Central Asia on the World Stage: The UN as a New Forum for Self-Assertion
Central Asia Column “Steppe Ahead”
Author: Thorsten Gutmann
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York was dominated by multiple global crises: the war in Ukraine, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, tensions in the Middle East, and the unresolved issue of international climate policy. Against this backdrop, a region emerged that had barely attracted any attention just a few years ago: Central Asia.
For the first time, all five heads of state—Shavkat Mirziyoyev (Uzbekistan), Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (Kazakhstan), Sadyr Japarov (Kyrgyzstan), Emomali Rahmon (Tajikistan), and Serdar Berdimuhamedov (Turkmenistan), personally participated in the general debate. This united presence sends a political signal. It makes clear that Central Asia no longer wishes to remain on the margins of world politics, but is deliberately using the UN as a platform to set its own agenda.
Calls for Reform and New Representation
The region’s central message was clear: the United Nations must reform in order to remain effective in a fragmented world order. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan advocated for an expansion of the Security Council to better reflect the interests of middle powers and developing countries. Kyrgyzstan announced its candidacy for the 2027–2028 term. Turkmenistan, for its part, underscored the universal legitimacy of the UN, in keeping with its neutrality, which has been recognized since 1995.
In doing so, the Central Asian states are taking up a global debate that was intensified by this year’s General Assembly’s “Pact for the Future.” Its central message: The international order of the 20th century is no longer sufficient to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Pragmatic Diplomacy and Security Issues
In addition to institutional reforms, the presidents emphasized their regional security interests. Uzbekistan proposed a regional office of the UN Counter-Terrorism Unit, while Tajikistan warned of drug trafficking and cybercrime along its southern border. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan called for a shift of defense spending toward social projects, a notable emphasis at a time of growing global rearmament.
At the same time, the heads of state made it clear that Afghanistan must be integrated into regional structures. This highlights the difference from the Western stance: While many countries maintain their distance, the Central Asian neighbors are pursuing a course of pragmatic cooperation without formally recognizing the Taliban government.
Stance on Global Conflicts
The speeches also reflected the region’s diplomatic tightrope walk. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan called for a political solution to the war in Ukraine without sharply condemning either side. In doing so, they maintain a balance between their proximity to Russia and their desire for international recognition.
Kyrgyzstan chose clearer language regarding the Gaza conflict. It spoke of “genocide” and criticized double standards. In doing so, Bishkek took a more outspoken stance than many Western nations, which stick to more cautious phrasing.
Climate, Water, Future Technologies
In addition to acute crises, long-term challenges came to the fore. Uzbekistan presented its reforestation and water projects to save the Aral Sea, Tajikistan warned of the consequences of melting glaciers, and Turkmenistan highlighted its initiatives to combat desertification. Together, they made it clear: Central Asia is particularly affected by climate change, as the region is warming twice as fast as the global average.
In addition, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan emphasized the need for international regulation and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. They proposed regional centers of excellence to harness the opportunities of new technologies without losing sight of the risks.
A New Role Between East and West
Overall, the statements by the Central Asian presidents signal a strategic reorientation. Rather than being viewed as an object of geopolitical competition between Russia, China, and the West, the region is positioning itself as an independent co-shaper. Kazakhstan presents itself as a transit hub for 80 percent of the trade between Asia and Europe. Uzbekistan speaks of a “New Central Asia” that is intended to serve as a model for regional cooperation.
The message is clear: Central Asia uses the UN not only as a forum to articulate its own concerns, but as a stage for self-assertion. In a multipolar world order increasingly shaped by bloc formations and rivalries, the region is positioning itself as a bridge-builder between East and West, North and South.
