Asbestos Alternatives Workshop in Tajikistan – September 2024

In September 2024, AV Group B.V., in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), organized an Asbestos Alternatives Workshop in Tajikistan. This workshop was a culmination of research conducted in 2023 on asbestos alternatives in both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

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The workshop served as a platform for stimulating policy dialogue on asbestos use in Tajikistan and emphasized the health risks associated with its exposure. Participants discussed the urgent need to raise awareness about the severe consequences of using asbestos, a material linked to life-threatening diseases. These dangers are especially pronounced in countries where asbestos is still widely used in the manufacturing and construction industries.
Throughout the workshop, various case studies were presented, showing successful transitions away from asbestos in other regions, providing practical examples of how Tajikistan could implement these strategies. The discussions helped participants understand the commercial, health, and environmental risks associated with continued asbestos use, emphasizing that modern alternatives are not only safer but also economically viable.

The event concluded with a collective commitment to support the gradual phase-out of asbestos and to promote the adoption of sustainable and safe construction materials. This shift is essential for safeguarding public health while fostering sustainable economic development. By addressing these challenges, Tajikistan has the opportunity to mitigate the harmful impacts of asbestos on its population and pave the way toward a healthier, more resilient future.