What Kyrgyzstan Wants From the UN Security Council

Kyrgyzstan has been elected to serve on the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term, marking its second time on the most powerful body since the collapse of the Soviet Union. President Sadyr Japarov emphasized the great responsibility that comes with the membership. Kazakhstan is the only other Central Asian state to have held a Security Council seat, serving from 2017-18.

Kyrgyzstan will expand its UN mission in New York City from nine diplomats to 28, to focus on issues of utmost importance to the country. Mirgul Moldoisaeva, former Kyrgyz ambassador to the UN, noted that Security Council membership broadens the scope of activities, as almost every major international crisis becomes part of the daily responsibilities.

Climate change, water, and food security are key priorities for Kyrgyzstan, with rising temperatures and melting glaciers threatening drinking water and agricultural productivity. Kyrgyzstan also seeks to ease the Taliban government's pariah status in Afghanistan, potentially helping it attract international development assistance for infrastructure development to facilitate the transit of goods.

The country will likely advocate for UN institution reform and prioritizing Central Asia's experience in conflict prevention and complex border management during its Security Council term. Abstaining on Security Council resolutions related to Ukraine and Russia's allies is expected, due to Kyrgyzstan's cautious approach towards some of the Council's most contentious issues.