Tokayev at UNGA80: Calls for UN Reform, Warns of Rising Military Spending
Speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev warned that the credibility of global institutions is weakening amid mounting international tensions.
«Serious violations of international law have become a ‘new normality,’ undermining global stability and eroding trust between peoples, political leaders, and states,» he said.
Tokayev underscored the need for stronger international governance in an era of turbulence, insisting that the UN must adapt through meaningful reforms. Central to this, he argued, is a restructuring of the Security Council to ensure fairer representation for Asia, Africa and Latin America, while granting «middle powers» a greater role.
«Above all, a credible UN for the 21st century requires Member States to take concrete steps toward durable peace and security,» Tokayev cautioned. «Otherwise, the UN will remain trapped in addressing consequences while the root causes of conflict continue to proliferate.»
The president also urged updating the UN Charter, describing its World War II–era «enemy state» clauses as outdated.
Addressing global conflicts, Tokayev voiced concern over the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and highlighted the alarming rise in military expenditures, which last year reached a record €23 bn.
«When political leaders make irresponsible statements or reckless decisions—exploiting religion or identity for political purposes, they inflict lasting damage on trust and goodwill essential for peace,» he warned.
Tokayev further underlined Kazakhstan’s role as a hub for investment, logistics, and sustainable development. He pointed to €340 bn in foreign direct investment, major transit infrastructure projects, and the hosting of the UN SDG Centre for Central Asia and Afghanistan as evidence of the country’s contribution to global stability.
He also called for stronger regional cooperation through the «Central Asia Plus» format and pledged Kazakhstan’s support for inclusive development in Afghanistan.
