake Victims should inspire not only mourning, but also concrete action investing in safety, spreading knowledge, fostering innovation, and most importantly, extending support to those affected.
The establishment of this international day marks a crucial step in fostering a global culture of remembrance and resilience. It reminds us of the fragility of human life and the importance of working together to reduce risks and support recovery efforts.
President Mirziyoyev’s proposal has become a source of inspiration, not just for Uzbekistan, but for all humanity. It shows that visionary leadership, driven by compassion and responsibility, can unite the world around a shared humanitarian cause.
To remember is to protect the future.
