By Alperen Aktas
ISTANBUL (AA) – Kazakhstan’s president on Tuesday urged comprehensive reforms of the UN, including expansion of the Security Council to better reflect Asia, Africa, and Latin America, while cautioning that selective application of the UN Charter erodes its credibility.
“The world needs a new consensus based on trust, inclusiveness and shared responsibility,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told the UN General Assembly, adding that “major powers of Asia, Africa, and Latin America should be represented in the Security Council on the rotational basis.”
The Central Asian leader said middle powers could act as bridges when larger nations are divided, stressing that “the spirit of mutual understanding and eagerness to cooperate must prevail over dangerous warmongering.”
Tokayev voiced concern over the collapse of arms control treaties, rising global defense spending, and nuclear risks, offering Kazakhstan as a host for dialogue on disarmament and biological safety.
He also pointed to regional crises, including Ukraine and Gaza, urging diplomacy, civilian protection, and long-term solutions.
On climate change, Tokayev highlighted the problem of shrinking water resources in Central Asia, announced plans for a Regional Ecological Summit in the Kazakh capital Astana next year, and proposed April 22 be marked as the International Day of Greening the Planet.
Kazakhstan, he said, will continue to act as a “bridge-builder and peace-maker” in international affairs.