President Tokayev participates in panel session of Antalya Diplomacy Forum

Antalya, Türkiye

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the panel session "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties" held as part of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

The session was moderated by Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Türkiye and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.

At the outset of his remarks, the Head of State highlighted the role of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, under whose leadership Türkiye continues to strengthen its standing as an influential actor in international affairs.

- First of all, I would like to note the leading role played by Türkiye in this part of the world under the leadership of an outstanding statesman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. I believe that our countries can play a very positive, indeed significant role in addressing the most pressing challenges that, unfortunately, arise periodically in our region. Taking this opportunity, I would also like to note that we look forward to the state visit of President Erdoğan to Kazakhstan next month," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President Tokayev then shared his vision of the key trends and challenges facing the global community in 2026, which are shaping the international agenda in the near term.

- Diplomats, as well as politicians used to say that humanity stands at a crossroads. I recall that former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan frequently stated: 'Yes, we are stull at a crossroads.' And this will not change when it comes to reducing international tensions. Today, regional conflicts are extending far beyond their original boundaries and have already taken on a global dimension. Of course, the United Nations remains an indispensable and universal organisation, and every state bears a certain responsibility. There is broad consensus on the need to support the UN. This is a fact. At the same time, there is also agreement that the Organisation must not only be supported but also reformed. This is true. However, we must be frank. Few believe that such reforms will take place in the near future. For many years, we have spoken about reform, transformation and restructuring of the UN, yet little progress has been achieved. We must honestly acknowledge that the Security Council is the central element in the reform of the United Nations, - the President noted.

Responding to a question from the moderator, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the key qualities that should define modern leadership.

- Global leaders, as well as heads of state across different regions, must, above all, approach issues of international peace and security with a strong sense of responsibility. In today's world, strategic restraint plays an exceptionally important role. In my view, the way out of the current situation in this highly complex and even paradoxical world is simple: we must act more responsibly and exercise restraint, - the President of Kazakhstan emphasised.

The President also shared his assessment of the situation in the Middle East, noting that it is essential to focus on the key issues of the negotiation process.

- I would advise a more responsible and measured approach to developments in the world. In particular, much attention is currently focused on Iran. The situation there is indeed serious, and it is difficult to provide any definitive assessment. Kazakhstan has expressed its solidarity with the Gulf states and has called on all countries to exercise strategic restraint and cease hostilities. The negative consequences of this conflict have been felt globally, with the economy being particularly affected. Today, considerable attention is being given to the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, it should be borne in mind that prior to the conflict, this maritime corridor was open to free trade. Therefore, the focus should remain on the core issue. The core issue is the proliferation of nuclear technologies and nuclear weapons. This must remain the central subject of negotiations in the context of the situation surrounding Iran. At present, however, attention has shifted to discussions on global trade. Despite current challenges, global trade continues to grow, having increased by 2.5 percent last year. Thus, the overall situation in global trade is not entirely negative. At the same time, the quality and structure of trade remain a significant concern, - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President called for a responsible approach to UN reform, noting that the positions of the permanent members of the Security Council constitute one of the key factors behind the Organization's current challenges.

- In my view, we must adopt a highly pragmatic approach to the issue of UN reform. Otherwise, we will continue indefinitely to speak about crossroads, strategic values and other related matters. We hold numerous global and regional meetings, conferences and other events, yet tangible progress remains limited. I would also like to emphasise the important and positive role of the so-called middle powers, including Kazakhstan, Türkiye and other countries. Of course, I am not claiming that we are the best in the world. However, we demonstrate a high level of responsibility in addressing global processes, both in practice and in diplomacy. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to say that today middle powers often demonstrate a greater degree of responsibility than major powers represented in the Security Council, which, regrettably, often obstruct the resolution of key global issues, - said the President.

Preceding his next question, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu noted the vast diplomatic experience of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

- President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is one of the global leaders who has a deep understanding of the international system, and in particular the United Nations. As you know, he previously served as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. At that time, I was serving as President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Through his tireless work for the benefit of the brotherly people of Kazakhstan, he is also making every effort to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of the international system, - the moderator noted.

The Head of State further outlined his vision for the future of the United Nations and other international institutions.

- We speak about regional and global conflicts, yet at the same time, you, as a former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, may have already observed that most key negotiations are taking place outside the framework of the United Nations and other major international organisations. Meetings are held in various capitals, in separate conference rooms, but not within the UN. We do not see senior UN officials acting as mediators in these conflicts. This is a serious concern, as it points to a declining role of the United Nations. I am deeply concerned by this trend, particularly given my own experience working within the UN system and other international organisations. At present, much discussion is focused on who will become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. In my view, this is not the most important issue. The key question is whether the system as a whole will endure in its current form, - the President said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for an assessment of the impact of artificial intelligence on the activities of international organizations and emphasized the need for fundamental reform of the United Nations.

- I have just mentioned that this may seem rather strange and perhaps even absurd, but it is precisely the Security Council that is preventing the resolution of the most pressing international issues. As a result, diplomats and politicians are forced to conduct negotiations on other platforms. Incidentally, this problem was addressed quite eloquently by President Donald Trump at the session of the United Nations General Assembly in September last year, and I fully agree with him. He criticised the malfunctioning teleprompter and escalator at the UN Headquarters, saying that everything at the United Nations was broken. But the most serious problem is that the entire peace process has been disrupted, both in the United Nations and in other institutions. I am a strong supporter of multilateral diplomacy and I still believe in a bright future for humanity united around the idea of justice as the central element of strengthening peace, - he said.

In his view, the UN must move away from outdated concepts and approaches that no longer correspond to present-day realities.

- The Organisation was established 80 years ago, and those who argue that it has become outdated and even fallen into decline are not without reason. We need to pay close attention to the content of the UN Charter, which still contains references to the so-called 'enemy states'. Eighty years ago, the situation was entirely clear. Today, however, these so-called 'enemy states' play an extremely important role in supporting and financing the Organisation, as well as in contributing to peace efforts. The most important task is to enhance the effectiveness and authority of the United Nations, - the President said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev then highlighted the important role of preventive diplomacy in averting conflicts.

- This issue has been discussed for many years, at least over the past three decades. However, these discussions have produced little beyond statements, declarations and so on. In my view, we need to focus on measures aimed at anticipating regional and global conflicts - this is what preventive diplomacy is about. At the same time, we must join efforts to support effective multilateral diplomacy, - the Head of State concluded.

During the discussion, President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova supported the call by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to place greater emphasis on preventive diplomacy in the work of the United Nations.

- Let me once again emphasise that both the United Nations and the European Union were created as peace projects. In a certain sense, both have proved ineffective in the face of war. Why? Because there was no preventive diplomacy. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev referred to both preventive and proactive diplomacy. This is exactly what is missing - a rational model of political decision-making, - stated the President of North Macedonia.

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze also took part in the panel discussion.