We support expanding the UN Security Council – Mirziyoyev

On September 23, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech during the general political debate of the 80th jubilee session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In his address, he touched upon a number of key issues. The President’s full speech is as follows:

Distinguished Madam Chair,
Honourable Secretary-General,
Heads of Delegations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to congratulate you on the occasion of the 80th jubilee session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Our meeting today is taking place against the backdrop of a rapidly changing and complex global situation. This calls for a fresh approach to the activities of our Organization and its future.

At present, the role and significance of international institutions are weakening, while conflicts, disputes, and wars are intensifying. Technological and social inequalities are sharply increasing, and economic and humanitarian crises are becoming more frequent. All of this is shaping a completely new and concerning geopolitical reality.

We highly appreciate the efforts of His Excellency Secretary-General António Guterres to preserve our Organization as the main platform for resolving the most pressing global issues through compromise.

In this regard, we fully support the “UN – 80” initiatives and reaffirm our firm commitment to the Pact for the Future.

We advocate for the transformation and expansion of the United Nations Security Council to more effectively address modern challenges and protect the interests of developing countries.

Distinguished participants,

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, we are pursuing a policy to build a democratic, legal, social, and secular New Uzbekistan. To achieve this, we are consistently continuing our irreversible reforms.

Our priority is to fundamentally improve the lives of every family and citizen in our country, enhancing human dignity and well-being.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has reduced the poverty rate from 35 percent to 6.6 percent. We are achieving this primarily by transforming education and science, establishing innovative industries and technological enterprises, modernizing “green” energy and transport infrastructure, comprehensively developing small businesses, and thereby creating millions of jobs.

The coverage of preschool education in our country has increased from 27 percent to 78 percent, while youth enrollment in higher education has risen from 9 percent to 42 percent. Most importantly, we regard the enhanced status and prestige of the teaching profession as a decisive priority.

To create a single international platform for educators to exchange knowledge and experience, we propose holding the World Vocational Education Summit in Uzbekistan.

We are also building an advanced healthcare system in our country. Tomorrow, at the UN headquarters, a high-level event dedicated to combating childhood cancer and other serious diseases will be held at our initiative. We invite all our international partners to participate.

Another important priority is gender policy. We aim to further strengthen the role of women in the socio-political and business life of our country. On a broader regional scale, we propose turning the Asian Women’s Forum into a permanent platform and holding it regularly.

I would like to emphasize once again: we remain committed to our obligations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By 2030, we aim to join the ranks of “upper-middle-income” countries.

To this end, we will continue to pursue an open and pragmatic policy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Eight years ago, from this very high rostrum, we announced our firm determination to turn Central Asia into a region of peace, good neighborliness, and partnership.

Today, I am deeply pleased to note that we have achieved this strategic goal. The era of closed borders and unresolved disputes is now history.

In recent years, trade, investment, and transport flows in our region have increased nearly fivefold. We are creating joint investment funds, establishing trade and industrial zones in border areas, and implementing major infrastructure projects.

We also recognize as our shared achievement the fact that the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads of State have become an effective mechanism for deepening regional integration.

I can confidently say that the process of shaping a New Central Asia has begun.

Our region is increasingly asserting itself as a distinct and cohesive actor in the system of international relations, characterized by solidarity, stability, and unique identity.

To achieve our goals, we focus on expanding mutually beneficial relations with all our foreign partners. In this regard, we propose implementing a number of new projects and programs in our region together with UN structures.

In particular, we propose holding an international forum on the economic development of Central Asian states under the auspices of ECOSOC and UNCTAD, establishing a regional hub for “green” industrial technologies with UNIDO, and adopting programs on the rational use of water resources, the creation of “green” spaces, and achieving demographic sustainability.

We also propose that the General Assembly adopt a resolution in support of efforts by Central Asian countries to deepen regional partnership and economic integration.

Distinguished heads of delegations,

When discussing global and regional security and sustainable development, it is impossible not to mention Afghanistan.

To support the Afghan people’s aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous life, it is essential to unite the efforts of the international community. I would like to stress in particular that it is crucial to prevent this country from becoming isolated.

We intend to implement major economic and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan. In this regard, we propose that the UN adopt a separate resolution on the development of international transport and energy corridors through this country.

The increasingly dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip cannot be ignored either. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of political negotiations. We firmly support the implementation of the “two states for two peoples” principle in accordance with UN resolutions.

The situation around Ukraine is also of serious concern to all of us. We welcome the launch of high-level diplomatic talks aimed at resolving this issue peacefully.

Distinguished participants,

Effective work is being carried out in Central Asia to implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In cooperation with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, a Regional Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration has been established. We propose transforming it into an International Competence Center.

This structure will serve as an important platform for exchanging best practices on reintegrating individuals returning from conflict zones into peaceful life.

In addition, we are ready to create the necessary conditions for opening a regional office of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism in Uzbekistan.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In today’s threat-filled world, we are witnessing the vulnerability of the global transport system. These problems primarily affect the stability of developing landlocked countries.

It is crucial to ensure the security of international transit corridors and create efficient logistics chains. We believe that the time has come to introduce a global mechanism for “Strengthening Transport Connectivity for Sustainable Development.”

I would also like to draw special attention to the increasingly urgent problem of climate change. In particular, the negative consequences of the Aral Sea’s drying must remain a constant focus of the international community. We are consistently continuing efforts to restore the Aral Sea region’s ecosystem.

In recent years, drought-resistant desert plants have been planted on two million hectares of the dried seabed. By 2030, green cover will be created on 80 percent of this territory.

Another serious problem is water scarcity. Currently, more than two billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water.

We plan to hold a World Water Conservation Forum in our country. The results of this event aim to define the water crisis as a serious threat to sustainable development. In this regard, we intend to adopt a special “roadmap” for introducing innovative technologies at the global level.

Another negative aspect of environmental change is the growing trend of climate migration. Unfortunately, clear international mechanisms and legal frameworks in this area have not yet been created. We advocate for the adoption of a Global Pact on broad international cooperation and coordinated policies to address this critical issue.

Distinguished participants,

It is of great importance to prevent inequality between countries in digital development and the use of artificial intelligence.

We propose creating an international cooperation mechanism aimed at the impartial exchange of practical AI solutions and models in healthcare, education, and culture.

I would also like to highlight another priority issue.

Our future, the destiny, and the prosperity of the world lie in the hands of the younger generation. Instilling noble values such as peace, humanism, friendship, mutual trust, and respect into the hearts and minds of our youth is our urgent task.

In this regard, we propose the establishment of the “Global Youth Movement for Peace” and hosting its headquarters in Uzbekistan. We are consistently implementing a policy of tolerance in our society.

At the same time, we will continue our efforts to deeply study and promote the ideas of Islamic enlightenment worldwide. In the coming months, we will open a unique Center for Islamic Civilization for our broad region.

We intend to hold a special presentation at the United Nations dedicated to the rich spiritual and scientific heritage of our great ancestors – the outstanding scholars Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, and Imam Maturidi.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

New Uzbekistan stands for solidarity, open dialogue, and close partnership with all states. We are always ready to contribute to strengthening dialogue among peoples, cultures, and civilizations, and to achieving our shared global goals.

Thank you for your attention.