National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The training is being delivered by Mohammad Nazem Shirazi, an international expert in laboratory systems. The workshop represents the first of four planned training modules aimed at strengthening national capacity in chemical analysis and pesticide residue determination.

The programme covers two key areas: the identification and assessment of risks in chemical analysis laboratories and the implementation of modern quality management systems to ensure compliance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017. This standard specifies the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories and serves as one of the principal international benchmarks for ensuring the reliability of laboratory results.

Throughout the training, participants will gain practical knowledge of laboratory risk management, the application of quality control tools and preparation for accreditation procedures. Particular emphasis is placed on the safe handling of chemicals, the operation of laboratory equipment, waste management, ventilation systems and emergency response procedures.

According to specialists, effective laboratory systems play a critical role in the sound management of hazardous chemicals. They enable the monitoring of pesticide residues, the timely identification of environmental contamination risks, and the adoption of science-based decisions aimed at protecting public health and natural ecosystems.

The initiative is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the National Center for Environmental Monitoring, with financial support from the European Union, within the framework of the project “Technical Assistance for the Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals”.

This training programme forms part of broader support provided to Uzbekistan by FAO and the European Union in the areas of environmental protection, food security and sustainable agriculture. Through the project, technical assistance is being provided to enhance environmental monitoring systems, strengthen pesticide control mechanisms and improve the management of hazardous chemicals.