On 25 June 2024, UNODC and the Faculty of Advanced Training at the Customs Institute of the Customs Committee at the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan opened a specialized interactive computer-based training classroom.
Interactive computer-based classrooms aim to enhance the capacities of educational institutions of law enforcement agencies across Central Asia, ensuring continuous training opportunities and serving as a platform for international and regional training within UNODC programmes and initiatives.
“The opening of the specialized training classroom represents a vital step in our ongoing partnership with UNODC. It will empower our customs officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively combat transnational organized crime, ensuring a safer and more secure Central Asia,” said Otabek Choriev, Deputy Chairman of the Customs Committee at the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, during his opening remarks.
“The Government of Japan has a long-standing commitment to fighting illegal drug trafficking and cross-border organized crime in Central Asia,” stated Tae Sato, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Uzbekistan. “We have partnered with local authorities and UNODC to support these efforts. We hope that this new training classroom and equipment, along with the knowledge gained, will contribute to greater peace and stability in the region.”
“Computer-based training classrooms empower law enforcement institutions to reach a wider audience,” noted Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia. “This allows officers in remote areas and capital cities to access continuous education. UNODC plans to establish these training classrooms at remote border checkpoints, ensuring law enforcement officials have ongoing opportunities to learn and enhance their skills.”
The interactive computer-based training classroom at the Faculty of Advanced Training features training modules developed by UNODC, enabling law enforcement officers to receive comprehensive training on various topics crucial to combating transnational organized crime. Topics covered include screening techniques, risk profiling, passport control, anti-money laundering, and drug detection.
This initiative is a joint effort between the Customs Committee and the UNODC Regional Project on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation by Strengthening the Capacity of Border Liaison Offices in Central Asia of Sub-programme 1 Preventing and Countering Transnational Organized Crime of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022 – 2025.
The opening of the classroom coincided with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking marked on 26 June, focusing on the theme "The evidence is clear: invest in prevention". The campaign emphasized the use of scientific and practical achievements to enhance the effectiveness of anti-drug efforts while upholding human rights and understanding the broader social, economic, and health impacts of drug use.
The project is funded by the Government of Japan.
Learn more about the project:
United for Security: A Look at UNODC’s Cross-Border Cooperation Initiative in Central Asia
For further information, please contact:
Nurangez Abdulhamidova
Communications and External Relations Specialist
UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia
Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org