Kazakhstan's President: Central Asian countries are demonstrating unity and mutual trust
Speaking on Tuesday during the general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need to strengthen the role of the global organization in addressing pressing global issues, including security, disarmament, climate change, and technological development.
UN Reform
The head of state noted a crisis of confidence in multilateral institutions and called for far-reaching reforms. He focused on the Security Council, stating that major powers from Asia, Africa, and Latin America should receive rotating representation, while the role of middle powers should be strengthened. "Such states can act as bridges within the UN when major powers are divided," he emphasized.
Disarmament and Security
The president expressed concern about the erosion of arms control treaties and the rise in military spending, which has reached a record $2.7 trillion worldwide. He proposed resuming dialogue between nuclear powers and holding a new round of discussions on disarmament and non-proliferation in Kazakhstan. "Kazakhstan is ready to host a new dialogue on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation," he said, recalling the national initiative to create an international biological safety agency.
Climate and Ecology
Speaking about global warming, the president noted that temperatures in Central Asia are rising twice as fast as the global average. Melting glaciers threaten the food and water security of millions of people. "Kazakhstan has learned profound lessons from the Aral Sea tragedy. Thanks to our consistent work, we have managed to preserve the northern part of the sea," he said.
He paid special attention to the situation in the Caspian Sea, emphasizing that its shallowing goes beyond a regional issue. "This is no longer just a regional problem, but a global warning signal," he noted, calling for urgent steps to conserve water resources in collaboration with partners.
The Region's Transit Potential
Tokayev also emphasized the region's transit potential: Kazakhstan is investing billions of dollars in the North-South and Belt and Road transport corridors. He noted that the development of infrastructure and supply chains makes Central Asia a key link in the emerging global transportation network. "By 2029, Kazakhstan plans to build five thousand kilometers of railways," the president added.
Cooperation with the UN
The Kazakh leader emphasized that his country highly values cooperation with the United Nations. He recalled that the UN regional center for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan operates in Almaty. In April 2026, Astana will host a regional environmental summit in partnership with the UN and other international organizations. Furthermore, at Kazakhstan's initiative, 2026 has been declared the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.