Tokyo: President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, visited the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo, where he delivered a keynote lecture titled “Restoring Strategic Trust in an Era of Turbulence: How Kazakhstan Envisions a More Just and Stable World.” The visit marked the first address by a head of state from Kazakhstan’s region at the prestigious institution.
In his remarks, President Tokayev described the invitation as a sign of growing international trust in Kazakhstan and recognition of its efforts to promote multilateralism and global stability. He also recalled his personal ties with the United Nations, having previously served as Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, as well as Secretary-General of the Conference on Disarmament. The President congratulated UNU on its 50th anniversary and praised its contribution to developing practical solutions for global challenges.
Addressing the global security situation, President Tokayev expressed concern over the sharp rise in armed conflicts, record global military spending, and the weakening effectiveness of multilateral institutions. He stressed that restoring a culture of strategic trust is essential for international cooperation and effective collective decision-making, emphasizing that no country can address today’s challenges alone.
President Tokayev underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, describing it as a strategic necessity rather than a rhetorical issue. He called for renewed commitment to the UN Charter while acknowledging that some of its provisions no longer reflect current global realities. He also advocated for reform of the UN Security Council, urging greater representation of responsible middle powers from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The President highlighted Kazakhstan’s balanced foreign policy, noting its comprehensive strategic partnerships with neighboring countries, expanded engagement with the United States and the European Union, and growing cooperation with Japan. He emphasized Japan’s importance as a key partner in trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
A significant part of the address focused on nuclear disarmament. Drawing parallels between Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Semipalatinsk, President Tokayev reiterated Kazakhstan’s firm stance against nuclear weapons and called for renewed international efforts toward complete nuclear disarmament and the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
During the visit, in the presence of President Tokayev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Yermek Kosherbayev and UN Deputy Secretary-General and Rector of UNU Mr. Tshilidzi Marwala signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and the United Nations University, further strengthening cooperation between the two sides.
