A handicraft contest followed by an exhibition of pieces of art reflecting local traditions in border regions, conducted in Uzbekistan, and has completed a series of celebration activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of funded by the European Union flagship programmes, Border Management in Central Asia (BOMCA) and Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP). The solemn event gathered over 100 programme partners and beneficiaries from all five Central Asian countries:- state institutions, international organisations, embassies, and civil society representatives.
“Over the past two decades, these initiatives have played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation, stability, and development in the regions they serve. Most importantly, I believe that those EU funded programmes serve as an important instrument to advance on reform efforts and regional cooperation in Central Asia. So, 20 years is indeed a huge milestone that deserves celebration”, – underlines H.E. Charlotte Adriaen, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan””, – underlines H.E. Charlotte Adriaen, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan.
The Central Asia Drug Action Programme, CADAP, has systematically invested in drug policy development in Central Asia over the past 20 years. The exchange of experience and the introduction of international standards in the work of national partners have strengthened work not only on drug policy but also on data collection and analysis, prevention of drug use, and treatment of people with drug disorders. The programme also supported the building of regional alliances and networks of professionals in Central Asia and strengthened cooperation with EU Member States Agencies in the field of drug policy.
“I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of all those professionals and institutions involved in the different phases of the programme over the years. Congratulations to BOMCA and CADAP for these 20 years. I wish you success in continuing your journey facing the new challenges in the region and adapting yourselves to a changing reality in pursuit of sustainability”, – congratulates Ms. Maria Gonzalez, Manager of FIIAPP, International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies, which leads current 7th Phase of CADAP. “Today’s anniversary is a great opportunity not only to look back on the achievements obtained but also to look forward towards a new horizon in which the bi-regional cooperation can serve as the vehicle to foster stronger bonds between the EU and Central Asia”.
The EU launched the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) in 2003 with the aim of supporting the EU-Central Asia dialogue in border security and facilitating collaboration between the five Central Asian countries for more effective border management. In the past two decades, BOMCA has supported national partner agencies in their work on institutional development and has kept enhancing the skills of border, customs, and veterinary agencies participating in the border process by bringing lessons learned from the EU Member States.
“Over its 20 years, BOMCA has undergone a thematic transformation, shifting from a primary focus on border management to encompass trade facilitation, migration management, and collaborative efforts in border areas. In its current, 10th phase, BOMCA has started to work closely with the communities of border areas to improve local livelihoods, empower women, and focus on migrants involving civil society” – says General Mr Guntis Pujats, BOMCA 10 Project Coordinator.
