At the opening of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech advocating renewed global solidarity, dialogue, and cooperation amid mounting international challenges.
Global Institutions, Reform & Multilateralism
Mirziyoyev began by congratulating attendees on the milestone anniversary of the UN assembly and reminded the world that the gathering comes at a time of unprecedented geopolitical complexity. He observed that global institutions are under strain, confrontations and conflicts are intensifying, socio‑economic inequality is deepening, and humanitarian crises are multiplying.
He lauded UN Secretary‑General António Guterres for maintaining the UN as a vital platform for conflict resolution, and pledged Uzbekistan’s support for the “UN80” initiative and the “Pact for the Future.” He also called for the transformation and expansion of the UN Security Council to better reflect contemporary realities and protect interests of developing nations.
Domestic Reforms & Social Progress
President Mirziyoyev highlighted Uzbekistan’s own progress, stressing that the country’s reforms align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. He said that poverty in Uzbekistan has been reduced from 35% to 6.6%, attributing this to investments in education and science, growth of innovative industries, green energy, infrastructure expansion, and support for small and medium enterprises.
He also emphasized significant gains in education: preschool enrollment rose from 27% to 78%, and higher education access increased from 9% to 42%. Plans were announced to host a World Summit on Professional Education as an international forum for exchanging pedagogical expertise.
In health, he spoke of organizing a high‑level event on combating pediatric cancers and other devastating diseases. On gender policy, he pledged further empowerment of women and proposed regular convening of an Asian Women’s Forum.
By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to join the “upper middle‑income” group of countries.
Regional & Global Cooperation
Mirziyoyev recalled that eight years ago, Uzbekistan committed to turning Central Asia into a region of peace, cooperation, and partnership. He asserted that today the region has overcome closed borders and unresolved disputes. Trade, investment, and transport flows among Central Asian states have grown fivefold, and joint projects like cross‑border industrial zones and infrastructure corridors are underway.
He proposed several collaborative initiatives with UN bodies, including:
- A forum under ECOSOC/UNCTAD for Central Asian economic development
- Establishing a regional hub for green technologies via UNIDO
- Programs on water resource management and “green spaces”
- Transforming the Regional Council on Rehabilitation & Reintegration (linked to the UN Office on Counter‑Terrorism) into a global competence center
- Proposing a UN resolution in support of deeper Central Asian integration
On Afghanistan, he called for united international support and fresh transport and energy corridor projects through Afghan territory.
Regarding Gaza and Ukraine, Mirziyoyev deplored the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, urged an end to military operations, and reiterated support for a two‑state solution.
He also expressed concern over Ukraine’s crisis and welcomed diplomatic efforts toward resolution.
He drew attention to global vulnerabilities of the transport system, especially for landlocked nations, and called for a “Global Mechanism on Strengthening Transport Connectivity” to bolster logistics and transit security.
Environment, Climate & Youth
Mirziyoyev returned repeatedly to climate challenges, especially the legacy of the Aral Sea’s desiccation. He affirmed ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the basin, including planting salt‑tolerant species over 2 million hectares, with a goal of achieving 80% green cover by 2030.
A World Forum on Water Saving, to underscore global water scarcity as a major threat, was proposed.
He also warned of climate migration and the absence of a robust international legal framework for it, and called for a “Global Pact” on coordinated responses.
On digital inequality and AI, the President urged creation of an international mechanism for free exchange of AI models and practices—particularly in medicine, education and culture.
Believing that the future rests with youth, he proposed establishing a World Youth Movement for Peace, with headquarters in Uzbekistan.
He also announced the upcoming opening of a Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, to promote religious enlightenment and cultural heritage, with presentation planned at the UN.
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