As the curtain fell on the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, world leaders departed with a mix of optimism, caution, and a few lighthearted anecdotes. The week, known as “high-level week,” brought together presidents, prime ministers, and diplomats from across the globe, each eager to address the most pressing challenges of our era and to leave their mark on the international stage. But amid the formalities, the Assembly’s proceedings reflected both the gravity of global crises and the very human quirks of those who lead the world.
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev opened his address on September 23, 2025, by congratulating the Assembly on its 80th anniversary—a milestone that, in his words, comes at a time of “complex, rapidly changing global situation that calls for new approaches to the work of our Organization and its future.” According to WPLG Local10.com and official transcripts, Mirziyoyev acknowledged the weakening role of international institutions, the intensification of conflicts and wars, and the deepening of economic and humanitarian crises. He urged the United Nations to adapt, praising Secretary-General António Guterres for his efforts to “maintain our Organization as the main platform for the peaceful resolution of the most difficult and pressing global issues.”
Mirziyoyev threw his support behind the UN80 Initiative and the Pact for the Future, calling for reform and expansion of the United Nations Security Council to better address contemporary threats and the interests of developing nations. “We support the transformation of the United Nations Security Council and the expansion of its membership in order to effectively address current threats and challenges, and protect the interests of the developing countries,” he stated, echoing the calls of many nations seeking a greater voice in international affairs.
The president’s speech was also a showcase for Uzbekistan’s domestic achievements and ambitions. He cited a dramatic reduction in poverty—from 35 percent to 6.6 percent—thanks to reforms in education, science, industry, green energy, and infrastructure. “Preschool education coverage has increased from 27 to 78 percent, while the higher education uptake among our youth has risen from 9 to 42 percent,” Mirziyoyev noted. He underscored the importance of the teaching profession and proposed hosting a World Summit on Professional Education in Uzbekistan. Health was another priority, with an invitation to a high-level event on childhood cancer and other serious diseases at the United Nations headquarters.
Gender equality featured prominently in Mirziyoyev’s agenda. He advocated for the Asian Women’s Forum to become a permanent platform, aiming to “further strengthen the role of women in the social, political, and business life of our country.” Uzbekistan’s broader goal, he said, is to join the ranks of upper-middle-income countries by 2030, continuing what he called an “open and pragmatic policy.”
Turning to regional matters, Mirziyoyev declared that Central Asia had “achieved this strategic goal” of becoming a region of peace and partnership. He cited a fivefold increase in mutual trade, investments, and transportation, and celebrated the effectiveness of Consultative Meetings of Heads of State. He proposed a series of initiatives: an international forum on Central Asian economic development, a regional green technology hub in collaboration with UNIDO, and new programs on water use and green spaces. He also called for a UN General Assembly resolution supporting Central Asian regional partnership and economic integration.
On the international front, Mirziyoyev addressed several flashpoints. He called for the international community to support Afghanistan’s peaceful development and proposed a UN resolution to facilitate transport and energy corridors through the country. Regarding the Middle East, he urged “an immediate cessation of hostilities” in Gaza and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s support for the two-state solution, stating, “We remain steadfast supporters of the ‘two state solution’ principle.” On Ukraine, he welcomed the beginnings of high-level dialogue aimed at a diplomatic resolution.
Security and counterterrorism were also on the agenda. Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, has established a Regional Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration and proposed transforming it into an International Competence Center. Mirziyoyev announced readiness to host a regional Office of Counter-Terrorism in Uzbekistan, reinforcing the country’s commitment to global security.
Climate change and environmental restoration received significant attention. Mirziyoyev pointed to the ongoing efforts to restore the Aral Sea ecosystem, where salt-tolerant desert plants have been planted on 2 million hectares of the dried seabed, with an ambitious target of 80 percent green cover by 2030. He highlighted the global water crisis, noting that over two billion people lack access to clean drinking water, and proposed a World Forum on Water Saving in Uzbekistan. He also called for a Global Pact to address climate migration, an issue he described as lacking clear international mechanisms and legal frameworks.
Technology and digital equity featured in his vision for the future. Mirziyoyev proposed creating an International Cooperation Mechanism for the free exchange of artificial intelligence solutions in healthcare, education, and culture. He stressed the importance of preventing inequalities in digital development, warning of the risks posed by the uneven adoption of advanced technologies.
Finally, the Uzbek president emphasized the role of youth and cultural heritage. He proposed establishing the World Youth Movement for Peace, headquartered in Uzbekistan, and announced the upcoming opening of a Center of Islamic Civilization. This center, he said, would promote the region’s rich spiritual and scientific heritage, including the works of thinkers like Imam Bukhari and Imam Termizi.
While Mirziyoyev’s address was measured and forward-looking, the Assembly also featured more colorful moments. According to WPLG Local10.com, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a nearly hour-long speech on September 27, 2025, improvising the first half after a teleprompter failure. Joking about the mishap—“I can only say that whoever’s operating this teleprompter is in big trouble”—Trump drew laughter from the audience. The White House later called both the teleprompter and an escalator malfunction “sabotage,” demanding an investigation. Trump’s speech, however, quickly turned serious, as he criticized the UN, called for a halt to illegal immigration, and dismissed climate change as the “greatest con job.”
The Assembly also saw French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia lead an initiative to recognize Palestine as a state, with more than 140 UN members supporting Palestine’s right to statehood. Macron urged, “We must do everything within our power to preserve the very possibility of a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.” The move drew sharp criticism from the U.S. and Israel, who argued it would embolden Hamas.
The week was not without lighter moments or drama. Macron was famously stuck in his motorcade, blocked by Trump’s entourage, leading to a playful exchange with New York police. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the Assembly for the first time in 60 years, declaring Syria’s transformation and renewed cooperation with the UN. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced walkouts over the Gaza war but remained defiant, promising not to stop until Hamas was defeated and addressing hostages directly: “We have not forgotten you, not even for a second.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a stark warning about the dangers of new weapons, including artificial intelligence and drones, saying, “We are living in the most destructive arms race in history.” Secretary-General Guterres echoed these concerns, calling for a ban on autonomous weapons systems.
As the 80th UN General Assembly drew to a close, the world’s leaders left New York with plenty to ponder—reminders of the challenges ahead, the power of diplomacy, and the enduring quirks of global politics.
