Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Meeting in the "SCO Plus" Format

Speech by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the meeting in the “SCO Plus” format

Dear Sodiq Nurgudzhaievich!

Distinguished heads of state and delegations!

I express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, esteemed Sodiq Nurgudzhaievich Japarov, for the initiative to organize today’s “SCO Plus” meeting.

Today we are discussing the role of the United Nations in shaping a just world order.

Against the backdrop of the changes taking place in the world, it is important to determine how states and regional organizations can help global institutions more effectively fulfill their universal mission.

The United Nations must retain its central and coordinating role, and regional structures must complement its efforts.

First of all, by facilitating the implementation of common principles and decisions in practice, taking into account local conditions, needs and opportunities.

We consider this harmony to be the basis of sustainable multilateral cooperation.

The new world order should not only reflect the global balance of power in the system of international relations, but also contribute to a fair solution to regional problems.

In this regard, the “SCO Plus” format, in addition to the expanded meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, is of particular importance.

This platform is able to unite states, regions and organizations around a common agenda.

It can and should serve as a forum for dialogue on coordinating various initiatives and shaping the architecture of global governance.

Dear participants of the meeting!

Uzbekistan is committed to developing open and mutually beneficial cooperation in the Eurasian space.

For us, interdependence is a matter of strategic autonomy and stability.

We advocate a form of multipolarity that does not create new dividing lines, but rather expands the space of opportunities, where regional projects and initiatives do not compete with each other, but effectively complement each other.

Distinguished heads of delegations!

I would like to put forward a number of proposals.

First of all, I believe it is important to develop the “SCO Plus” format as a platform for interregional dialogue.

I propose to focus on specific areas such as sustainable growth, the introduction of advanced technologies, climate adaptation, human capital development, affordable education and support for youth.

We need to expand the exchange of experiences, coordinate our approaches and jointly promote solutions within the framework of the United Nations.

The “SCO Plus” format can serve as a platform for creating a cooperation network of regional organizations.

The main task is to establish regular working contacts between their secretariats and relevant bodies for joint implementation of projects in our macro-region.

At the same time, we need to more actively use the potential of regional organizations to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Many countries face similar problems. However, solutions that have been successfully implemented in one region often remain unknown in another.

As a mechanism for sharing experience, I propose the creation of an open bank of Interregional projects and technologies in the areas of natural resource management, green energy, digital services and healthcare.

Of particular importance is the expansion of broad economic cooperation in our macro-region.

Business everywhere should see tangible results in the form of simplified market access procedures, the launch of cross-border corridors and increased foreign direct investment flows.

Focusing on such clear indicators of effectiveness, I propose to make the SCO Invest forum a permanent platform.

Dear colleagues!

Over the past quarter century, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has accumulated unique experience in cooperation between countries with different political systems, cultural traditions and views on international processes.

To further develop this broad exchange, I propose to establish a permanent SCO Plus Forum of Cultures and Civilizations.

We are ready to hold this event in Khiva, one of the ancient centers of science and enlightenment, together with interested structures of the United Nations.

Dear friends!

Let me emphasize once again that we consider the SCO Plus format to be a platform that meets the requirements of our time. The more points of convergence there are between countries and regions, the stronger the foundation for stability and mutual trust.

Uzbekistan is ready to continue to make a significant practical contribution to strengthening our common prosperity and developing multilateral partnerships.