Opening remarks by the UN RC in the Kyrgyz Republic Ms. Antje Grawe at the UN Day Concert in Bishkek, 24 October 2023

Honorable Members of the Jogorku Kenesh,

Ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps and development partners,

Dear representatives of civil society, the private sector, academia and media,

Dear UN family,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an immense pleasure to welcome you all together with my great UN team to this beautiful Opera and Ballet Theater of Bishkek to mark the 78th anniversary of the United Nations.

The United Nations were founded, in the aftermath of World War II, on the collective resolve of nations to restore and maintain international peace, promote cooperation, and address global challenges together. In the face of ongoing wars and conflicts in this region and beyond, ideological divisions and other global challenges such as rising inequalities and climate change, this collective resolve is needed today more than ever.

Today’s concert, performed by the remarkable young talents from the Music School named after Abdraev, has therefore been designed around the topics of peace, unity and shared values of respect, solidarity, empathy and compassion, all values and aspirations which are at the very heart of two of the founding documents of the United Nations: its Charter as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted 75 years ago.

Moreover, we will be able to enjoy the artistic interpretations of young Kyrgyz composers and musicians of these values and be inspired by the hope of the young generation for a better world that transcends some of the compositions.

Last but not least, it is an opportunity to cherish Kyrgyzstan’s 31 years long membership in the United Nations and the ever-growing partnership and cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the United Nations; and to thank the many partners from Government, Members of Parliament, civil society, the private sector, media, and academia, and many others, for their determination in shaping Kyrgyzstan’s contribution to the UN and making a difference in people’s lives. It is not by coincidence that UN Day falls together with Diplomatic Service Day in Kyrgyzstan: Congratulations to all diplomats who are Kyrgyzstan’s official face to the world on the many achievements, and a special thanks for the excellent cooperation!

The music will speak for itself, but allow me a few additional thoughts, starting with a quote from the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, who said today:

“The United Nations is a reflection of the world as it is – and an aspiration of the world we know it can be”. […] Above all, it is rooted in a spirit of determination to heal divisions, repair relations and build peace. To expand opportunities and leave no one behind. To ensure justice, equality and empowerment of women and girls. And to be flexible enough to address challenges that did not even exist when the UN was born – from the existential climate crisis to the perils and promise of artificial intelligence”.

Translating this message to where we are, I simply wish to reiterate that Kyrgyzstan can continue counting on the support of the UN family here with its 25 UN agencies, funds and programmes as the country works towards the achievement of its aspirations for the future, tapping into its many potentials whilst addressing challenges, with the aim of supporting Kyrgyzstan in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals anchored in the principles of Leaving No One Behind, human rights based approaches and  gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This includes support of President Japarov’s recommitment to the Sustainable Development Goals as pronounced by him at the SDG Summit that brought together global leaders from 193 Member States last month in New York and where he committed to accelerate poverty alleviation and reduction of socio-economic inequalities, including via investments in education for all and an inclusive ‘green economy’ including adaptation to climate change.  

It also includes supporting Kyrgyzstan in implementing its international commitments, among other in the spheres of human rights, including the rights of women and children, ethnic, linguistic and other minorities as well as persons with disabilities; climate change and biodiversity; labor and health, as well as refugees and migrants.

And of course, it includes supporting Kyrgyzstan in advancing its own international initiatives in the UN including the implementation of the Mountain Agenda and its Five Years Action Plan which was endorsed by the General Assembly last December, or its initiatives as a member of the Human Rights Council.  

As the SDGs and the collective promise to leave no one behind can only be realized through strong partnerships with and among the Government, civil society, private sector, academia, media and development partners, we will continue fostering such partnerships and work hand-in-hand with you all.

I have no doubt that in keeping with these initiatives and aspirations and on the basis of its rich experience, Kyrgyzstan will make valuable contributions to next year’s Summit for the Future, where world leaders will gather, upon the invitation by the UN Secretary-General, to tackle the world’s most urgent challenges and to renew their commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.

The Secretary-General has put on the table a set of ambitious proposals, to be agreed inter-governmentally, designed to restore peace, address global inequality and achieve the SDGs, improve the UN and global governance, prepare for the challenges to come, and ultimately restore trust at a time when the world feels ever more divided. They will make up a Pact for the Future. In the lead up to the Summit, governments and civil societies of all Member States including Kyrgyzstan will be invited to share their ideas for a better future. I look forward to these upcoming discussions of vital importance for peace and sustianebl development.

Let me conclude with the words of the Secretary-General: “It is our responsibility to help build a world of peace, sustainable development and human rights for all. […]. On this UN Day, let us commit with hope and determination to build the better world of our aspirations.”

In this spirit, I wish us all to get inspiration from the music that we are about to hear. Let each tone serve as a reminder of the importance of solidarity, tolerance, empathy and compassion, the very foundations of the Charter of the United Nations, of humanity and of a more peaceful, just and equitable world where everyone can enjoy full rights and freedoms and live their dreams.

Thank you. Chon Rahmat.