The 80th Anniversary of the UN and the Future of Multilateralism Discussed at a High-Level Meeting in Astana, DKnews.kz reports.
A panel discussion titled "The 80th Anniversary of the UN and Kazakhstan's Role: The Future of Multilateralism" will be held at the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the day Kazakhstan joined the organization.
Approximately 80 representatives from the UN, the diplomatic corps, Kazakhstani government officials, and academia attended the event.
The panel discussion was organized by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kazakhstan, the Presidential Center of the Republic the DPA RK, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
Participants discussed Kazakhstan’s contribution to global peace, security, and sustainable development, as well as the evolving role of the UN in today’s geopolitical landscape. The discussion was particularly relevant in the context of the implementation of commitments outlined in the final documents of the 2024 Summit of the Future, including the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. These initiatives strengthen global cooperation and enhance the UN's ability to address contemporary challenges.
"In the face of today's global challenges, international cooperation remains a key tool for ensuring stability and sustainable development. Kazakhstan consistently demonstrates leadership in promoting peace and stability, and today's discussion helps shape a common vision for the future. The UN reaffirms its core principle: global problems require global solutions. In 2025, the priority will be the implementation of the Pact for the Future, which will accelerate transformative change, taking into account the national characteristics of countries and strengthening collective responsibility for achieving shared goals," said Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, Steven O'Malley.
"The multifaceted nature of contemporary problems forces the global community to seek new solutions that must be adopted and implemented collectively to achieve sustainable development, enhance global security, and ensure justice for the well-being of future generations. In this context, special hopes are placed on multilateral efforts, particularly in the format of the United Nations, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. Kazakhstan, for its part, fully supports the UN's work and stresses the importance of strengthening the role of middle powers and all developing countries in the UN Security Council. This is the principled position of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev," stated the Director of the Presidential Center of Kazakhstan, Bakhytzhan Temirbolat.
Participants emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation to address critical issues such as climate change, digital governance, and global security.
Notably, since joining the UN in 1992, Kazakhstan has been an active proponent of nuclear disarmament, regional security, and sustainable development. This event served as a platform to discuss the country’s contributions to the UN and the prospects for further cooperation.
Addressing the audience, Akan Rakhmetullin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, emphasized: "Despite challenges such as economic crises, pandemics, regional conflicts, and the unjust distribution of wealth and resources, the multilateral approach remains a powerful tool against potential divisions in the international community. This is why President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlights that 'the United Nations remains the only universal structure without alternatives,' serving as the cornerstone of global cooperation and progress."
The event also featured speeches by the Ambassador of Brazil to Kazakhstan, Marcel Fortuna Biato; the Ambassador of Turkey to Kazakhstan, Mustafa Kapucu; the Director of the Public Opinion Research Institute, Botagoz Rakisheva; and the Head of the Department of International Security at the Kazakh Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan, Dauren Aben.
It is worth noting that the discussion reaffirmed the importance of reforming global institutions and fostering multilateral cooperation to address contemporary challenges.
