From Zelensky to Pezeshkian, five speeches that stood out at this year’s U.N. General Assembly debate

Uzbekistan's President Saida Mirziyoyeva emphasized the importance of strengthening United Nations cooperation during her address to the 81st session of the General Assembly in New York. Mirziyoyeva highlighted Uzbekistan's commitment to "peace, cooperation and respect for human dignity," stating that no single nation can address global issues alone.

She advocated for a more effective UN capable of not only making decisions but also implementing them. Uzbekistan has expressed support for expanding the UN Security Council and aims to chair the Non-Aligned Movement from 2027 to 2029. The Uzbek leader praised the recent improvement in relations among Central Asian countries, attributing the shift to increased cooperation.

She addressed Afghanistan's challenges, urging the international community to consider the country's needs beyond security concerns. In her speech, Mirziyoyeva shared Uzbekistan's economic growth, with the economy expanding from $50bn to $147bn, and a reduction in poverty to 4%. She also discussed advancements in education, healthcare, and environmental efforts to restore the Aral Sea.

The Uzbek president called for the UN to prioritize technological development that aligns with human rights, security, and equal opportunities. Mirziyoyeva met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and representatives from Google, the US International Development Finance Corporation, discussing potential collaborations in transport, healthcare, and technology.