78 session of the UN General Assembly. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev

September 20, 2023
UN Headquarters, New York, USA

– The essence of the threat comes from the simultaneous erosion of the fundamental principles of international law embodied in the UN Charter. The destruction of these pillars places an increasingly heavy burden on the existing system of international relations and gives rise to confrontation. The practice of non-compliance, suspension and withdrawal from key international legal instruments is extremely concerning as it may lead to a point of no return. This situation disrupts the trading system, weakens the supply chains that drive the economy, harms food security and accelerates inflation. The existing negative trends further aggravate people's suffering. 108 million people are internally displaced, more than 1 billion live in poverty, 2 billion do not have access to essential medicines. 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.

– Dialogue is the only way to create a favorable environment that allows us 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 recognized 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.

– I am deeply convinced that the voices of the “middle powers” and all developing countries in the Council must be strengthened and clearly heard. With the Security Council seemingly unable to break the impasse, it must become more representative so that other countries, including Kazakhstan, can play a greater role in maintaining peace and security. In our region, the growing activity of the participating countries has become a positive factor in transforming the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia into a full-fledged international organization capable of contributing to mediation and peacemaking on the continent. Similarly, Kazakhstan, as the current chairman of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, put forward the World Unity Initiative for a just peace and harmony. This initiative, which we invite you to join, 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.

“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 support the development of new mechanisms in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. A strategic plan to eliminate nuclear weapons by 2045 may well be the most significant contribution of this generation of leaders to global security.

– We welcome the Secretary-General's “New Agenda for Peace.” This strategic document must confront the vacuum of trust and growing hostility in the world. At the Future Summit next year, Kazakhstan will play a constructive and supportive role in the adoption of the Future Pact. But the search for peace is not just about banning guns or signing declarations. Interreligious and interfaith dialogue plays a key role in the formation of a culture of peace. We are therefore concerned about recent acts of profound disrespect for the holy books. Such barbaric acts against Islam or any other religion cannot be taken as an expression of freedom, freedom of speech and democracy. All holy books, including the Koran, deserve legal protection from vandalism. Finally, 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.

– 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 key allies on all strategic issues.

“To achieve this, we need an open, transparent and inclusive multilateral trading system based 

on the principles and rules of the WTO. We also need to think about improving global food security. Last year, almost 10% of the world's population faced the problem of hunger. Voluntary exchange of information on food security, including production volumes, as well as export and import of food products, should be intensified. We must work together to ensure transparent monitoring of the international community's funding of responses to food crises. Kazakhstan is ready to act as a regional food supply hub. For this we have all the necessary resources, infrastructure and logistics. Kazakhstan is already a reliable link 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 key markets, cutting the time required to transport goods by sea by almost half.

“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.” Even though the Paris Climate Agreement has come a long way, 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's Climate Action Actions, including investing in green jobs, ending fossil fuel subsidies and ensuring fairness, inclusion and participation of women in all climate action at various levels. However, without adequate funding, ambitious plans to combat climate change will remain unrealized.

– 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.

“We must combine political will and economic resources to address this critical global challenge, along with action 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 the impact of this on livelihoods around the lake, which was once the fourth largest on the planet. Today, the world's largest lake, the Caspian Sea, also faces environmental problems, including shallowing, water drainage, and pollution of flora and fauna. Saving the Caspian Sea must be a matter of shared priority, requiring long-term international cooperation.

- Afghanistan must become a stable, prosperous state and a reliable trading partner. I urge you to support the initiative to create a UN Regional Center for SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.

– 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.

– 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 younger generation to lead our country into the future. At home and abroad, we work for this better future. Let us revive the spirit of unity and collective action that lies at the heart of the United Nations. Let us remember that our shared commitment to building a better world must transcend our differences. Kazakhstan is ready to cooperate with all UN member states in building a brighter, fairer and more sustainable world.