Speech by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Mr. Secretary-General,
Distinguished Heads of Delegations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor for me to extend my sincere congratulations to you all on the occasion of the landmark event – the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Our meeting today is taking place against the backdrop of a rapidly changing and complex global environment. This situation compels us to adopt a renewed perspective on the activities of our Organization and its future.
At present, the role and influence of international institutions are weakening; contradictions, conflicts, and wars are intensifying; technological and social inequalities are sharply increasing; and economic and humanitarian crises are deepening. All of these factors are giving rise to an entirely new and alarming geopolitical reality.
We highly value the efforts of His Excellency Secretary-General António Guterres to preserve the United Nations as the principal platform for addressing the most pressing and acute global challenges through dialogue and compromise.
In this regard, we fully support the “UN – 80” initiatives and reaffirm our firm commitment to the Pact for the Future.
We also stand for the transformation of the United Nations Security Council and the expansion of its membership, with the aim of ensuring effective responses to modern threats and safeguarding the interests of developing countries.
Distinguished Participants of the Session,
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, we are consistently pursuing a policy of building a New Uzbekistan – a democratic, rule-of-law, social, and secular state. To this end, we are steadfastly advancing irreversible reforms.
Our highest priority is to fundamentally improve the lives of every family and every citizen of our country, enhancing human dignity and well-being.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has succeeded in reducing the poverty rate from 35 percent to 6.6 percent. This has been achieved primarily through reforms in the fields of education and science, the establishment of innovative industries and high-tech enterprises, the modernization of “green” energy and transport infrastructure, the comprehensive development of small business, and, as a result, the creation of millions of new jobs.
In our country, preschool education coverage has increased from 27 percent to 78 percent, while the enrollment of our youth in higher education has risen from 9 percent to 42 percent. Most importantly, we regard the enhancement of the status and prestige of the teaching profession as a decisive priority.
In order to create a unified international platform for the exchange of experience and knowledge among educators, we propose to hold the World Summit on Professional Education in Uzbekistan.
At the same time, we are establishing an advanced healthcare system in our country. Tomorrow, at the headquarters of the United Nations, a high-level event dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer and other severe diseases will be held at our initiative. We cordially invite all our international partners to participate in this important event.
Another key priority is gender policy. We are determined to further strengthen the role of women in the socio-political life and entrepreneurial sector of our country. At the regional level, we advocate turning the Asian Women’s Forum into a permanent platform to be held on a regular basis.
I would like to reiterate once again: Uzbekistan remains committed to fulfilling its 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 consistently pursue our open and pragmatic policy.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Eight years ago, from this very high rostrum, we declared our firm intention to turn Central Asia into a space of peace, good-neighborliness, and partnership.
Today, I am deeply pleased to emphasize that we have successfully achieved this strategic goal. The era of closed borders and unresolved disputes has become a thing of the past.
In recent years, the volume of trade, investment, and transportation in our region has increased nearly fivefold. We are establishing joint investment funds, developing trade and industrial zones in border areas, and implementing major infrastructure projects.
We also recognize as our common achievement the fact that the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia have become an effective mechanism for deepening regional integration.
I can state with firm confidence that today we are witnessing the beginning of the process of shaping a New Central Asia.
Our region, with its solidarity, stability, and distinct identity, is increasingly establishing itself as an independent actor within the system of international relations.
In order to achieve our goals, we attach primary importance to expanding mutually beneficial relations with all our foreign partners. In this regard, we propose to implement a number of new projects and programs in our region in cooperation with United Nations institutions.
In particular, under the auspices of ECOSOC and UNCTAD, we propose holding an International Forum on the Economic Development of Central Asian States; together with UNIDO, we propose establishing a Regional Hub of Green Technologies in Industry; as well as adopting programs on the rational use of water resources, the creation of a “green” environment, and ensuring demographic sustainability in our region.
At the same time, we propose that the General Assembly adopt a resolution supporting the efforts of the 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 address the issue of Afghanistan.
It is necessary to consolidate the efforts of the international community in order to support the Afghan people’s aspiration to live in peace and tranquility. I would like to emphasize in particular that it is extremely important not to allow this country to remain isolated.
We intend to implement major economic and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan. In this context, we propose that our Organization adopt a special resolution on the development of international transport and energy corridors through this country.
The worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip must also not be ignored. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of political negotiations. We firmly uphold the principle of “two states for two peoples” in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
The situation surrounding Ukraine also remains a matter of serious concern for all of us. We welcome the initiation of high-level dialogue aimed at resolving this issue through diplomatic means.
Distinguished Participants of the Assembly,
In Central Asia, effective efforts are being undertaken to implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In cooperation with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, a Regional Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration has been established. We propose to transform this body into an International Competence Centre.
This structure will serve as an important platform for sharing experiences on reintegrating individuals returned from conflict zones into peaceful life. Furthermore, we stand ready to provide all the necessary conditions for opening a regional office of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism in Uzbekistan.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
In today’s world, full of threats and challenges, we are witnessing the vulnerability of the global transport system. These problems primarily affect the stability of developing countries that lack access to the sea.
Ensuring the security of international transit corridors and creating efficient logistics chains is of utmost importance. In this regard, we believe that the time has come to introduce a Global Mechanism on Strengthening Interconnectivity for Sustainable Development.
I would also like to draw special attention to the increasingly acute problems of climate change. In particular, the negative consequences of the Aral Sea’s desiccation must remain at the center of the world community’s attention. We are consistently continuing our efforts to restore the Aral Sea ecosystem.
In recent years, salt-resistant desert plants have been planted across an area of 2 million hectares on the dried seabed. By 2030, green cover will be created on 80 percent of this territory.
Another pressing issue is the shortage of water resources. At present, more than two billion people in the world lack access to safe drinking water.
We plan to hold a World Water Conservation Forum in our country. Based on the outcomes of this event, it is envisaged to designate the water crisis as a serious threat to sustainable development. In this regard, we intend to adopt a special “roadmap” for the introduction of innovative technologies at the global level.
Another negative consequence of environmental change is the intensification of climate migration. Unfortunately, clear international mechanisms and a legal framework in this area have not yet been established. We therefore advocate the adoption of a Global Pact to promote broad international partnership and coordinated policies on this critical issue.
Distinguished Participants of the Meeting,
Preventing inequality in digital development and the use of artificial intelligence among countries is of vital importance.
We propose the establishment of an International Cooperation Mechanism aimed at the impartial exchange of practical solutions and models of artificial intelligence in the fields of healthcare, education, and culture.
Allow me to highlight one more priority issue.
Our future, the destiny and prosperity of the world, lies in the hands of the younger generation. It is our urgent task to instill in the hearts and minds of our youth noble values such as peace, humanism, friendship, mutual trust, and respect.
In this context, we propose to establish a “World Youth Movement for Peace” and to host its headquarters in Uzbekistan.
We are consistently implementing a policy of tolerance in our society. At the same time, we are actively continuing our efforts to study and promote the ideas of Islamic enlightenment. In the coming months, we will open a unique Center of Islamic Civilization, unprecedented in our wider region.
We also intend to hold a special presentation at the United Nations dedicated to the rich spiritual and scientific heritage of our great ancestors – the eminent thinkers and scholars Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, and Imam Maturidi.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
New Uzbekistan stands for solidarity, open dialogue, and close partnership with all countries. We are always ready to contribute to strengthening dialogue among peoples, cultures, and civilizations, and to advancing our shared human goals.
I thank you for your attention.