President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly

Moderator

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly

September 20, 2023
UN Headquarters, New York City, USAThe primary purpose of the Head of State’s visit to New York City was to attend the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.Speaking from the main international rostrum, the leader of Kazakhstan stated that today humanity faces enormous shifts unseen before and has entered yet another period of geopolitical confrontation.President Tokayev emphasized that the leaders gathered at the UN General Assembly session are responsible for the fate and future of humankind.At the same time, the Head of State expressed the view that it will not be possible to tackle these challenges without a comprehensive reform of the Security Council.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pointed out that out of all the challenges facing humanity, perhaps the most destructive is the threat of use of nuclear weapons. He reminded that 30 years ago, Kazakhstan voluntarily renounced the fourth largest inherited nuclear arsenal.

The Head of State emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated our vulnerability to future biological risks and threats. In this regard, Kazakhstan appealed to the Secretary-General and the President of this Assembly to launch the process of establishing an International Agency for Biological Safety.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan is a peace-loving nation that pursues its own national interest while continuously searching for peaceful solutions of pending international issues.

The Kazakh leader emphasized the need for new assessment that would enable the world to tackle pressing global economic problems while ensuring the right to development.

Kazakhstan has proposed to launch the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) program in the country. President Tokayev said that a gradual, sustainable and socially responsible transition away from the use of coal would be a big bonus in achieving global climate change goals.

The speech noted that water scarcity creates serious economic and other challenges in transboundary river basins in Central Asia. Tokayev warned that the same situation will be replicated all over the world: by 2040, global water demand may exceed supply by 40 per cent.

He added that Kazakhstan is committed to further enhancing multifaceted cooperation with the countries of Central Asia. The region can play a more active role as a “cohesive and independent” part of the international community, contributing to global development processes.

The President added that Kazakhstan has made significant progress in achieving gender equality, and empowering women and girls.

In his recent State of the Nation Address, the President presented a new economic policy that is primarily aimed at providing all citizens with the necessary opportunities for a decent life.