RKI Network
On February 11, 2025, a grand ceremony was held to mark the inclusion of the International Multifunctional Transport and Logistics Hub in Termez as part of the Global Supply Network of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The event was attended by Mr. Ismatulla Irgashev, Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan; Mr. I. Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan; Ms. S. Mahl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan; Mr. D. Lipkanu, Acting Regional Representative of UNHCR; Mr. A. Jamal, Head of Afghan UNHCR; along with leaders and representatives from Surkhandarya regional administration, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Customs, and Border Services.
Established in 2022 under the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the hub was created to centralize and streamline the delivery of humanitarian aid from the UN, international organizations, and foreign governments to Afghanistan and other countries, with the support of “Termez Cargo Center” LLC.
Speaking at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of global unity in addressing Afghanistan’s challenges and underscored that humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people must not diminish.
The UNHCR Global Supply Network comprises seven logistics hubs located in Amman (Jordan), Dubai (UAE), Nairobi (Kenya), Accra (Ghana), Douala (Cameroon), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Panama City (Panama). These hubs handle over $500 million worth of essential supplies annually—such as tents, blankets, kitchen sets, and medicines—ensuring timely responses to humanitarian crises worldwide.
Amid rising global challenges and an increasing number of vulnerable populations in need, the UN and its agencies strive to maintain sufficient reserves of essential resources. In this context, Termez’s strategic location at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, its well-developed transportation and energy infrastructure, and its skilled workforce were pivotal in its integration into the UN network.
With this development, the Termez hub becomes the eighth international warehouse in the UNHCR Global Supply Network, confirming its critical role in efficiently distributing humanitarian supplies on a global scale.
During the ceremony, Mr. Ismatulla Irgashev highlighted that the Termez hub symbolizes international collaboration, reliability, and efficiency. It not only strengthens humanitarian supply chains but also contributes to regional development by creating new opportunities and jobs.
Mr. I. Ratwatte expressed his gratitude to Uzbekistan for its active efforts in providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and other nations, as well as for its close cooperation with UN agencies. He praised the infrastructure in Termez, which enhances the UN’s readiness for emergencies while reducing operational costs and risks. “We are committed to continuing our partnership with Uzbekistan to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, leaving no one behind,” he remarked.
Ms. S. Mahl, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, underscored that the ceremony demonstrated the republic’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and reinforced its role as an active participant in international humanitarian initiatives. She noted that thanks to Uzbekistan’s efforts, millions of people affected by emergencies will receive vital aid.
Mr. D. Lipkanu, Acting Representative of UNHCR for Central Asia, highlighted the strategic advantages of the Termez hub, stating that its integration into the UNHCR Global Network will maximize its infrastructure and logistical capabilities to assist displaced people effectively.
Mr. A. Jamal, UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan, noted that Afghanistan stands to benefit significantly from the expansion of UNHCR’s emergency supply system via the Termez hub. “Moreover, the significance of this hub extends far beyond Afghanistan. It will enhance global emergency response measures, strengthen regional cooperation, and advance efforts to combat climate change through environmentally friendly technologies,” he concluded.
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