Uzbekistan’s president calls for innovation, integration, and peace at 80th UN Assembly – Daryo.uz
By Online Service Group
Copyright daryo
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan delivered a comprehensive address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting Uzbekistan’s domestic achievements, regional initiatives, and proposals for strengthening global cooperation.
President Mirziyoyev congratulated the Assembly on its 80th anniversary and stressed the need for renewed approaches to international cooperation amid rising global tensions, conflicts, and economic and humanitarian crises.
He commended the efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and expressed Uzbekistan’s full support for the UN80 Initiative and the Pact for the Future, including a transformation of the UN Security Council to better address global challenges and protect developing countries’ interests.
The president highlighted Uzbekistan’s domestic reforms, describing the country’s ongoing transformation into a democratic, socially oriented, and secular state aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
He noted that poverty in Uzbekistan has been reduced from 35% to 6.6% through initiatives in education, innovation, green energy, transport infrastructure, and small business development. The Head of the State emphasized the expansion of preschool coverage to 78%, higher education uptake among youth to 42%, and the promotion of the teaching profession as a priority.
To promote knowledge exchange, President Mirziyoyev proposed hosting a World Summit on Professional Education in Uzbekistan and invited international partners to a high-level event at the UN dedicated to combating childhood cancer and other serious diseases. He also emphasized gender equality, proposing regular Asian Women’s Forums to strengthen women’s roles in society, politics, and business.
Regional Integration and Global Security Initiatives
On regional matters, the president noted that Uzbekistan has successfully advanced peace, cooperation, and economic integration in Central Asia. Trade, investment, and transportation volumes have increased fivefold, and regional mechanisms, including the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian heads of state, have enhanced integration.
Mirziyoyev proposed new initiatives in collaboration with UN structures, such as an international forum on Central Asian economic development, a regional hub for green technologies, water resource management programs, and a UN General Assembly resolution supporting regional integration.
President Mirziyoyev addressed global security challenges, highlighting the importance of supporting Afghanistan’s stability and economic development, addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and encouraging diplomatic solutions to the Ukraine conflict.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the deeply worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of political negotiations,” Mirziyoyev voiced.
He outlined Uzbekistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, including the establishment of a Regional Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration and the proposed creation of a regional Office of Counter-Terrorism.
Sustainable Development, Climate Action, and Youth Empowerment
The president also addressed sustainable development and climate change, emphasizing the restoration of the Aral Sea ecosystem, water scarcity, and climate migration. He proposed a World Forum on Water Saving and a Global Pact to coordinate international efforts on climate migration. Additionally, he called for the creation of an international mechanism for sharing artificial intelligence solutions in education, healthcare, and culture to prevent digital inequality.
Focusing on the younger generation, President Mirziyoyev proposed establishing the “World Youth Movement for Peace” headquartered in Uzbekistan and emphasizing the importance of fostering peace, humanism, and mutual respect. He also announced the upcoming opening of the Center of Islamic Civilization to promote the spiritual and scientific heritage of Central Asia.
“We intend to hold a special presentation at the United Nations of the rich spiritual and scientific heritage of our great ancestors – thinkers and scholars such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, and Imam Maturidi,” the president stated.
Concluding his address, President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to international solidarity, dialogue, and partnership, emphasizing the country’s readiness to contribute to global cooperation, intercultural understanding, and shared human progress.