On September 23, 2025, in New York was held the 80^th session of the UN General Assembly. A highlight of the event was the speech by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who covered the present and future of the country and the Central Asian region, expressed his opinion on the current global situation, and proposed a number of initiatives aimed at counter-terrorism, youth unification, and addressing environmental issues.

Uzbekistan taking responsibility

Five years ago, during the 75^th session of the General Assembly, for the first time in the history of the United Nations, the President of Uzbekistan delivered a speech in the Uzbek language.

In doing so, the head of state, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, declared our country to be a state with its own history, its own traditions, and its own language, worthy of being heard from the upper rostrum of the world.

Since then, the republic has strengthened its position and become a prominent member of the international community, and speech of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the 80^th session of the UN General Assembly was a significant manifestation of our country’s new status.

This was not just a diplomatic visit or participation in a protocol discussion.

This is how Uzbekistan declares itself as a country that is not afraid of challenges, is ready to take on global responsibility, and is ready to offer concrete solutions.

“Central Asia is a region with a rich history, common roots, and unbreakable ties,” the President noted. Eight years ago, from the rostrum of the General Assembly, Uzbekistan declared firm determination to transform Central Asia into a space of peace and good-neighborliness. Today, we can state with deep satisfaction that this strategic goal has been achieved. The era of closed borders, unresolved disputes and conflicts is a thing of the past.

But the main thing that was clearly conveyed in his speech was that the region is ceasing to be an object of attention and is becoming an independent subject of international politics. And in this process, Uzbekistan has a key part – as an initiator of dialogue, as a unifying force, as a fulcrum for peace and development.

A responsible voice on the world stage

One of the most important topics of the speech was Afghanistan – one of the five states with which we share common borders. But that’s not the most important. The most important is the situation existing within and around this country. Shavkat Mirziyoyev clearly and boldly stated: “The isolation of Afghanistan is unacceptable. Only through engagement and support can peace be achieved.” This is a position of mature diplomacy and historical memory. Uzbekistan does not treat the situation in the region in terms of fear – it offers constructive solutions.

We are neighbors, and we are responsible for what tomorrow will be like not only here, but also over the border. And this requires not only government efforts, but also cooperation between businesses, infrastructure, humanitarian aid, and logistics. And our country demonstrates its commitment through its actions, sending humanitarian aid, assisting in the creation of an energy system, and strengthening economic cooperation, from increasing trade volumes to implementation of joint investment projects.

The centers of the world are in the center of Eurasia

Uzbekistan’s position on international relations was clearly expressed at the UN podium, with calls for peace and diplomatic resolution of conflicts. And against this backdrop, the initiatives of the head of our state sounded mature and well-balanced, deeply thought out and realistically feasible to implement. Proposals to establish international centers on its territory, including under the auspices of the UN, were fundamentally new for Uzbekistan. Thus, the President launched an initiative to open a Center for Counter-Terrorism Policy in Tashkent. This is not only a matter of security, but also recognition of the country’s international authority.

The same applies to initiatives in the field of sustainable water use and combating the effects of climate change. The proposal for a regular Water Conservation Forum is essentially a response to the Aral Sea tragedy, which is a tragedy for our entire people and has been an environmental disaster for decades. Now there is an opportunity to work together to develop effective transregional strategies.

Ecology as a challenge and a growth point

“Environmental problems require the combined efforts of the entire global community,” the head of state rightly noted.

For the mining industry of any country, environmental sustainability is a vital necessity. We are increasingly faced with strict requirements for emissions, water reuse, and land reclamation. But we regard this not a limitation, but an opportunity to move towards the “green” economy that the President spoke about.

Today we understand that modernization cannot proceed in isolation from nature. That is why attention of the head of state to the climate agenda is not only an international agenda, but also a guide to action for us, within the country. Our plant is an active participant in environmental programs and the green economy. Our environmental responsibility is supported by the ISO 14001 international standard “Environmental Management System” certificate.

Reforms that actually act

I would like to point out that international weight is not gained in abstracto. It is a direct consequence of the deep internal reforms that we observe in our daily lives. The President made it clear: “We are building a new, modern Uzbekistan – dynamic, open to the world, and reformist.” These words reflect the spirit of change felt everywhere: in cities and regions, in business, in industry, in social policy.

As the head of one of the country’s leading enterprises, the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, I can confidently say: we are modernizing production, implementing modern environmental standards, working to reduce man-made impacts, investing in processing and developing local entrepreneurship, and achieving concrete results thanks to the thoughtful policies of the President of the Republic, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev.

This not only corresponds to the state’s policy, but also allows us to be competitive in the global context. And, as the republic strengthens its position year after year, so do we increase production, processing, and the volume of final products, implementing ambitious investment projects that are becoming a solid foundation for the country’s future economic viability.

Youth is the assets of the future

A strong country thinks about the future. Therefore, initiatives related to youth became a particularly important part of the speech. The Peace Movement, with its international headquarters in Tashkent, can become a platform uniting young people from different countries, religions, and cultures around the values of peace, mutual understanding, and sustainable development.

The President emphasized: “Youth is the main assets that must carry the ideas of peace, progress and cooperation.” And here again, Uzbekistan offers not just an idea, but a concrete implementation – in the form of movement, dialogue, and interaction.

Our common tomorrow begins today

Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev’s speech at the anniversary session of the UN General Assembly provided a comprehensive picture of a world in which Uzbekistan holds a worthy and active place.

It is a look into the future - based on real actions and firm convictions.

Today I can say with confidence: we are not just integrating into the world order - we are shaping it, we are at the center of history.

And this is not only our task, but also our pride!

Abdulla KHURSANOV,

Chairman of the Board of JSC Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex,

Senator of Oliy Majlis