New York: Uzbek President urges solidarity, dialogue, and cooperation among nations in his address to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Speaking before world leaders, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said global crises require unity and collective responsibility.
He explained that weak international institutions, armed conflicts, growing inequality, and humanitarian disasters are shaping a dangerous new reality. Therefore, he praised UN Secretary-General António Guterres for keeping the UN a platform for dialogue. He also reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s support for the UN80 Initiative, the Pact for the Future, and reforms to the Security Council.
Highlighting domestic reforms, Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan has cut poverty from 35 percent to 6.6 percent. Moreover, education access has improved sharply: preschool coverage rose from 27 to 78 percent, while higher education enrollment grew from 9 to 42 percent. To strengthen global learning, he proposed a World Summit on Professional Education in Uzbekistan.
The president stressed progress in green energy, science, and industry, which created millions of jobs. In addition, he emphasized healthcare, inviting partners to join a UN event on childhood cancer. He also highlighted gender equality efforts, proposing to make the Asian Women’s Forum a permanent platform.
Uzbek President urges solidarity not only within nations but also across Central Asia. Trade, investment, and infrastructure projects in the region have increased fivefold. Borders have opened, disputes have eased, and cooperation has deepened. He proposed UN-supported initiatives for green technologies, water management, and demographic resilience.
On Afghanistan, Mirziyoyev warned against isolation and urged global support for transport and energy corridors through Afghan territory. At the same time, he called for UN action on this issue.
He also addressed global conflicts, urging a ceasefire in Gaza and reaffirming the two-state solution. Meanwhile, he welcomed dialogue on Ukraine and encouraged diplomacy.
On climate change, he pressed for international focus on the Aral Sea disaster and suggested a global mechanism to improve transport connectivity for landlocked states.
Finally, he urged stronger counter-terrorism efforts. He proposed turning the Regional Council on Rehabilitation into an International Competence Center and offered to host a UN Office of Counter-Terrorism in Uzbekistan.
“Only through solidarity, dialogue, and cooperation can we overcome today’s challenges,” he concluded.
