🇺🇿 Uzbekistan - Foreign Affairs Minister Addresses UN General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

Summary

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakor Sov, addressed the 79th UN General Assembly, discussing global challenges like climate change, economic gaps, and technology access. He highlighted Uzbekistan's 2030 Development Strategy, aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and progress in poverty reduction, education, and gender equality. The speech emphasized climate action, digital technologies, regional security, and cooperation, with a special focus on Afghanistan. Uzbekistan seeks greater international collaboration, proposing new UN resolutions and advocating for strengthened global partnerships.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Uzbekistan emphasizes the importance of the United Nations in addressing global challenges like climate change, conflict, and the technological gap.
• 📈 Uzbekistan has made significant progress in poverty reduction, economic growth, and gender equality, doubling its GDP and reducing poverty by four times in 10 years.
• 🎯 The country's 2030 Development Strategy is fully aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on digital transformation and green economy initiatives.
• 💻 Uzbekistan promotes the idea that access to modern technologies is a fundamental right, advocating for international cooperation on safe artificial intelligence and tech-driven development.
• 🔥 Central Asia is highly vulnerable to climate change, with Uzbekistan calling for global and regional action to address environmental challenges, including the Aral Sea disaster.
• 🌱 Uzbekistan seeks broader international cooperation on land restoration and climate resilience, proposing the International Year of Land Restoration through a UN resolution.
• 👩‍⚖️ Gender equality and youth empowerment are key elements of Uzbekistan's domestic policies, with proposals for expanding the Asian Women’s Forum and enhancing youth education to prevent radicalization.
• 🌐 Uzbekistan continues to advocate for cooperation on regional security, counterterrorism, and anti-corruption measures, working closely with the UN and neighboring Central Asian countries.
• 🚆 The development of infrastructure, including transport corridors like the Trans-Afghan Railway, is critical to boosting Central Asia’s economic integration and access to global markets.
• 🇦🇫 Uzbekistan is committed to supporting Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development, emphasizing the need for UN involvement and the establishment of educational and trade centers.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the speech delivered by Bakor Sov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan?

The purpose of the speech is to convey Uzbekistan's perspective on global challenges, its commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs), and its foreign policy, including regional cooperation and addressing issues like climate change, technological advancement, and Afghanistan's stability.

What message did the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan bring from the President of Uzbekistan?

The minister conveyed greetings and best wishes of peace and prosperity from the President of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Shaat MV, to the United Nations leadership, heads of states, and delegations participating in the 79th session of the General Assembly.

How does Uzbekistan view the role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges?

Uzbekistan believes the United Nations must remain central in addressing the challenges of the 21st century, such as wars, conflicts, climate change, and technological gaps, to maintain global stability and prosperity.

What progress has Uzbekistan made in terms of sustainable development?

Uzbekistan has made significant progress in poverty reduction, improving access to education, transitioning to a green economy, promoting gender equality, doubling its GDP, and reducing the poverty rate by almost four times in less than 10 years.

What is Uzbekistan’s position on digital technology and artificial intelligence?

Uzbekistan views digital technology as crucial for development and has adopted the 'Digital Uzbekistan 2030' strategy. The country supports international cooperation to ensure the safe use of artificial intelligence for sustainable development, as exemplified by its co-sponsorship of UN resolutions on AI.

How is climate change affecting Central Asia, according to the speech?

Central Asia is experiencing rising temperatures faster than the global average, leading to issues such as reduced water availability and threats to food and energy security. The Aral Sea disaster is a significant environmental challenge for the region.

What actions is Uzbekistan taking in response to climate change?

Uzbekistan is promoting regional cooperation through initiatives like the Central Asia climate change adaptation strategy, the creation of a National Climate Change Program, and proposing a UN resolution to designate an International Year of Land Restoration.

What is Uzbekistan’s stance on gender equality?

Uzbekistan has made notable progress in promoting gender equality and ranks among the top five countries in this area. The country aims to expand its Asian Women's Forum into a Global Women's Forum to promote socio-economic and political empowerment of women.

What role does Uzbekistan see for youth in the country's future development?

Youth is viewed as central to Uzbekistan’s future, with over half of the population under 30. The country is focused on effective youth policies and implementing the UN Youth Strategy 2030, while addressing issues of radicalization and violence involving young people.

What is Uzbekistan’s position on Afghanistan, and how does it contribute to the region’s stability?

Uzbekistan considers Afghanistan an integral part of Central Asia and pursues pragmatic policies aimed at contributing to Afghanistan's economic reconstruction, particularly through infrastructure and education projects. Uzbekistan supports the UN's role in resolving the Afghan issue for regional stability.