YouSaid · the spoken record

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

lines on the record: 82
first: 2019-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We thus propose the establishment of a Regional water and energy consortium. To coordinate development agenda in the region we intend to institutionalize a UN-led regional SDGs Center in Almaty. Mr. President, We must remember that in crisis comes an opportunity. We can build back for a better, greener, more efficient, fair and inclusive world. The emphasis must be shifted on the root causes, preventive measures, and increasing the efficiency of our limited resources. All the efforts should be guided by the moral imperative — to Put People First. Kazakhstan will always remain a strong supporter of the UN and will actively participate in fulfilling our collective aspiration for a better and happier future. Thank you for your attention.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We have reduced our Gender Inequality Index value by two times and have introduced a mandatory 30% quota for women and youth in election party lists. We have helped 4.5 million fellow-citizens who temporarily lost their income during pandemic having allocated for this goal $1.1 billion. Over a million people have received food and household packages. It was an unprecedented measure in our part of the world. Regional cooperation has always been our main focus and commitment. Central Asia is undergoing rapid transformation through significant expansion of regional cooperation in various fields. No doubt that a prosperous, strong and united Central Asia is beneficial both for regional and global stakeholders. As to regional stability, the rational use of transboundary water resources is instrumental.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“To achieve truly just and people-centered world, measures at the international stage should be accompanied by the dedicated efforts at the national level. Kazakhstan is determined to build an economically strong, democratically advanced and human-oriented “Listening State”. Therefore, we conduct political and economic reforms that are expected to give a boost to the development of our society to meet up the expectations of our people. We have decriminalized defamation, adopted new laws on political parties and on the peaceful mass meetings. To fulfill a fundamental right to life and human dignity we decided to join the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on the abolition of the death penalty. Another priority is ensuring equal opportunities for women and youth, protection of children.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Kazakhstan was among the first to repatriate our women and children from war-torn Syria and Iraq. It was not an easy decision, but absolutely necessary one. It is our strong belief that the United Nations must lead the global effort to overcome the pandemic, accelerate recovery and improve prospects for global governance. Therefore, each and every UN agency should reinstate its efficiency and relevance to the tasks ahead of us. We have no alternative but to live up to the great challenge of building a more robust and forward-oriented UN. The criticism of the United Nations is not always fair. The UN does exactly as much as the political will of the Member States allows. Excellencies, Though different, each of these three crises is in fact a governance challenge.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Lack of trust between nations has become toxic for international relations. It is a moral duty to demonstrate our commitment to the basic purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Due to the immensely growing demand for confidence-building, Kazakhstan aims to transform Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia into a full-fledged organization for security and development in Asia. The world community should increasingly promote an ideology of tolerance, mutual understanding and cultural diversity. It is a key to countering hatred and intolerance. We once again stress the need for creating a unified coalition to counter another global challenge — international terrorism. We invite all countries to join the Code of Conduct for Achieving a World Free of Terrorism.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Kazakhstan is very vulnerable to the various effects of the climate change. The tragedies of Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, the rapid melting of glaciers, and desertification threaten not only Kazakhstan and Central Asian region, but also the entire world. Although Kazakhstan is highly dependent on fossil fuels and has a long way to go to meet Paris 2030 targets, our commitment to develop a decarbonized economy has no alternative. We will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 15 per cent by 2030 through economic overhaul and industrial modernization. And yet, in next five years we will plant more than two billion trees. To address these global crises, we need to restore an atmosphere of trust between Member States and strengthen multilateral institutions.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In this respect we appreciate an active role played by relevant UN institutions including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization. We believe that legally-binding negative security assurances should be given to every non-nuclear-weapon state. That is why we urge all P5 countries to ratify the respective Protocols to the Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Treaties, including Semipalatinsk Treaty. Another existential crisis for our civilization is the climate change. It is not only a dangerous problem in itself, but is also a “threat multiplier”. The climate emergency is a race we are losing. But the post-COVID recovery gives us unique opportunity to put environmental protection at the forefront of international agenda. We must unite around the UN’s six climate positive actions.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“To acknowledge the role of volunteers, I propose the United Nations to proclaim an International Year of Mobilizing Volunteers for Development. In Kazakhstan I announced the current year as a Year of Volunteers. Mr. President, There are two more crises that are looming right behind the pandemic. One of them is the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament crisis. Kazakhstan has been the role model of a responsible state by willingly abandoning its nuclear arsenal and shutting down world’s biggest nuclear test site. However, continuous erosion of the non-proliferation regime leaves us in a dangerous position. Kazakhstan, therefore, expects all Member States to join its appeal to nuclear powers to take necessary and urgent measures to save the humankind from a nuclear disaster.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In this context, we note the importance of convening a Food Systems Summit in 2021. The Islamic Organization for Food Security, initiated by Kazakhstan is ready to assist the international humanitarian campaign through the creation of food reserves. We should renew our commitment to leave no one behind, especially women, youth, children, elders, persons with disabilities, disproportionately affected by the crisis. The largest disruption of education systems in history should be stopped from becoming a generational catastrophe. Civic engagement and private sector involvement are also critical for solving current pressing problems. During past months we have witnessed strong solidarity all over the world through volunteering.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“International financial institutions need to implement innovative solutions like debt-to-health system swaps. I hope that the upcoming High-Level Meeting on Financing for Development will produce concrete measures. Landlocked developing countries have been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19 which has severely damaged trade and supply chains. As the current Chair of the LLDC Group, Kazakhstan has proposed a UN Roadmap to reinvigorate implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action. The highest expectation of our people is practical deliverables within Agenda 2030. We need prompt and well- coordinated steps to get back on track for an accelerated SDG Decade of Action — probably the most critical decade of our generation. The very basic target, zero hunger is to be provided unconditionally.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Last but not least, in light of the global pandemic, launching of a biological weapons control system is becoming more acute than ever. Kazakhstan proposes to establish a special multilateral body — the International Agency for Biological Safety — based on the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention and accountable to the UN Security Council. Distinguished delegates, We need urgent concerted efforts for a truly global economic recovery. I join the Secretary-General’s call on rescue package amounting to 10 per cent of the world economy and share his view that the response to the pandemic should be based on a New Global Deal to create equal and broader opportunities for all. We believe that the suspension of debt repayments by the poorest countries will help reduce uncertainty.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Firstly, to build a strong global health system priority must be given to upgrading national health institutions through timely and coordinated support from developed countries and UN agencies. Secondly, we must take the politics out of the vaccine. It is not too late for reaching a COVID-19 vaccine trade and investment agreement that would protect global production and supply chains. Thirdly, it may be necessary to revise the International Health Regulations to increase the World Health Organization’s capacity, and to develop national capabilities in preventing and responding to diseases. Fourthly, we suggest that the idea of a network of Regional Centers for Disease Control and Biosafety under the UN auspices be closely examined. Kazakhstan stands ready to host such a regional center.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Now we are in a make-or-break moment for the humankind. Born a century before the UN establishment, a great Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai proposed his own formula on global interaction: “Адамзатқа не керек: сүймек, сезбек, кейімек, қарекет қылмақ, жүгірмек, ақылмен ойлап сөйлемек”. Which means: “All that the humanity needs — love, compassion, bold actions, deeds and thoughtfulness”. In this context, allow me to share some points on our collective response to current challenges. Mr. President, Right after the coronavirus outbreak, the UN’s various funds, programmes and agencies have stepped forward to combat the crisis. However, the international community obviously needs to do more.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We have witnessed a critical collapse of global cooperation in response to this crisis, trade protectionism and political nationalism, coming close to what some have already called a state of “global dysfunction”. The whole world is on the verge of dramatic upheavals that may lead to irreversible consequences. Lack of mutual confidence, misunderstanding of international competition, trade wars and sanctions really undermine the prospects and hopes for a better world. Let us be frank — in the post-Cold War world we largely missed the chance to build a truly just, people-centered international system. The fate of our future generations depends on the understanding of this reality, primarily by us, the leaders of states. Therefore, it is our moral obligation to reflect on the paradigm of building a “New World”.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, This year we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations in both dramatic and critical time. The greatest challenge of our age — the COVID-19 pandemic — continues to cause deep suffering among the people around the world and has seriously affected the global economy. In the wake of this unprecedented human tragedy, on behalf of my country- fellows I extend the profound gratitude to all medical professionals and frontline staff-members who work very hard to protect us. The current global emergency is a stress test for all of us that has triggered health, humanitarian and socio-economic turbulence. COVID-19 has exposed our past mistakes and failures.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“As a responsible member of the global community, Kazakhstan will not cease to contribute to the collective action of promoting peace and advancing human rights, dignity and prosperity.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“That occasion should provide a new impetus for our joint endeavours in promoting comprehensive international cooperation in order to put an end to animosity, distrust and militancy. I call on the international community and all our partners to get together to strengthen the world’s momentum towards security, cooperation and mutual trust. We all must take care of our future generations so as to ensure their just and meaningful engagement in developing a new economy and new technologies. We must take care of the environment, promote scientific development and ensure health care and education for all. The destiny of our future generations deserves to be much better than what it is now in this fragile world.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“As part of my agenda, I launched the National Council of Public Confidence to promote meaningful dialogue between Government and society. My vision is based on the concept of different opinions, but one nation. It is through the exchange of views and dialogue that we should move forward. Big changes will drive all law enforcement agencies and courts to uphold the rule of law in every sphere and in the everyday lives of our citizens. Populism is about mediocre policy. I am in a position not to make empty promises, but to pursue concrete deeds. I will be steadfast in implementing my reform agenda. Next year, the United Nations family will mark an important milestone in its history.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“I firmly believe that this concept meets the basic needs of our nation and ensures its peaceful and sustainable future. As the new President, I am committed first and foremost to building a modern welfare State. My ultimate goal is to ensure that millions of my fellow countrymen benefit from large-scale reform and enjoy an inclusive society, a robust economy, high quality education and advanced health care. Kazakhstan will not become a success story of socioeconomic development unless profound political transformation is accomplished. At the same time, one should keep in mind that democracy in Kazakhstan is a work in progress, requiring regular scrutiny. We are constantly looking for a way to improve it by building on the positive and learning from the negative experiences.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“As the next step, we propose to establish on its premises a United Nations centre for the Sustainable Development Goals with the mandate of assisting Afghanistan and countries in Central Asia. Being one of the largest transit and transport territories in Eurasia, Kazakhstan is set to play a pivotal role in promoting transcontinental trade as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and a reliable partner of the One Belt-One Road initiative. In these challenging times, we shall continue to work towards the comprehensive transformation of our society under the motto “Continuity, justice, progress”. My formula for Kazakhstan’s political system is one of a strong and visionary president, an influential Parliament and accountable Government.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Enduring global and regional partnerships, long-term investments and regional connectivity are vital to securing the peaceful future of that nation. The United Nations ability to deliver on its core mission faces a serious test. The bold and clear vision of the Secretary-General on United Nations reform therefore deserves the wide support of all Member States. We pay special attention to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as we strive to avoid the notorious middle-income country trap, and as the Goal 8 targets for Sustainable Development are integrated by 80 per cent into our strategic Government programmes. This May, I opened a new building for international organizations in Kazakhstan; it hosts 16 United Nations agencies.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“New opportunities have emerged for the region following the first informal consultations at the highest level held in our capital last year. I am fully convinced that Central Asia is becoming a global stakeholder. We are strongly united by our common historic and cultural heritage, as well as by our common future. Kazakhstan, as the largest economy of Central Asia, has a vital interest in further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation among all States. The situation in Afghanistan has a direct impact on our region. We hope that the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process, assisted by all key stakeholders, will produce lasting peace and prosperity for this country. Kazakhstan will continue to support the Afghan people in rebuilding their nation.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“This year, Kazakhstan successfully accomplished a special humanitarian mission called Zhusan in cooperation with our international partners. As a result, 595 Kazakh citizens trapped by terrorist propaganda, including 406 children, returned home from the war zones in Syria. We are ready to share our experience with other countries and urge them to take similar actions. For decades, the Central Asian States had weak economic ties, which impeded their sustainable growth. Now, by sharing common interests and challenges, our region has entered the next stage of its development. In that respect, close and constructive political dialogue among all five regional countries will be instrumental for trade, economic, investment and people-to-people interaction.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“As a good example of our commitment to inclusive dialogue, Kazakhstan provides a platform for inter-Syrian negotiations. Thirteen such rounds have taken place in our capital. Thanks to the Astana process, which complements the Geneva talks, a cessation of hostilities has been reached. The de-escalation zones, with conditions for the safe return of refugees, have also been established. We all know that conflicts are devastating and give rise to terrorism and extremism. Those challenges can be defeated only by joint actions through a global anti-terrorism network under the auspices of the United Nations. As a counter-terrorism measure, Kazakhstan initiated the code of conduct towards achieving a world free of terrorism by the United Nations centenary in 2045, and we urge others to join it.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Kazakhstan contributes to United Nations peacekeeping by co-deploying with our Indian partners a 120-strong unit to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, as well as by providing military observers. We are also proud that Kazakhstan has become a global centre for the dialogue of religions and civilizations. Since 2003, our capital has been honoured to convene the triennial Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, supported by the United Nations. All of us are observing with alarm the developments in the Middle East, the cradle of human civilization, which is plagued by mutual hatred and violence. We therefore stand ready to support bilateral and multilateral actions aimed at finding viable peace and confidence-building solutions.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“As early as in 1992, from this rostrum Kazakhstan’s first President proposed convening the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICA) as a platform for collective approaches to addressing security challenges (see A/47/ PV.24). Over time, CICA has proved its expediency and viability. We are grateful to all our partners who have embraced that process. The growing economic might of Asia demands a more integrated continental security architecture. It is time to transform CICA into a full-fledged regional organization for security and development. As Chair of CICA in 2020, we will put our efforts to that end. As a non-permanent member of the Security Council in the previous two years, we focused on strengthening security, non-proliferation and regional cooperation, affirming our commitment to the cause of peace.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We all should stand resolutely by the Universal Declaration on the Achievement of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World as our road map to a safer future. We also seek enhanced cooperation among nuclear-weapon-free zones and the creation of new ones. Kazakhstan believes that the current issues concerning Iran’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula should be settled only by political means, with due respect for each other’s interests and concerns. My country has always been a steadfast supporter of preventive diplomacy and mediation on the global stage.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Under the strong leadership of the first President, Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan closed down the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and voluntarily renounced the fourth largest nuclear arsenal in the world. Those acts were the first step in our long and successful journey towards a global championship of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Among our contributions to that noble cause, I would mention the establishment of the unique nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia, hosting the low enriched uranium bank of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the adoption of resolution 64/35, on the International Day against Nuclear Tests, and the recent ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In that complex environment, Kazakhstan firmly pursues a policy of inclusive and sustainable development, comprehensive dialogue and peaceful endeavours. Achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world remains a top priority for my country. That aspiration has become an essential part of the nation-wide identity of the Kazakh people, giving us the moral right to be at the forefront of the global movement to eliminate nuclear weapons. That stems from the firm conviction that nuclear weapons are no longer an asset but a danger to global peace and stability. Unfortunately, some countries still rely in their strategic defence calculations on nuclear arsenals, prompting their rivals to consider acquiring asymmetric responses but equally deadly types of weapons of mass destruction. Leading by example, Kazakhstan works hard to alter such misperceptions.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“All of the afore-mentioned represent alarming facets of the deepening fundamental crisis. Thirdly, the widening social, economic and technological inequalities, growing disparities between the North and the South, together with the emerging global debt crisis, distort the existing world economic landscape. Consequently, we are witnessing the rise of protectionism and nationalistic policies, which undermine international partnerships and cooperation. Fourthly, environmental degradation has become one of the most destabilizing factors globally. The impact of climate change in Central Asia in particular will result in dramatic existential challenges, such as desertification, the melting of glaciers and the subsequent depletion of drinking and irrigation water.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“This situation will clearly be a complex test for our joint actions to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In my view, the alarming new global reality is influenced by the following major trends. First, a growing number unresolved conflicts and tensions in various parts of the world have revived old dividing lines and created new ones, bringing world Powers to the verge of full-scale military stand-offs. Secondly, we all suffer from the lack of trust among global and regional actors. It leads to the erosion of the current security and arms control architecture, resulting in a renewed arms race. Those challenges are aggravated by restrictive sanctions, trade wars, an intense rivalry in space, cybertechnology and artificial intelligence.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“It is a great honour for me to speak from the rostrum of the General Assembly for the first time as President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The United Nations is a unique and universal organization that protects the needs of humanity and will always continue to do so. Next year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Organization, which protects humanity from many challenges and dangers and much bloodshed. Today, the United Nations plays an extremely important role in ensuring global development and the interlinkage of civilizations. Kazakhstan fully supports the idea of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres not to ignore but to acknowledge the fate of every person and every State as our common heritage. However, we have every reason to be concerned about the geopolitical and geoeconomic changes of the present age.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)