Mirziyoyev Calls for UN Security Council Reform and Strengthening International Institutions at 80th UN General Assembly

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the need for a new approach to UN operations amid a changing global environment.

In his address, the President highlighted the weakening role of international institutions, the rise of conflicts and wars, growing technological and social inequality, and the intensification of economic and humanitarian crises.

Mirziyoyev praised the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to maintain the organization as a key platform for consensus-building and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to the “UN-80” initiatives and the Pact for the Future.

He advocated for reform and expansion of the UN Security Council to enhance the organization’s effectiveness in addressing modern threats and protecting the interests of developing countries.

The President also showcased Uzbekistan’s domestic achievements. Poverty rates have fallen from 35% to 6.6% in recent years, driven by reforms in education, science, the development of innovative industries and technology enterprises, green energy and transport infrastructure, as well as support for small businesses, which has created millions of jobs.

Education coverage has grown significantly, with preschool enrollment rising from 27% to 78% and higher education from 9% to 42%. Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of raising the prestige of the teaching profession and proposed hosting a World Summit on Vocational Education for international knowledge exchange among educators.

In healthcare, projects targeting childhood cancer and other serious diseases involve international partners. On gender policy, the President outlined plans to strengthen the role of women in public, political, and business life, proposing an Asia Women’s Forum as a permanent international platform.

Highlighting regional achievements, Mirziyoyev noted strengthened cooperation in Central Asia. Trade, investment, and transport volumes have quintupled, and joint investment funds, cross-border trade zones, and industrial cooperation initiatives are being established. He emphasized the effectiveness of Consultative Meetings of Central Asian heads of state in deepening regional integration and the emergence of a “New Central Asia.”

The President proposed collaborating with the UN on projects including an international forum on economic development in Central Asia, establishing a regional green technology hub with UNIDO, implementing water resource management programs, and promoting demographic sustainability. He also called for a UN General Assembly resolution supporting regional partnership and economic integration efforts.

Special attention was given to Afghanistan and humanitarian crises. Mirziyoyev stressed the need for international efforts to support Afghanistan’s peaceful development and proposed a separate UN resolution for establishing international transport and energy corridors through the country.

He called for an end to hostilities in Gaza and reaffirmed support for the “two states for two peoples” principle in resolving the regional conflict. Other issues addressed included counterterrorism, international transport corridor security, climate change, the Aral Sea’s desiccation, and water scarcity.

Mirziyoyev announced plans to hold a World Water Conservation Forum and proposed an international mechanism for sharing AI-based solutions in healthcare, education, and culture.

He also underscored the importance of youth participation in shaping the future of the world, proposing the establishment of a Global Youth Movement for Peace headquartered in Uzbekistan. Additionally, he mentioned plans to open a Center for Islamic Civilization and showcase the spiritual and scientific heritage of Uzbekistan’s great scholars.

President Mirziyoyev concluded his speech with a call for solidarity, open dialogue, and close cooperation between nations, emphasizing Uzbekistan’s readiness to promote interaction among peoples, cultures, and civilizations.