New Yorkย โ Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov delivered a strongly worded address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, urging world leaders to confront global conflicts with fairness, end double standards, and reform international institutions to reflect the interests of smaller states.
Zhaparov began by congratulating UNGA President Annalena Baerbock on her election, but quickly turned to the challenges facing the international order, describing the UN as โthe only universal organization with moral authority and institutional capacity.โ
The Kyrgyz leader voiced concern over ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, and Sudan, stressing that civilians, particularly children, bear the heaviest burden. He condemned what he called the world communityโs โdouble standards,โ accusing powerful states of prioritizing conflicts selectively to serve geopolitical interests.
On the war in Ukraine, Zhaparov said Kyrgyzstan supports peace efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He criticized unilateral sanctions, calling them โunjustified interferenceโ that harms Kyrgyzstanโs fragile economy. โBefore you demand something from others, be an example yourself,โ he said, highlighting what he described as Western hypocrisy in continuing large-scale trade with Russia while sanctioning Kyrgyz banks.
Zhaparov demanded the lifting of sanctions on two Kyrgyz financial institutions and welcomed the idea of independent international audits. โWe are against the politicization of economic cooperation and trade,โ he said, adding that his foremost duty was to protect Kyrgyzstanโs citizens and their livelihoods.
On the Middle East, Zhaparov condemned the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling it โa graveyard for thousands of children,โ and demanded an immediate halt to what he termed โgenocide against Palestinians.โ He reiterated support for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, while also denouncing the October 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel. โTerrorists must be punished, but millions of ordinary people should not die because of their actions,โ he said.
The Kyrgyz president also criticized recent missile strikes on Qatar and Iran, warning that such actions threaten regional stability and violate international law.
Turning to Afghanistan, Zhaparov urged the return of more than $9 billion in frozen Afghan assets held by Western countries, arguing that withholding funds worsens poverty and hunger. โIf you want the Afghan people to get out of poverty, return their assets without delay,โ he declared.
Zhaparov also highlighted Africaโs growing role in the global economy, calling for greater solidarity and fair use of the continentโs vast natural resources. He reiterated Kyrgyzstanโs support for disarmament, announcing that Bishkek has signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and emphasized the need to educate future generations about the dangers of nuclear arms.
On climate change, the Kyrgyz leader stressed his countryโs vulnerability as a mountainous state facing shrinking glaciers and water shortages. He underscored the interconnection between mountain and ocean ecosystems, inviting world leaders to attend the โBishkek+25โ summit in 2027 focused on sustainable mountain development.
Zhaparov strongly advocated reform of the UN Security Council, criticizing its structure as outdated and unrepresentative. โToday, 15 members decide the fate of the entire world, while more than 60 states, including Kyrgyzstan, have never been elected,โ he said. He backed African statesโ demand for permanent representation and called for an end to the โhistorical imbalance.โ
Revealing Kyrgyzstanโs candidacy for a non-permanent Security Council seat in 2027โ2028, Zhaparov urged member states to support his country. โSupporting countries that have never been elected will emphasize equality, enhance trust in the UN, and strengthen its legitimacy,โ he argued.
Closing his address, Zhaparov appealed to world leaders to match words with actions in facing global crises. โThe world demands action. The future of our planet is our shared responsibility,โ he concluded.
Highlights
๐น Opening Remarks & UN Anniversary
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Congratulates Annalena Baerbock on election as UNGA President
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Highlights UNโs 80 years of preventing global conflict
๐น Global Conflicts & Double Standards
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Warns of rising wars in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia
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Criticizes selective prioritization of conflicts based on geopolitics
๐น Ukraine War & Sanctions
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Supports peace efforts by Trump and Putin
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Condemns unilateral sanctions harming Kyrgyz economy
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Calls for lifting of sanctions on Kyrgyz banks
๐น Gaza & the Palestinian Question
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Labels Gaza a โgraveyard for childrenโ
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Demands halt to โgenocide against Palestiniansโ
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Reaffirms support for a two-state solution
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Condemns terrorism but urges protection of civilians
๐น Regional Security Concerns
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Condemns missile attacks on Qatar and Iran
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Warns against violations of sovereignty and regional stability
๐น Afghanistan & Frozen Assets
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Urges return of $9B in Afghan funds
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Calls withholding assets โinhuman and unjustโ
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Highlights humanitarian crisis and earthquake devastation
๐น Africaโs Role in Global Economy
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Stresses Africaโs growing importance
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Advocates fair use of Africaโs natural resources
๐น Peacekeeping & Disarmament
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Notes Kyrgyz peacekeepersโ contributions to UN missions
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Announces signing of Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
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Calls for education on dangers of nuclear arms
๐น Climate Change & Mountain Ecosystems
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Warns of melting glaciers, droughts, biodiversity loss
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Links mountain ecosystems to global oceans
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Invites leaders to Bishkek+25 Summit in 2027
๐น UN Reform & Security Council Representation
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Criticizes current Security Council structure as unrepresentative
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Supports greater role for African states
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Announces Kyrgyzstanโs candidacy for 2027โ2028 non-permanent seat
๐น Closing Appeal
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Urges world leaders to align words with actions
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Calls for shared responsibility in tackling global crises
