Tokayev Calls for Enhanced UN-Central Asia Cooperation
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has proposed the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on achieving sustainable development goals in Central Asia. This initiative was put forth during the sixth consultative meeting of heads of state of Central Asia, which took place in an expanded format on August 9.
The meeting was attended by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Kakha Imnadze, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
President Tokayev emphasized the importance of unified action within multilateral structures, particularly through the UN, to effectively implement the Sustainable Development Agenda. He noted that the combined potential of the Central Asian countries can make a significant contribution towards achieving these goals.
Furthermore, President Tokayev expressed optimism that Imnadze’s participation in the summit will pave the way for closer cooperation between Central Asia and the UN. He also stressed the significance of collaboration in areas such as ecology and combating climate change as part of expanding mutually beneficial regional cooperation.
In closing, President Tokayev extended his best wishes to President Aliyev for the upcoming global climate conference, COP29, which will be hosted by Azerbaijan this fall. This event signifies the commitment of Central Asian countries towards addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in the region.
