Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov delivered an address to the heads of state, which essentially serves as a policy statement for our country as a candidate for non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council. The head of state emphasized that the crisis in international relations has already resulted in regional armed conflicts, and the escalating confrontation threatens the emergence of new sources of instability. Crises hinder development, and their further escalation leads to geoeconomic uncertainty. The United Nations has failed to be effective in the face of severe turbulence, which is destroying the global security architecture.
Political scientists note the importance of Sadyr Zhaparov's refusal to engage in hypocrisy and act to satisfy his own agenda, but rather openly acknowledged a number of shortcomings, such as the erosion of the universality of international law and the growing potential for conflict, the problem of double standards, and the inability of diplomacy to engage in peace negotiations to resolve military conflicts. This is a bold position. Some may find it inconvenient, but regardless of the outcome of the vote on candidates for non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council, Kyrgyzstan will clearly understand who our country's friends are at this historic crossroads.
President Sadyr Zhaparov highlighted one key point: "Armed conflicts in various regions of the world, including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, continue to test the resilience of the international system.
More than three trillion US dollars are spent on military conflicts worldwide. These funds could ensure a dignified life for all humanity. If these expenditures were directed toward greening the planet and eradicating hunger in individual countries, our planet could be transformed into a blooming garden.
Under these circumstances, issues of inclusive and equitable representation of UN member states in the Security Council and its ability to maintain legitimacy as a decision-making body on behalf of the entire international community come to the fore.
The Kyrgyz Republic believes that continued imbalances in the Council's composition, particularly the insufficient participation of small, developing, and landlocked states, undermine the sustainability of the entire collective security architecture," the head of state stated. Kyrgyzstan is competing for a seat on the UN Security Council with the Philippines, which has previously served on the Council four times. This means that, in terms of the principles of equal opportunity, transparency, and fair treatment, our country has a chance. However, with international politics becoming increasingly unpredictable, even seasoned experts are reluctant to make any predictions about non-permanent member candidates; the global situation is currently extremely unpredictable.
Former Kyrgyz Foreign Minister, public and political figure Alikbek Dzhekshenkulov is among those optimistic about the upcoming vote. Our diplomats have done a tremendous job in this regard. He believes it was right that our country's leader clearly and timely outlined principles and priorities, which is important, as many UN members are calling for reform of the Security Council.
"The issues raised in our president's statement and address are of concern to the entire global community today. These include non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, general security and the situation in Afghanistan, women's rights, fair governance, the representation of small states and the growth of their influence in international organizations.
These are the main aspects that I monitor in the international situation today, and these issues are literally all reflected in our president's keynote address. Therefore, special attention was certainly paid to fair governance, because the Philippines has indeed served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council four times. And as someone with extensive experience in international relations, I don't recall any significant international initiatives from this country.
I would especially like to note that Sadyr Zhaparov pointed out that the countries of Central Asia are taking a united position in support of Kyrgyzstan.
Why? Because we all know that today our region is gaining significant weight in international relations. "And the formulas in the 'CA+' format, which the US, China, Russia, Europe, Japan, and other countries are using, indicate that they are striving to develop both multilateral and bilateral relations today," Alikbek Dzhekshenkulov noted.
Kyrgyzstan's priorities are truly defined in a compelling and fundamental manner. This is the position of a state that will not go with the flow, shirk responsibility, or bend to anyone else's will. Sadyr Zhaparov placed particular emphasis on this. "Our approach is based on the unconditional primacy of the UN Charter and the inadmissibility of its selective application.
We consistently oppose the practice of double standards, the politicization of the humanitarian agenda, and the misuse of Council mechanisms for narrow interests.
The practical validity of this approach is confirmed by the Kyrgyz Republic's experience in ensuring regional stability.
In the complex post-conflict and transformational environment of Central Asia, we managed to resolve all border delimitation issues with neighboring states exclusively through peaceful means.
This is not a declarative position, but a realized model demonstrating that even the most sensitive security issues can be resolved through negotiations and mutual consideration of interests," Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized. The head of state stated that this calls for concrete actions at a time when the governance of the international system directly depends on the Council's effectiveness: "We believe it is necessary to return the Council to its original function – developing decisions based on law, a balance of interests, and a genuine focus on conflict prevention, not political support."
Political scientist Emil Juraev, in comments to Kabar News Agency, notes that competition for a seat on the Security Council cannot be simple. At the same time, the president's address to world leaders is evidence that Kyrgyzstan is committed to productive work and open to honest interaction with all partners.
"For Kyrgyzstan, membership in the UN Security Council will be a major, landmark event in our international relations. This will not only be an opportunity to contribute to the world order, peace, and sustainable, equitable development, but also an opportunity to gain broader recognition as a sovereign state and participant in international politics. "More practically, this will also be a major diplomatic training for us, both a responsibility and a rich opportunity to build experience and serious relationships with various countries. Of course, how successfully and effectively we serve our term on the Security Council if elected depends entirely on us, and it will be a very great responsibility," Emil Juraev concluded.
The need for systemic transformations within the UN has long been discussed in the global community. The organization's mechanisms, which have served as a system of checks and balances to maintain stability since World War II, have proven ineffective in the face of modern geopolitical turbulence. The United Nations needs reform to meet the demands of today, be capable of resolving conflicts peacefully, and restore its unquestioned authority as an influential and fair international arbiter. To achieve this, experts say, it is necessary to take the first steps that will pave the way for greater change.