The international transport and logistics hub in Termez has been included in the United Nations Global Supply Chain Network

On February 11, 2025, a solemn ceremony was held to grant the status of a warehouse of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Global Supply Chain Network to the International Multifunctional Transport and Logistics Hub in Termez, writes Derya Soysal.

The event was attended by the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan, I. Irgashev, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, I. Ratwatte, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, S. Makhil, the Acting Regional Representative of UNHCR, D. Lipkanu, the Head of the Afghan UNHCR, A. Jamal, as well as the leadership and representatives of the Surkhandarya Regional Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Customs and Border Services of Uzbekistan.

The hub was established in 2022 at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to ensure the centralized and targeted delivery of humanitarian aid from the UN, international organizations, and foreign countries to Afghanistan and other countries, based on the LLC "Termiz Cargo Center."

In his speech at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, called on the global community to unite in addressing the issue of Afghanistan, emphasizing that humanitarian aid to the Afghan people should not weaken.

The UNHCR Global Supply Chain Network includes seven warehouse complexes located in Amman (Jordan), Dubai (UAE), Nairobi (Kenya), Accra (Ghana), Douala (Cameroon), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Panama City (Panama). Each year, key life-sustaining items (such as tents, blankets, kitchen sets, medicines, etc.) worth more than $500 million are processed through this infrastructure to respond to humanitarian crises.

Given the complex international situation and the increasing number of people in need of support, the UN and its agencies strive to maintain sufficient stocks of essential resources to assist vulnerable populations. In this context, the strategic location of Termez at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, the transportation and energy infrastructure established there, and the presence of qualified personnel were key factors in the decision to integrate it into the global network.

Thus, the Termez center became the eighth international warehouse of UNHCR, confirming its significance and effectiveness for the operational distribution of humanitarian cargoes on a global scale.

In his speech at the ceremony, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan, I. Irgashev, noted that the hub in Termez is a symbol of international cooperation, reliability, and efficiency. It not only strengthens the humanitarian supply chain but also contributes to the development of the region by creating new opportunities and jobs.

The Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, I. Ratwatte, expressed appreciation to the Uzbek side for its active efforts in providing humanitarian support to Afghanistan and other countries, as well as for its close cooperation with relevant UN agencies.

He highly praised the infrastructure established in Termez, which enhances the UN's preparedness for emergencies, reducing operational costs and risks. "We are ready to continue our collaboration with Uzbekistan in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals based on the principle of 'Leave no one behind.'"

The UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, S. Makhil, emphasized that today’s ceremony demonstrates the Republic's commitment to the principles of multilateral cooperation and strengthens its role as an active participant in international humanitarian initiatives. According to her, thanks to the opportunities provided by the Uzbek side, millions of people affected by emergencies will receive life-saving assistance.

The Acting UNHCR Representative for Central Asia, D. Lipkanu, noted that the Organization has repeatedly seen the strategic advantages of the Termez hub for humanitarian operations at the international level.

“The integration of the center into our global network will allow us to use its infrastructure and logistical capabilities even more effectively to support people who have been forced to leave their homes,” said D. Lipkanu.

In the opinion of the UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan, A. Jamal, Afghanistan will significantly benefit from the expansion of the UNHCR emergency supply management system through the logistics center in Termez. "At the same time, the importance of this hub goes far beyond Afghanistan. It will enhance emergency response measures at the global level, strengthen regional cooperation, and accelerate the fight against climate change through the use of environmentally friendly technologies."

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