The central event of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to New York was his participation in the General Debates of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
Speaking from the main international podium, the leader of Kazakhstan said that today humanity is facing unprecedented colossal shifts and is entering another period of geopolitical confrontation.
The end result may be humanity's loss of confidence in the stable development of the world in the future. The younger generation no longer believes that the world they will inherit will be a better world. Therefore, Kazakhstan considers it necessary to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the principles of the UN Charter,” the president emphasized.
According to him, the leaders gathered at the session of the UN General Assembly are responsible for the fate and future of humanity.
“Dialogue is the only way to create a favorable environment to reach agreement on new principles and norms. Despite all efforts, conflicts continue in many regions of the world. We call on all parties to seek a diplomatic solution to conflicts based on the UN Charter and generally accepted norms of international law. In this regard, Kazakhstan highly appreciates all the efforts and plans proposed by various states and groups of countries in support of a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. Diplomacy and dialogue should always prevail in resolving international disputes. Therefore, we must jointly make every effort to stabilize the only existing system of global institutions." ,” noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
At the same time, the head of state expressed the opinion that without a comprehensive reform of the Security Council it will not be possible to cope with these challenges.
includes a new security paradigm, a fair economic environment and a clean planet. Open dialogue between the Global South and the Global North is its central point,” said the President of Kazakhstan.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pointed out that of all the challenges facing humanity, perhaps the most destructive is the threat of the use of nuclear weapons. 30 years ago, Kazakhstan voluntarily gave up its fourth-largest legacy nuclear arsenal.
“That is why the logic of the nuclear agenda must be reconsidered. Only mutual trust and cooperation between nuclear powers on the path to a world free of nuclear weapons can ensure global stability. In this regard, Kazakhstan declares its continued commitment to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We "We support the development of new mechanisms in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. The strategic plan for the complete renunciation of nuclear weapons by 2045 may well become the most significant contribution of the current generation of leaders to ensuring global security," said the leader of Kazakhstan.
The head of state recalled that COVID-19 has demonstrated our vulnerability to future biological risks and threats. In this regard, Kazakhstan appealed to the Secretary General and Chairman of this Assembly to launch the process of creating an International Biosafety Agency.
a culture of peace can only be based on the principles of unity in diversity and mutual respect. Therefore, I am proud of the significant role of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana,” the president emphasized.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that Kazakhstan is a peace-loving state that defends its national interests and is constantly looking for a peaceful solution to international problems.
“Independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty are the main principles that will guide my people now and in the future. We will continue to cooperate with our main allies on all strategic issues,” the Head of State noted.
The leader of Kazakhstan focused on the need for new assessments that will solve pressing global economic problems while ensuring the right to development.
through which about 80% of land transit traffic between Asia and Europe passes. The Trans-Caspian international transport route – the so-called “Middle Corridor” – can significantly strengthen interaction between East and West. This route will increase the pace of trade between the most important markets, almost halving the time required to transport goods by sea,” suggested Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Considerable attention in the speech was paid to the problem of climate change.
“Even if we successfully limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees by 2030, which is looking increasingly unlikely, we will face a 2-2.5 degree rise in Central Asia. Despite the long way the Paris Climate Agreement has come , we must all remain committed to a zero-carbon future. The climate agenda should not be used to introduce measures that restrict trade and investment cooperation. Instead, we must focus on positive changes, such as the UN Positive Climate Action, including investment in creating green jobs, ending fossil fuel subsidies and ensuring equity, inclusion and participation of women in all climate action at various levels.However, without proper funding, ambitious plans to combat climate change will remain unrealized,” the president said.
The Kazakh side proposed to launch the Just Energy Transition Partnership program in our country. Our head of state believes that a gradual, sustainable and socially responsible transition away from coal would be a major benefit to achieving global climate change goals.
“Kazakhstan’s initiative to open a Project Office for Central Asia on climate change and green energy in Almaty can help resolve these issues. We look forward to hosting the Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 under the auspices of the UN,” said the leader of Kazakhstan.
The speech emphasized that in Central Asia, water shortages create serious economic and other challenges in transboundary river basins. A similar situation will be observed throughout the world: by 2040, global demand for water may exceed supply by 40%.
“We must combine political will and economic resources to solve this critical global problem, along with measures to combat climate change. Next year, Kazakhstan will chair the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. We will continue to work to prevent further environmental degradation and its impact on livelihoods around a lake that was once the fourth largest on the planet. Today, the world's largest lake - the Caspian Sea - is also facing environmental problems, including shoaling, water diversion, and pollution of flora and fauna. Saving the Caspian Sea should be a matter of overall priority, requiring long-term international cooperation,” the head of state noted.
According to him, Kazakhstan is committed to further strengthening multifaceted cooperation with the countries of Central Asia. Our region can play a more active role as a “cohesive and independent” part of the international community, contributing to global development processes.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that Afghanistan must become a stable, prosperous state and a reliable trading partner. He called for support for the initiative to create a UN Regional Center for SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
The President of Kazakhstan also provided brief information on internal reforms, amendments to the Constitution, and the reboot of the political and economic system. He emphasized that these reforms are based on the principles of justice, equality, impartiality and freedom.
“My personal credo – the rule of law – must prevail in all circumstances. We understand that only political reforms and investments in human capital can make our economy more sustainable and durable,” said the leader of Kazakhstan.
The head of state said that Kazakhstan has made significant progress in achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.
In his recent State of the Nation Address, the President introduced a new economic policy that is aimed primarily at providing all citizens with the necessary opportunities for a decent life.
“The health, well-being and good education of the younger generation are key priorities of the state policy of Kazakhstan. I place my hopes on the young generation who will lead our country into the future. At home and abroad, we are working for this better future. Let us revive the spirit of unity and collective action ", which underlies the United Nations. Let us remember that a common commitment to building a better world must rise above our differences. Kazakhstan is ready to cooperate with all UN member states in building a brighter, fairer and more sustainable world," Kassym summed up his speech -Zhomart Tokayev.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
