Tokayev, who called for comprehensive reform at the UN, said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza had reached “horrific proportions.”
Tokayev, who called for comprehensive reform at the UN, said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza had reached “horrific proportions.”
In his address to the UN General Assembly, the President of Kazakhstan emphasized that the UN needed comprehensive reform and that the horrific humanitarian tragedy in Gaza had become unbearable.
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that changes in the world are not moving in a positive direction, adding, “In this context, comprehensive reform of the United Nations is a strategic necessity and not a matter that requires lengthy deliberation.”
Tokayev addressed the 80th UN General Assembly in New York City, USA.
Explaining that for 80 years the UN has spearheaded joint efforts to strengthen collective security, prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, maintain peace, ensure progress, reduce poverty, promote sustainable development, and protect human rights, Tokayev said, "Therefore, the United Nations continues to be a symbol of hope for millions of people around the world today."
Tokayev said that changes in the world today are not for the better, adding, “In this context, comprehensive reform of the United Nations is a strategic necessity and not a matter that requires lengthy deliberation.”
Pointing out that Security Council reform should be at the center of renewing the UN, Tokayev said, “Large states from Asia, Africa, and Latin America need to be represented in the UNSC on a rotational basis. Furthermore, Kazakhstan believes that responsible middle powers need to be significantly strengthened in the UNSC.”
Tokayev noted that global military spending reached a record high of $2.7 trillion in 2024 and that the cost of violence to humanity is approximately $20 trillion, stating, “We advocate for the resumption of high-level dialogue among nuclear powers and the intensification of multilateral actions aimed at significantly reducing the threat of nuclear weapons.”
Kasym-Jomart Tokayev conveyed Kazakhstan's concern over the Ukraine crisis, which continues to cause serious harm to civilians, undermine global confidence, and weaken international security. He said that in addition to continuing diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, both countries must show political flexibility.
Tokayev also drew attention to the issue of Gaza, noting:
“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached horrific proportions that cannot be ignored. Kazakhstan, strictly adhering to international humanitarian law, demands the protection of all civilians and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. We renew our support for a two-state solution centered on the UN.”
Tokayev welcomed the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, saying, “This shows that even long-standing conflicts can be resolved through diplomacy and common sense.”
Kazakhstan President Tokayev also voiced concerns about the receding waters of the Caspian Sea, calling on regional and international partners to take urgent measures to protect the Caspian's water resources.