Jordan Daily – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for reforming the United Nations, stressing the failure of major powers to make the global world safer, and explaining that the current reality is a source of concern for many countries in the world, while speaking about global trade tensions, Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, and issues of the Middle East and Ukraine.
President Tokayev was a guest of honor at the Doha Forum opening ceremony on Dec. 7 and he took part special session in the Newsmaker Interview format where he answered questions from the moderator, CNN journalist Julia Chatterley.
President Tokayev emphasized in a statement seen by Jordan Daily, the growing role of middle powers and the UN’s essential role as a universal organization, stating it is necessary for humanity, with no alternative, and said:”Middle powers can play an increasing role in achieving global peace and security in the absence of interaction among major world powers, which drove the UN Security Council into deadlock”.
“As a universal organization the UN is absolutely indispensable to humankind, there is no alternative. Unfortunately, big powers have failed to make the global world safer. And the current realities are, of course, a big concern for many countries, including Kazakhstan. This is why the UN needs reforming,” Tokayev added.
Bridges Among Big Powers
Tokayev explain that there should be “bridges” among big powers, “the absence of which has unfortunately driven the Security Council into deadlock, and said: “The so-called middle powers, including Kazakhstan, can play a very important role in advancing peace and security both at the regional and global levels,” he said.
Being a universal organization, the UN is absolutely essential to humanity, there is no alternative. Major powers, unfortunately, fail to make the global world more secure. The present realities, of course, are of great concern to many countries, including Kazakhstan. That’s why the UN needs reform. We believe that contacts need to be established between major powers, the absence of which, unfortunately, led the Security Council to a dead end. So-called middle powers, including Kazakhstan, may play a very important role in promoting peace and security both regionally and globally”, said Tokayev.
President Tokayev said: From my point of view, trade conflicts, including tariff measures, are not the best solution, but are a highly doubtful policy. Kazakhstan, as a WTO member, strictly adheres to all the norms and rules of this important trade and economic organization. We do not support barriers and conflicts. Kazakhstan is not involved in such kind of conflict, because we have constructive and mutually beneficial relations with neighbours in the region and other states. Therefore, I believe that such problems do not threaten our part of the world. At the same time, we call on all major powers to refrain from turning to such a means of pressure”.
President Tokayev also answered the questions relating to the foreign policy of Kazakhstan, settlement of the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East as well as the role young people play in the development of the country.
Indispensable to Humanity
The President of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of the effective functioning of the United Nations and the growing role of middle powers, and said: “The UN, as a universal organization, is absolutely indispensable to humanity; there is no alternative. Unfortunately, major powers have failed to make the global world more secure. The current realities, of course, are a source of great concern for many countries, including Kazakhstan. Therefore, the UN needs reform. We believe that bridges should be built between major powers, the absence of which has, unfortunately, brought the Security Council to a deadlock. Middle powers, including Kazakhstan, can play a very important role in promoting peace and security both regionally and globally”.
Major Powers Failing
“Unfortunately, major powers have failed to make the global world more secure, and current realities raise serious concerns for many nations, including Kazakhstan. Therefore, the UN requires reform. Bridges must be built between major powers, the absence of which has, regrettably, led to a stalemate in the Security Council. So-called middle powers, including Kazakhstan, can play a crucial role in promoting peace and security at both regional and global levels,” said Tokayev.
Tokayev also addressed global trade conflicts, including tariff measures, which he described as ineffective and questionable.
“Kazakhstan, as a member of the World Trade Organization, strictly adheres to all norms and rules of this important trade and economic organization. We do not support barriers or conflicts. Kazakhstan avoids such confrontations, as we maintain constructive and mutually beneficial relations with our neighbours and other states. Thus, I believe such issues are unlikely to affect our region. At the same time, we urge major powers to refrain from using such instruments of pressure,” he said.
During the session, Tokayev also discussed Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, the resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the role of youth in the country’s development.
During his state visit to Qatar, Tokayev met Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss strategic partnerships and joint investment opportunities. He also engaged with leaders of major Qatari companies to explore large-scale investment projects.
Role of Middle Powers
On the other hand, in an article written by Tokayev during his visit to Singapore on May 24, and published in Euronews on May 28, he stressed the role of middle powers in addressing global challenges.
Tokayev reiterated the role of Middle Powers in global affairs during his visit to Singapore on May 24, and said:“In today’s world, marked by extraordinary geopolitical turbulence and persistent conflict, the need for multilateral solutions has never been more urgent. Amidst this global discord, the traditional powerhouses – the world’s economic and political behemoths – are increasingly unable to work together,” Tokayev wrote.
Meanwhile, according to Tokayev, the structures designed to foster international consensus, such as the United Nations, face paralysis and gridlock.
Against this backdrop, middle powers such as Kazakhstan emerge as pivotal players with growing capacities to ensure greater stability, peace and development in their regions and beyond.
Superpower Politics
“Unburdened by the complexities of superpower politics, our agility enables us to navigate intricate diplomatic terrains and carve paths toward compromise and reconciliation,” he wrote.
Tokayev noted that middle powers are deeply committed to upholding the multilateral system. Unlike superpowers, which may feel constrained by these institutions as they chart their own course, middle powers rely on these essential global mechanisms to resolve disputes, safeguard their territorial integrity, and address collective challenges ranging from climate change to pandemics.
The path to global unity is not uncharted—it has been navigated before. Tokayev emphasized that the world has overcome divisions in the past and can do so again through diplomacy and dialogue.
“At this crucial juncture, we call on all our international partners to join us in reinforcing multilateralism – to reinvigorate and reinvest in the global system that has brought us this far. Let our collective actions reflect our commitment not just to a more peaceful present but to a prosperous and harmonious future. The task is formidable, but with determination, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to dialogue, we can transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s successes. Let us lead the way to an era of multilateral renewal,” he wrote.
