United Nations and Kyrgyzstan Mark 80 Years of the United Nations – “Better Together for Peace, Development and Human Rights”

The celebration brought together the many national and international partners of the United Nations system, including senior government officials, parliamentarians, civil society, youth, media, international partners and UN staff, to reaffirm the shared commitment of Kyrgyzstan and the United Nations to the principles of peace, sustainable development, and human rights.

In her opening remarks, UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic, Antje Grawe, highlighted the continued importance of dialogue and partnership in addressing global and local challenges: “Just like tonight’s komuz orchestra with its 80 players, the United Nations brings together many distinct voices, each with its own tone and rhythm, yet capable of creating harmony when they play together toward a common purpose. That, at its heart, is what the United Nations — and what multilateralism — are about: unity in diversity and strength through cooperation.”

The event featured statements by H.E. Jeenbek Kulubaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. In his remarks, the Minister emphasized that the history of Kyrgyz diplomacy closely intertwines with the history of the United Nations, united by a common purpose — to serve peace, development, and international cooperation. “Last year, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of our diplomatic service, and the fact that it was founded on the same day as the United Nations is no mere coincidence. Together with the UN, Kyrgyzstan has come a long way — through contradictions and challenges, periods of formation and tension, sometimes along a broad and sometimes along a narrow path of development,” Jeenbek Kulubaev noted. 

Following the opening remarks, a panel discussion was held on the theme “The UN at 80: Partnership and Goals in a Changing World”, featuring representatives of civil society and the expert community. A “UN Village” exhibition showcased the work of the 27 UN agencies working in Kyrgyzstan across four thematic areas – Peace, Development, Human Rights, and Gender Equality – illustrating the joint efforts of the UN and its partners in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals across Kyrgyzstan. 

Background
UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter on 24 October 1945. For 80 years, the Charter has guided collective efforts to promote peace, sustainable development, and human rights for all. Kyrgyzstan became a member of the United Nations organization on 2 March 1992 and a permanent mission of the UN in Kyrgyzstan was opened in 1993.