Key Talks Between Uzbek Leader, UN Secretary-General Spotlight Global and Regional Challenges

On the sidelines of the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss pressing global and regional development issues, including preparations for the upcoming 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s strong support for the secretary-general’s initiatives aimed at enhancing international peace and security, as well as reforming the UN and its core bodies to better respond to today’s complex issues, The Caspian Post reports per Uzbek media.

The meeting highlighted the expansion of Uzbekistan’s broad cooperation with the UN and the progress of agreements made during Guterres’s visit to Tashkent in July of the previous year. Currently, 160 joint programs and projects are underway, and Uzbekistan has played a pivotal role in the adoption of 13 UN General Assembly resolutions in recent years.

In 2025, Uzbekistan has welcomed leaders from several key UN agencies, including UN-Habitat and UNICEF. The official opening of the UN Women office in Tashkent marked a major milestone, alongside the organization of a forum dedicated to public service. Preparations are underway for the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, set to take place in Samarkand.

Uzbekistan was recognized as one of the top five most progressive nations on the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index. A new five-year cooperation framework with the UN, focusing on advancing the SDGs, is slated for imminent signing.

The dialogue also covered strategies to deepen regional integration within Central Asia and engage Afghanistan in peacebuilding efforts. Both parties concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening practical collaboration and expanding joint initiatives for mutual benefit.