President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov at the UN General Assembly. President of Kyrgyzstan: money spent on wars and destruction should be spent on creation UN
Leading powers are directing huge amounts of money to the creation and development of armed forces, increasing arsenals and developing new, more destructive types of weapons. This is happening in a world where many states and peoples still do not have access to basic services – water, medical care, education. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov made this statement at the general debate of the UN General Assembly.
Record military spending
He cited data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, according to which global military spending in 2023 increased by 6.8 percent and reached a record $2.5 trillion, or 2.3 percent of global GDP.
At the same time, wars and armed conflicts only exacerbate poverty and inequality, Japarov noted.
“We need to ensure that the money that goes to wars, destruction, death could go toward creation or solving global challenges for all of humanity, to help countries in their fight against climate change, to prevent mass displacement and global migration,” he said. President.
Lack of progress in supporting poor countries
Zhaparov noted that economic inequality between countries continues to grow.
“World leaders have been talking about the need to eradicate poverty for decades, but each time they lack the will to do so. Countries in Africa, South Asia and Latin America continue to face chronic underfunding and a lack of support from the international community,” he said.
The President added that countries “at the very bottom of the economic pyramid” need investment in healthcare, education, infrastructure and the fight against change climate.
Cooperation between rich and poor countries
“The world faces an important choice. We can continue to build up weapons, pursuing security through military forces, or we can choose the path of sustainable development aimed at eliminating poverty and supporting those who are most vulnerable,” Japarov said.
He called on developed countries to increase the volume of financial assistance to poor countries, to direct it to infrastructure projects and social development, and to transfer the necessary technologies to vulnerable countries so that they can independently develop their economies and reduce their dependence on external aid.
Poor countries, the president noted, in turn, should more actively participate in international initiatives on sustainable development and commit to the efficient use of the resources provided.
Climate change
One of the most dangerous challenges threatening the planet is climate change, Japarov recalled.
“Kyrgyzstan faces a triple challenge – the need to invest in development, reduce poverty and adapt to climate change in order to achieve carbon neutrality,” the president said.
“Each of these areas requires special funding, especially in the context of ensuring climate resilience for our country and vulnerable communities. And we are determined to achieve success, acting together with our partners,” he added.
The Kyrgyz Republic pays special attention to climate issues in the implementation of its national policy and plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the president said.
“More than 95 percent of our energy is produced mainly by hydroelectric power plants, which are the main driver on the path to achieving the goal of zero emissions,” he said.
He noted that Kyrgyzstan has begun the construction of the innovative city “Asman” on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, and next year plans to begin the creation of a “green city” in Kemin.
Japarov also said that Kyrgyzstan supports the position of the General UN Secretary General on the need to reform the international financial architecture and reduce the debt burden for developing countries, which will allow them to effectively combat climate change.