🇺🇿 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.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Uzbekistan's Global Commitment and Development Goals

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan addresses the United Nations General Assembly, conveying greetings from the President of Uzbekistan and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak. The speech emphasizes the importance of the United Nations in addressing global challenges such as wars, conflicts, climate change, and economic disparities. Uzbekistan's 2030 development strategy is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on poverty reduction, education, a green economy, and gender equality. Uzbekistan has made significant progress, including doubling GDP and reducing poverty rates. The country advocates for reforming the international financial system and supports broad international cooperation in technological development, with an emphasis on digital technologies and safe use of artificial intelligence.

05:02

💧 Climate Change and Regional Cooperation in Central Asia

Uzbekistan highlights the impact of climate change on Central Asia, where temperatures are rising faster than the global average, posing serious risks to food and energy security. The region faces challenges such as reduced water availability and the environmental disaster of the Aral Sea. Uzbekistan calls on the international community to expand projects to mitigate the Aral Sea crisis. The country also emphasizes the importance of regional solidarity, proposing a UN resolution for land restoration and increasing resilience. Uzbekistan is committed to social protection, gender equality, and enhancing the role of women through international forums.

10:06

🤝 Uzbekistan's Foreign Policy and Regional Stability

The Minister outlines Uzbekistan's active participation in global processes and international organizations, including its membership in the UN Human Rights Committee and the International Labour Organization. The country plans to host major international events, such as the UNESCO General Conference and a world conference on social protection. Uzbekistan's foreign policy prioritizes Central Asia, focusing on regional peace, stability, and economic development. The country is implementing transport projects, such as the Trans-Afghan Railway, to enhance connectivity and support Afghanistan's economic reconstruction. Uzbekistan also emphasizes the need for the UN's central role in resolving the Afghan issue and fostering sustainable development.

Keywords

💡Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SDGs are a global framework set by the United Nations aimed at achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. In the script, Uzbekistan aligns its 2030 development strategy with the SDGs, emphasizing their importance in national stability and prosperity. Specific goals mentioned include poverty reduction, gender equality, and transitioning to a green economy.

💡Uzbekistan 2030 Development Strategy

This is Uzbekistan’s national plan aimed at sustainable growth, aligned with the SDGs. It focuses on poverty reduction, improving education, transitioning to a green economy, and gender equality. The minister highlights how this strategy reflects Uzbekistan's commitment to global sustainability efforts.

💡Climate Change

Climate change is a major global issue affecting ecosystems, weather patterns, and economies. The speech stresses how Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, especially with rising temperatures. The minister calls for international cooperation to address these urgent environmental challenges.

💡Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to technology that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Uzbekistan supports UN efforts to ensure the safe and ethical use of AI for sustainable development. The country co-sponsored UN resolutions addressing the responsible use of AI.

💡Digital Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy

This strategy aims to accelerate the development of Uzbekistan's IT sector and digital infrastructure. Digital technologies are seen as crucial for economic growth and modernization, but the speech also warns of challenges such as the uncontrolled use of AI.

💡Aral Sea Disaster

The Aral Sea disaster refers to the ecological and environmental crisis caused by the shrinking of the Aral Sea in Central Asia. The speech emphasizes the severe impact this disaster has had on regional ecosystems and calls for international support to mitigate its effects. The region has been declared a zone of environmental innovation by the UN.

💡Gender Equality

Gender equality is a critical aspect of Uzbekistan’s state policy. The country has made progress in promoting equal opportunities for women, ranking among the top five globally. The minister also proposes expanding the Asian Women’s Forum into a global platform for gender policy dialogue.

💡Afghanistan

Afghanistan is portrayed as an integral part of Central Asia, with its stability directly impacting the region. Uzbekistan is committed to supporting Afghanistan’s economic reconstruction, including transport and energy infrastructure projects, and establishing educational centers for Afghan citizens.

💡Transport Corridors

Transport corridors refer to the infrastructure routes that facilitate trade and movement of goods across regions. Uzbekistan is working on projects like the trans-Afghan railway to improve access to global markets. These projects are vital for reducing the high transportation costs in Central Asia due to its landlocked nature.

💡Terrorism

Terrorism is identified as a global threat that requires unified international action. The speech underscores the importance of regional cooperation, especially in Central Asia, to combat terrorism and prevent radicalization, particularly among the youth. Uzbekistan also highlights its partnership with the UN in counter-terrorism efforts.

Highlights

Greetings from the President of Uzbekistan, emphasizing peace and prosperity.

Gratitude to the UN Secretary-General for focusing on Central Asia and recognizing the region's importance.

Escalating global challenges like climate crises, technological gaps, and economic issues demand international cooperation.

Uzbekistan's 2030 Development Strategy is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on poverty reduction, education, and green economy.

Uzbekistan has halved its poverty rate in less than 10 years and aims to reduce unemployment to 7%.

Uzbekistan supports reforms in the international financial system for better access to global financial resources.

The country's 'Digital Uzbekistan 2030' strategy advances the IT sector, but emphasizes the need for safe AI technologies.

Uzbekistan co-sponsored UN resolutions on safe AI and continues to advocate for international collaboration in tech.

Central Asia is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures and water scarcity threatening food and energy security.

The Aral Sea disaster has devastated ecosystems, and Uzbekistan calls for international support for the region.

Uzbekistan's new Constitution prioritizes welfare and social protection, with plans to hold a World Conference on social protection in 2025.

The country has made significant progress in gender equality and proposes expanding the Asian Women's Forum into a global platform.

With over half of Uzbekistan's population under 30, youth policy is a critical part of national development.

Uzbekistan proposes strengthening international cooperation on youth education to counter radicalization.

Uzbekistan supports expanding transport corridors like the Trans-Afghan Railway to connect Central Asia to global markets.

Transcripts

I now give the floor to his Excellency

bakor sov Minister of Foreign Affairs of

usbekistan

Dear Mr President your Excellency

ladies and

gentlemen first of all allow me to

convey greetings and best wishes of

peace and prosperity from the president

of the Republic of usbekistan his

Excellency shaat MV to the United

Nations leadership heads of states and

delegations participating at the 79th

session of the general assembly let me

also express my sincere gratitude for

the opportunity to address this esteemed

assembly I would like to thank the UN

Secretary General Mr Antonio gutterz for

his firm focus on Central Asia this was

once again confirmed by his recent visit

to our region which laid a solid

foundation for further expanding

cooperation with the United Nations our

debates are taking place at a time of

escalating Global

challenges Wars and conflicts triple

planetary climate crisis worsening of

the world economy and technological Gap

are affecting all countries without

exception we firmly believe that the

United Nations must remain Central in

addressing the challenges of the 21st

century resolving Global issues at the

national level is crucial for

maintaining stability and the well-being

and prosperity of our people in this

context achieving the sustain stainable

development goals is very important the

consistent implementation of the sdgs

has been identified by the president of

our country as a Cornerstone of

uzbekistan's State policy our usbekistan

2030 development strategy is fully

aligned with

sdgs in recent years usbekistan has made

significant progress in poverty

reduction improving public access to

education transitioning to a green

economy and promoting gender

equality our GDP has more than doubled

and the poverty rate has fallen almost

four times in less than 10 years we are

taking solid steps to create jobs and

improve the quality of human capital

with the aim to reduce the unemployment

rate from 11 to

7%

fullscale implementation of the SD es is

impossible without attracting

Investments and Advanced Technologies

usbekistan is actively pursuing these

goals leveraging our state resources and

private

sector however many developing countries

face challenges in accessing Global

Financial Resources we share the view to

reform the International Financial

system to establish a modern Financial

architecture Humanity's future is

closely linked to the development and

application of modern Technologies new

scientific advancements should bring

people and Nations closer together not

separate them we proceed from the

principle that access to technology is

not a privilege but a right for every

person and every

nation digital Technologies are

especially crucial we have adopted the

digital usbekistan 2030 strategy we are

rapidly advancing our it sector yet

there is another side of the coin rise

of the digital Technologies presents new

challenges particularly concerning the

uncontrolled use of artificial

intelligence based on this idea at the

previous session usbekistan supported

and co-sponsored UN General Assembly

resolutions on utilizing safe artificial

intelligence for sustainable development

and strengthening International

cooperation

we will continue to advocate for broad

International collaboration to address

these

issues last year was one of the hottest

in the history of meteorological

observations we have witnessed record

breaking heat and extreme cold

conditions worldwide this once again

proves the growing urgency of the

climate change

problem Central Asia is among the most

exposed and vulnerable regions of the

world climate

change the air temperature in Central

Asia is rising faster than the global

average this creates a wide range of

problems which pose serious risk to food

and energy

security thus the level of water

availability per capita in Central Asia

has Haled over the past few

decades the RLC disaster continues to

have a extremely negative impact on the

ecosystems of all states in the region

we call on the international donor

Community to expand projects in the RLC

region aimed at mitigating the

devastating consequences of This

Disaster the RLC became the first region

in the world to be granted by the UN the

the status of a zone of environmental

Innovation and

Technology our best experience could

benefit other countries facing Sim

similar problems Central Asian countries

are unified on climate

action last December at the initiative

of the president of usbekistan the

general assembly by consensus adopted

the resolution the the central Asia in

the face of environmental problems

strengthening the regional solidarity

for sustainable development and

prosperity we also developed a regional

climate change adaptation strategy and

established a climate Council to create

a National Climate Change

program at the same time we are aware of

the need for broad International

cooperation to effectively overcome

these

challenges in this regard we propose to

adopt the UN resolution International

year of land restoration and increasing

draft

resistance ladies and

gentlemen our updated Constitution sets

ambitious goals for building a welfare

state usbekistan is committed to

enhancing social protection improving

service quality and implementing

International standards for this purpose

we have established the Social

Protection Agency we plan to hold the

World Conference on social protection in

2025 and we invite all UN member states

to hit this important

event empowering women and girls is a

key key component of our state policy

usbekistan has made notable progress in

ensuring gender equality ranking among

the top five countries in this regard

the Asian women's Forum held in Samaran

in partnership with the UN women has

become a crucial platform for dialogue

on gender policy issues we propose

expanding this forum to a global women's

forum and adopting the UN resolution on

enhancing the social economic and

political activities of Asian

women youth represents our common

future in usbekistan where over half of

the population is under 30 effective use

policy is vital to build a new

usbekistan we are Global leader in

implementing the UN youth strategy

2030 however the rising radicalization

and increased violence involving use

ding we must focus on fostering proper

spiritual and moral education of young

people to prevent their involvement in

radical

movements we propose enhanced

cooperation in this direction based on

the U UN General Assembly resolution

Enlightenment and religious tolerance

adopted at the initiative of our

president in

2018 the global threat of terrorism ISM

requires unified International

action in the fight against this will

there should be no place for Selective

approach and double

standards the Central Asian States

maintain close cooperation in ensuring

Regional

security together with the UN

counterterrorism office we have

successfully launch the regional expert

Council in Central Asia on

Rehabilitation and reintegration ation

we appreciate the un's assistance in

developing the national strategy of

usbekistan to combat drag trafficking

and drug abuse for 2024

28 as a state party to the United

Nations convention against corruption

usbekistan welcomes anti-corruption

efforts we support enhancing the role of

the UN in fostering International

cooperation against corruption in

December last year

together with the state of Qatar and

support of the UN ODC we have hosted the

high level International anti-corruption

award ceremony in

tashkin in recent years our country has

become an active participant of all un

processes for the first time in our

history we have joined the UN human

rights committee eoso and the governing

body of the international labor

organization in 2025

we will host the 43d session of the

UNESCO General Conference in Samaran an

event that will be held outside of Paris

for the first time since

1985 we invite all UNESCO member states

to actively participate in this event we

have decided to run for the

non-permanent membership of the UN

Security Council for the 2035

20336 we count on your support of our

candidacy dear ladies and gentlemen

Central Asia remains top priority in

usbekistan foreign policy the new

political atmosphere in Central Asia

allowed us to address many Global issues

regionally we will continue to

consolidate our efforts to transform the

region into a zone of lasting peace Good

Neighbor stability and dynamic

development our region remains one of

the least integrated economies in the

world in terms of the its transport and

communication networks due to the

geographical location of the Central

Asia the cost of transporting goods to

the nearest sea ports can reach up to

50% of the final value which is four to

five times higher than the global

average today our region is firly

focused on connecting to Major Global

markets and revitalizing the great s

road usban is taking strong steps to

establish effective transport corridors

leading to International

markets we are implementing an ambitious

project to build the trans Afghan

Railway which will provide access to

global ports and have a positive effect

on the economic development of our W

region the key to ensuring the stability

and sustainable development in our

region lies in addressing the Afghan

problem Afghanistan in is an integral

part of Central

Asia unfortunately the International

Community has been un unable to

implement measures capable to of

reversing the challenging situation in

this

country obakan is pursuing a pragmatic

policy towards Afghanistan we will

continue to contribute to Afghanistan

economic reconstruction and the

development of it of its transport and

energy

infrastructure we are ready to expand

the Educational Center for Afghan

citizens in in the USBC city of termes

into the global Training Center recently

we have established the termes

International Trade Center designed to

foster a favorable business environment

and enhance Logistics in order to

achieve stability it's crucial to uphold

the un's central role in resolving the

Afghan issue and developing coordinated

strategies to ensure sustainable

development your excellencies in

conclusion I would like to once again

emphasize that the challenges and

threats we face today can only be

addressed through comprehensive

International efforts usbekistan remains

committed to actively participating in

shaping the agenda for multilateral

cooperation achieving common goals and

supporting measures to reinforce the the

C Asia role of and of the United Nations

I thank you for your

attention I thank the Minister of

Foreign Affairs of usbekistan